Matthew Kutnikoff and Victor Thunderchild's grandson Mason after the ceremonial first pitch. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

Host to the nation

Victor Thunderchild honoured as U15 Fast Pitch Nationals begin in P.A.

Aug 9, 2023 | 9:12 PM

The legacy of a former Prince Albert teacher and softball legend was recognized as Prince Albert opened the 2023 U15 Boys National Fast Pitch Championships.

The Opening Ceremonies for the tournament were held at the Rotary Ball Diamond at Prime Ministers Park on Wednesday night.

Earlier in the day, the P.A. Astros played their first two games of the round-robin, winning the first 9-5 over the Tara Longhorns and dropping the second in a nail-biter 2-1 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Selects.

The Astros first baseman dives to grab a ball in the fourth inning of their first game on Aug. 9. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

The team was able to put that loss behind them as they marched into the diamond along with the other participating teams. The teams and officials walked in as a drum group from Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation performed.

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The festivities included remarks from the host committee, MLA Joe Hargrave, and Mayor Greg Dionne who reminded fans that Prince Albert will soon play host to World Cup qualifiers and the Men’s Softball World Cup in 2025.

Elder Liz Settee offered a prayer before Steve Climenhaga, the commissioner of the Prince Albert Minor Softball Association spoke.

In his speech, Climenhaga remembered the late Victor Thunderchild, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020.

After the ceremonies, Climenhaga said that losing Thunderchild was like losing a huge piece of the city.

“His contributions are all based around inclusivity. He thought sport was a great way to bring cultures together and bring a sense of pride among that,” he said. “The passion, the dedication to his teammates was always forefront.”

The ceremonies wrapped up as Thunderchild’s grandson Mason threw the ceremonial opening pitch to Matthew Kutnikoff, who played for Team Canada at the U23 Men’s Softball World Cup in Argentina.

When asked what it means to host a tournament of this calibre in Prince Albert, Climenhaga said it means a lot.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity for our fans, our communities, and our up-and-coming ball players to see ball at this level.”

The P.A. Astros continue their run at the U15 Championships on Thursday with two games. The first is at 2 p.m. against the Wilmot Thunder and the second at 6:30 p.m. against the Ochapowace Loud Voice.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow