Team Canada with their supporters at the U23 Men's Softball World Cup in Parana, Argentina. (Submitted photo/Joanne Kutnikoff)

By Logan Lehmann

U23 Men's Softball World Cup

‘We are so proud’: Parents of local softball player travel across the globe to watch son play on World Stage

Apr 20, 2023 | 3:15 PM

Over 10,000 kilometres separate Prince Albert from Parana, Argentina, but that didn’t stop a family from making the 14-hour trek to support a local athlete representing Team Canada at the U23 Men’s Softball World Cup.

Earlier this year, Softball Canada announced the roster they would send to Argentina for the tournament where P.A.’s own Matthew Kutnikoff was selected to play in the games. His parents, Joanne and Scot, made the long trip down south to watch their son play where Joanne said the travel was lengthy but it was worth it in the end.

“We left Saskatoon on Wednesday the 12th to Toronto and then flew overnight with a quick touchdown in Sao Paulo Brazil and arrived in Buenos Aires at about 430 Argentina time on Thursday,” she explained. “On Friday, we had a one-hour flight to Parana and arrived shortly after noon. Was a couple of long days but everything went smoothly. There is very little English here, but the people here are very friendly and have been great to deal with.”

They weren’t the only families to make the trek to support the team either, as over 30 other family and friends were repping the red and white during games. According to Joanne, Canada has the best fan support of any visiting country at the World Cup.

Matthew Kutnikoff (bottom row, far right) is not only representing Team Canada at the games, but also his hometown of Prince Albert. (Twitter/Softball Canada)

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“We had 33 family members come down to support the boys,” she said. “We play Argentina tonight but we have been leaving some evenings when their game is starting and it is busy! There are drums and tambourines, (Argentina is) very passionate about their softball. I have seen a few from New Zealand but not as many as the Canadians. The Canadian team is one of the favorites among the young fans.”

Along with Matthew, three other players and coach are also from Saskatchewan with the rest hailing from Eastern Canada. With all the new faces, Joanne said it’s been nice to meet everyone and create relationships with them and that it doesn’t matter where you’re from because everyone is there to do the same thing.

“We knew two of the other three families from SK but all the SK fans are having a great time,” she said. “Other families have known each other from past championships but we have never felt like we don’t belong. There are two families from Newfoundland and the rest from Ontario so it is great getting to know them. Once you are here you are just Team Canada.”

She added that she couldn’t be more proud to see her son don his country’s colours on the biggest stage in the world.

“We are so proud of Matthew and this huge accomplishment. He had been short-listed a couple of times in previous years and to make this team was the best news ever. The first time they were introducing the players out on the field, I was more emotional than I thought I would be. He has been starting the games on first base so to see him play is amazing! He is very much enjoying the experience as well, I think this team has really bonded and are enjoying the experience together.”

So far in the tournament, Canada finished the opening round at 3-2 which helped them qualify for the super round where they will kick things off tonight against the host Argentina at 8:30 p.m. local time, or 5:30 p.m. in Saskatchewan.

A full schedule can be found here.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann