Softball Canada announced the 16 athletes who will represent world No. 2 Canada at the maiden WBSC U-23 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup, set to take place from 15-23 April in Parana, Argentina. Canada was awarded a wild card spot in December to participate in the tournament.
The players selected by the U23 Canadian Men’s National Team coaching staff are:
- Thomas Baker
- Tyler Branchaud
- Connor Brooks
- Jordan Hudson
- Dallas Kipfer
- Matthew Kutnikoff
- Isaac Lefebvre
- Riley Manion
- Mason McKay
- Mitch McKay
- Jordan Pomeroy
- James Shirley
- Mark Stack
- Owen Torrie
- Brant Wiebe
- Reese Yantzi
Some players in the list have previous World Cup experience. Five of these players are veterans of the U-19 Canadian team that finished fourth in the World Cup 2018 in Prince Albert, Canada: Kipfer, Lefebvre, Manion, Pomeroy and Torrie (pictured above). Manion finished the tournament with a 1.65 ERA, the third best in the tournament.
In addition, left-handed pitcher Yantzi led the staff during the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Branchaud, Brooks and Mason McKay were also part of the Canadian team.
