Sylvan Lake Gulls set sights on WCBL title after 2025 heartbreak

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“I think that’s probably a huge reason why we had a lot of guys who wanted to return and take that next step and try to bring a championship back for Sylvan Lake. Some of the new guys we got, we really feel are going to help us compete for the title.”

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Chatwood explained on Tuesday before an exhibition game against the Red Deer Riggers that about half the team is made up of returners, whether they played last summer or in 2024. In addition, about 50 per cent of the roster is also Canadian.

He said it’s probably the most returnees they’ve had to start the season in their six-year existence. They’re also in discussions with some players to potentially join the team later on.

“It’s exciting that these players want to come back. It shows that, as an organization, we’re doing things right,” Chatwood said.

“We have a bit of an older lineup this year than we’ve had in the past, so we have some guys with a lot of college experience that I think in this environment is going to help us down the road. We have some seniors that are playing for an opportunity, hopefully to get a professional contract.”

Among some of the notable returners is catcher Gavin Galenza, who’s also from Red Deer, as well as outfielder Michael Quick, infielder Ramces Guerrero, pitcher Matthew MacKenzie, and outfielder Cooper Ciesielski, who was named the league MVP in 2024.

In addition, pitcher Kai Rempel is going to serve in many different roles on the mound, among many others.

In terms of new faces, Chatwood is excited about three players who will join the team later on from Southeastern University in Florida.

The trio, who are currently playing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Association World Series, will be immediate impact-type players, according to Chatwood. This includes outfielder Charlie Collins, shortstop Nathaniel Hopkins, and Cooper Ciesielski.

Utility player Johnboy Rittenhouse from the University of Cumberlands is expected to bring a lot of power to the batter’s box as well.

“We are really excited about where we’re at, and the guys are excited to be here, so it’s just a matter of getting them comfortable and starting to gel as a team.”

The Gulls will kick off their season this Thursday, May 28, against the Okotoks Dawgs at Gulls Stadium at 7:05 p.m., followed by a rematch in Okotoks on Friday night.

The Brooks Bombers will then visit Sylvan Lake on Saturday and Sunday at 7:05 p.m. and 2:05 p.m.

Catcher Gavin Galenza said he’s looking forward to playing in front of the fanbase once again and hopes to play for a championship.

“We got so close last year and didn’t finish it off, but hopefully this year we can change that and go get that first one in Gulls history,” Galenza explained.

“Fuel is a good word for that. It’s definitely something we can use to push ourselves harder this year. We know what it takes to get there… Everyone’s got that compete mentality, and I think learning from last year gives us a good shot this year.”

Galenza has taken on the responsibility of a leadership role as a veteran in the club. He said it’s important for the young players to embrace the fanbase.

“This is a one-of-a-kind place to play at, especially in the summertime, and just giving everyone that experience and showing them how everything goes is important,” Galenza said.

“So far, from what I’ve seen, we’ve got a good group of guys… It’s going to be a fun summer.”

In terms of stadium upgrades, Gulls president Aqil Samuel said in the offseason, they took a break from adding anything new.

However, they hope to make an announcement in the coming months about stadium upgrades planned for the 2027 campaign.

“This year was more about we needed to take a break and just go with what we got. We’ve done a few little tweaks on the patio, and we’re going to have some high-top tables instead of picnic tables,” Samuel said. “Nothing as major as what we’re planning, so we’ll have some good news in the next few months.”