CANORA - The Canora Supers are the four-time defending Southeast Senior Baseball League (SESBL) champions, and look to make it five in a row in the upcoming 2024 season. The roster will look similar to previous seasons with a couple of additions and subtractions, according to Greg Andreychuk, player/manager.
Joining from the 18U ranks will be: Logan Wolkowski of Canora and Nathaniel Minhinnick of Invermay. Other additions will be Bo Babiuk of Sturgis and Jordan Auger of Russell, Man.
Players departing the Supers are Chet Bornhorst of St. Gregor and Jeff Stewart of Yorkton.
Majority of championship lineup returns
Here are your 2024 Canora Supers:
Kody Rock of Canora: “Ace pitcher? Yes. Great defence? Yes. Can he hit for power and average? Yes. Is there anything this guy can’t do? No.”
Kholton Shewchuk of Rama: “This will be his seventh season as a Super. He will continue to bat in the middle of the order and drive in plenty of runs, while pitching and playing anywhere in the infield.
Travis Mentanko of Canora: “At age 43, still one of the top power hitters in the league and a steady first baseman. With one swing of the bat he can still flip the script on any ball game.”
Ian Quewezance of Kamsack: “He brings a big-time bat and elite fielding in the infield. A proven winner.”
Evan Rostotski of Norquay: “Steady as she goes in the outfield, and a solid bat.”
Clay Sleeva of Canora: “The 2024 SJHL champion with the Melfort Mustangs looks to set the table at the top of the order and cover a lot of ground in centre field.”
Brendon Landstad of Canora: “Can play infield and outfield, and was the Supers most improved batter in 2023.”
Grady Wolkowski of Canora: “Smacked two home runs in 2023 and settled into the outfield. Came up big in the league championship-clinching final game of 2023.”
Logan Wolkowski of Canora: “In his first full season he will be looked upon to play infield, outfield and throw a few innings on the hill. He is also coaching with the 15U Canora Reds.”
Nathaniel Minhinnick of Invermay: “It will be his first full season as a Super. He possesses a strong arm, great speed, and a good bat. He brings versatility to the defence.”
Sean Kolodziejski of Hyas: “After a back injury sidelined him for all of 2023, Sean hopes to return at some point in 2024 to continue as the starting catcher and hit well.”
Derek Palagian of Hudson Bay: “This will be year 20 as a Super, and he will continue to play left field and pitch on occasion. He was the winning pitcher in the clinching game of the 2023 final.”
Darcy Blommaert of Yorkton: “A Super since 1999. He still enjoys putting on the jersey and helping out the team any way he can.”
Shea Peterson of Sturgis: “Made plenty of strides in 2023 with the bat, but his defence at second base in the playoffs stood out. He will also be looked upon to pitch.”
Jordan Auger of Russell, Man.: “The Langenburg Legends are taking a one-year leave, but Jordan has the itch to continue playing. He has a powerful bat and can play first base or outfield.”
Bo Babiuk of Sturgis: “Bo has been away from baseball for a few years, but is eager to join the team and put in the time to improve. He is a good athlete and with hard work and repetition should transition into a solid baseball player.”
Dylan Toffan of Canora: “Work commitments always limit his availability. But he is always eager to get in the lineup at third, short, or pitcher. His bat is always explosive, and it is always a bonus when Dyl-Toff is around.”
18U call-ups: “Porter Wolkowski, Nate Wolos and Hunter Lamb each suited up a few times for the Supers last season. They will each play with the 18U Canora Reds, but may see more time with the big club. Ty Sleeva plays for the Parkland Expos AAA 18U team, and may make a few appearances with the Supers as well. There are plenty of other potential call-ups from around the area.”
Greg Andreychuk of Yorkton: “Also a member of the Supers since 1999, Greg will mostly manage/coach, but will be the ninth player if necessary.”
In his other capacity as league president, Andreychuk indicated, “The SESBL is unfortunately down to four teams as the Langenburg Legends have taken a one-year leave of absence. However the Saltcoats Lakers have been resurrected after a 17-year hiatus.”
Look of the season
The Supers, Saltcoats Lakers, Yorkton Marlins and Parkland Pirates (Yorkton/Melville) will battle it out in a 12-game regular season. Playoffs will start on July 8 with two best of three series. The opening round winners will play for the league title starting approximately July 15 in a best-of-five showdown.
Andreychuk said the Yorkton Marlins will be the league executive in 2025.
“For the league to continue into the future, there will need to be a few communities resurrect their teams. For this to happen a strong minor baseball program is essential, while incorporating the local youth into the senior program. The Supers have done this well, and will continue to do so,” concluded Andreychuk.
The 2024 season begins for Canora on Thursday, May 16 in Yorkton vs the Parkland Pirates.
The home portion of the schedule is set to get underway on May 27, when those same Pirates pay a visit to Al Sapieha Field to battle the Supers.
