Canadian Men's Softball Team Nominated For TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games

Thursday, June 11, 2015 — TORONTO — The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Softball Canada are pleased to announce the 15 Men’s National Softball Team athletes who have been selected to represent Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games from July 10 to 26 in Ajax, Ontario. The final roster was determined following a selection camp held in Kitchener, Ontario May 28-31.

The TORONTO 2015 Games will mark the return of men’s softball to the Pan Am Games program, last appearing in 2003. The Canadian Men’s National Team dominated the event from 1979 to 2003, winning all seven gold medals over that period. The Canadian Men’s National Team will compete at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Men’s World Softball Championship from June 26 to July 5 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan prior to travelling to Ajax for the Pan American Games.

Download Team Headshots

The Canadian roster features a solid mix of long-time veterans and more recent additions who have joined the team since 2012. Softball Canada previously announced a list of seven core players named to the roster in December of 2014, consisting of Sean Cleary (Harbour Main, NL), Jeff Ellsworth (Mill River, PE), Brandon Horn (Waterloo, ON), Paul Koert (Stouffville, ON), Derek Mayson (North Vancouver, BC), Steve Mullaley (Freshwater, NL) and Mathieu Roy (St-Gervais, QC).

The men’s softball competition will take place at the President’s Choice Ajax Pan Am Ballpark.

Canada will field the largest team in its Pan American Games history with over 700 athletes expected to be named to the Team at the Games in Toronto. With TORONTO 2015 providing a “Home Games” experience, as well as a number of qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, these Games will offer a tremendous experience for Canada’s high performance athletes.

QUOTES

“I am very proud of the athletes named to the men’s softball team today. Congratulations to each member who made the team – your hard work and determination has paid off and you deserve the great honour of representing your country on home soil. Canada is ready to cheer for you.”

Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

 

“The Canadian men’s Pan Am softball program has had so much success in the past, and for that reason I am confident that this team will deliver at home. Congratulations to the 15 athletes nominated to the team today, I cannot wait for our fellow Canadians to cheer you on.”

Curt Harnett, TORONTO 2015 Team Canada Chef de Mission

 

“It is a once in a career opportunity to participate in the Pan American Games on home soil. We have been excited and preparing for this since it was announced that Toronto would be hosting this major multi-sport event.”

John Stuart, Head Coach, Canadian Men’s National Softball Team

 

“I am extremely proud to be able to represent Canada at the upcoming Pan American Games in Toronto. There is no greater feeling than throwing on the Canada jersey and looking down at the front of it and seeing the maple leaf on your chest. Playing at the international level is great but playing and battling for your country on home soil is a special feeling. Great memories will be made in July.”

Jeff Ellsworth, Canadian Men’s National Softball Team

 

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the athletes named today to the Canadian Men’s Pan Am Softball team. I know you will enjoy the experience of competing at a home Games during the Year of Sport in Canada, and I wish you good luck as you enter the final stages of your preparation.”

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

The athletes who will represent Canada at TORONTO 2015 as members of the 2015 Men’s National Softball Team are:

Athletes:

Coaches: 

Prior to being named to the final Canadian Pan American Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Federations towards the end of June 2015.