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NorthPaws fight off a late Riverdog rally to secure Exhibition victory

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The Kamloops NorthPaws defeated the Kamloops Riverdogs 18U squad 4-3 in a game that came down to the wire. The NorthPaws scored four runs in the first three innings before the bats went silent. The Riverdogs, however, scored their three runs in the eighth and ninth innings.

The Paws got their offence from Many Recchi, Austin Coyle and a solo home run in the bottom of the first from former Riverdog Matthew MacDonald. The Kamloops native got the start behind the plate and went two for two with a base hit in his second and final at-bat of his night, earning him player of the game honours.

The Riverdogs threatened several times in the later stages of the game, including loading the bases with one out in the fifth inning and coming up empty-handed. They later faced the same situation in the eighth but only mustered one run.

The ninth inning saw the Riverdogs put up a pair of runs off RBI doubles and had runners at second and third with two outs. Reid Williamson hit a ball to the warning track in left field that was caught on the run by Recchi to end the game and secure the win for the NorthPaws.

Paws Head Coach Reily Jepson is also a former Riverdog and got his first taste of coaching against his old youth program.

“It’s different coaching against them; they had me on my toes for sure,” said Jepson.

For many of the players in the Northpaw lineup, this was their first game action in a couple of weeks, providing an excellent opportunity to get game experience before the regular season begins.

“Tonight was all about shaking off the rust for guys who haven’t played in a while and getting their feet under them – This was also the first time they were playing under us as a coaching staff, so they’re all a little nervous, so it’s just to get warm and get ready for the weekend,” said Jepson.

With both teams being local, the fans showed up and cheered on their beloved squads throughout the night.

“It was great to see people in the seats even though there may have been more RiverDogs fans, but it’s great to get the community involved,” Said Jepson.

The NorthPaws will hit the road for six games starting Friday in Port Angeles for a three-game series before heading back south of the border for three more to play the Belling Bells beginning Tuesday. The NorthPaws will be back at Norbrock Stadium for the home opener on Friday, June 6, where they take on their Interior rival, the Kelowna Falcons. The first pitch is set for 6:05; we hope to see you there!

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – USC Infielder, Local Catcher Headline Last Signed HarbourCats for 2026

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Carter Eberhard (Cal Baptist) (above) made a splash in the Alaska League last summer (photo courtesy of  CBU Lancers)

VICTORIA, B.C. — It’s hard to believe, but Hayden Woodson is about to become the first USC Trojan in Victoria HarbourCats history, with the team now into its 12th season in the West Coast League.

Woodson, a shortstop by trade who is athletic enough to play all over the diamond, saw little playing time at powerhouse USC as a freshman — but will get to break out as a HarbourCat in front of Victoria fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, site of the 2026 and 2027 WCL All-Star Game festivities.

Woodson is joined on the last list of announced players for the 2026 season by Victoria-raised catcher Lukas LeGras, who got a taste of the WCL last summer.

Head coach Todd Haney has signed the following players for 2026:

C Lukas LeGras, Westmont, R/R, 6-0/205, Victoria
IF/OF Hayden Woodson, USC, R/R, 5-11/182, Whittier, CA
SS Frankie Rutigliano, Portland, R/R, 6-0/160, Medford, OR
1B/3B Carter Eberhard, Cal Baptist, L/R, 6-2/180, Castro Valley, CA
OF Bryan Bradshaw, UC San Diego, L/L, 6-0/210, Pomona, CA
SS Jax Heid, Southeastern Oklahoma State, R/R, 6-0/185, Boyd, TX

LeGras graduated from the Victoria Eagles PBL program and moved to Westmont University in California this past season, playing in ten games as freshman in an NCAA Div II conference. The Lambrick grad saw action in two WCL games for the HarbourCats last summer.

Rutigliano is a sophomore who does strong infield work with his glove and arm, and used his speed to swipe 19 bags for the Medford Rogues in the summer of 2025.

Eberhard, a lefty hitter finishing his sophomore year, hit .345 in the famed Alaska League in the summer of 2025, and has five home runs for CBU this spring in 37 games, including 19 starts.

Bradshaw, a lefty-hitting junior, broke out as a college hitter batting .404 with seven home runs and 13 stolen bases while at Mt. Sac in junior college.

Heid saw plenty of playing time as a freshman, batting .258 with a couple of home runs, while drawing 31 walks over 49 games and striking out just 20 times.

The HarbourCats begin their 2026 season on May 29th with a visit to Portland and then return to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

 

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Canadian Club Named Presenting Sponsor of 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game in Victoria

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VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats are proud to announce that Canadian Club has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game, marking a major milestone in a new long-term partnership with Suntory Global Spirits. The All-Star Game sponsorship forms part of a long-term agreement between the HarbourCats and Suntory, bringing Canadian Club, one of the world’s most admired whisky brands to the forefront of one of summer baseball’s premier events.

As Presenting Sponsor, Canadian Club will play a central role in shaping the fan experience at the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game, set to take place at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park July 15th, 2026, preceded by the Home Run Derby July 14th, 2026.

Beyond the All-Star Game festivities, fans can expect to see Suntory Global Spirits brands integrated throughout the ballpark this season with a series of elevated and immersive activations, including:

• Top Deck Lounge by Sipsmith Gin – a refreshed, unique double-decker British bus
experience offering premium views and a vibrant social atmosphere.
• Canadian Club House – a newly themed hospitality space along the third base line
designed for groups and premium experiences.
• Additional in-game and on-site activations designed to enhance the overall fan
experience throughout the 2026 season.

Fans, groups, and organizers are encouraged to visit harbourcats.com/groups to find availability and booking information for all premium spaces as the Home Opener draws closer.

“Partnering with Canadian Club as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game is a tremendous step forward for our organization,” said Jim Swanson, Managing Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats. “This long-term agreement with Suntory Global Spirits allows us to elevate not only the All-Star Game, but the entire fan experience at the ballpark.”

“As long-time community supporters, we’re excited to continue our work and expand
our visible presence in Victoria and be part of such a marquee event,” said Karissa Dahl
of Suntory Global Spirits. “Canadian Club has a long history of bringing people together, and the HarbourCats provide the perfect platform to connect with fans in a fun and meaningful way.”

The 2026 West Coast League All-Star Game will bring together the league’s top talent for a celebration of collegiate summer baseball, with Canadian Club at the centre of the festivities.

Details on All-Star Game programming, events, and ticketing will continue to be announced in the coming weeks leading up to the festival.

ABOUT THE VICTORIA HARBOURCATS
The Victoria HarbourCats are a premier summer collegiate baseball organization competing in the West Coast League, delivering high-quality baseball and entertainment to fans at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, British Columbia.

Media Contact:

Jim Swanson
(778) 265-0327
jim@harbourcats.com
www.harbourcats.com

ABOUT SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS
Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits with a mission of inspiring human connections. Their includes notable brands such as -196, Canadian Club, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Sipsmith Gin, Alberta Distillers, and other globally-recognized products. With an unwavering attention to detail and enduring respect for nature, Suntory crafts spirits of the highest quality and delivers brilliant experiences to people around the world.

Media Contact:

Karissa Dahl
(604) 340-1779
karissa.dahl@beamsuntory.com
www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

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Summer Collegiate

Victoria HarbourCats – Haney Adds Big-Time Arms to 2026 Roster Alongside Two More Hitters

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Jeremiah Arnett (Rice University) (above) brings a veteran presence to the HarbourCats pitching staff. (photo courtesy of Rice University Athletics)

VICTORIA, B.C. — Big name schools are all over the latest group of Victoria HarbourCats player signed by Todd Haney.

The recruiting network of the head coach has unearthed power arms from Rice, Arkansas State and UC-San Diego, along with an outfielder from Fresno State and another from Hill College,

“Todd works very hard at putting a winning product on the field for our fans,” said Christian Stewart, GM of the HarbourCats. “We know these guys will compete in our environment, and in a very good league like the West Coast League. These guys also have a shot at being added to the list of eight players to play for us and go on to the MLB level.”

Announced today:

RHP Tate Collins, Arkansas State, 6-3/215, Little Rock, AR
RHP Houston Tomlinson, Arkansas State, 6-0/200, Spring, TX
RHP Jeremiah Arnett, Rice, 6-4/215, Waco, TX
RHP Quincey Brown, UC San Diego, 6-2/175, Seattle, WA
OF/1B Dryden Fuoco, Hill College, L/L, 6-1/205, Vancouver, BC
OF Marcus Nolen, Fresno State, R/R, 6-3/220, Fresno, CA

Collins is a sophomore who was previously at Central Arkansas, and teammate his Tomlinson has started one game for Arkansas State as a redshirt freshman.

Arnett is a junior who will be expected to anchor the staff as a veteran pitcher. He’s 2-2 with a save over ten appearances, including six starts at Rice.

Brown, from Seattle, has made 14 appearances as a freshman and is striking out a batter per inning. He earned his first college win on Feb. 24 in a victory over rival University of San Diego.

Fuoco is from Vancouver and is having a strong junior college season — batting .307 with six home runs, 42 RBIs and four stolen bases in 53 games.

Nolen is a physical specimen who has nine home runs and 12 doubles through 47 games as a freshman, batting .246.

The HarbourCats begin their 2026 season on May 29th with a visit to Portland and then return to Victoria for the Home Opener against the Edmonton Riverhawks on Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 pm.

Season tickets, single-game tickets, 12 and 32-game flex packs and 2026 All-Star Game ticket packages are now on sale at http://harbourcats.com/tickets or at the HarbourCats office at 1814 Vancouver Street.

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