(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

coaching promotion

Gulls name Matt Hape as new head coach

Dec 18, 2025 | 11:04 AM

The Sylvan Lake Gulls have found their new head coach.

On Thursday, the club announced that Matt Hape will take over the role from Jason Chatwood, who will remain with the organization as general manager and recommended Hape.

Hape has served as the team’s pitching coach for the last four years, and the two have worked closely together on and off the field.

“We have witnessed Matt grow as a coach in his time in Sylvan Lake and feel he is ready for the next step in our organization,” said Gulls President and COO Aqil Samuel in a media release. “His dedication to winning, recruiting, developing players, and being a part of this community makes him a perfect fit as the second-ever head coach of the Gulls.”

Hape has already begun preparing for next season, which is set to launch on Thursday, May 28, 2026, when the Gulls host the Okotoks Dawgs for the home opener.

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“Matt will continue to work with our pitching staff and oversee the on-field success of the Gulls in 2026,” Samuel added. “The Sylvan Lake Gulls look forward to the leadership and expertise required to achieve our on-field goal of winning a WCBL Championship. Stay tuned for announcements on our coaching staff for the upcoming season.”

The Gulls made it all the way to the Western Canadian Baseball League Championship series last August but fell to the Regina Red Sox in the best-of-three series.