VIDEO: WCBL lays out return plans, Mavericks still undecided

The Lethbridge Bulls, Edmonton Prospects, Sylvan Lake Gulls and a pair of Okotoks Dawgs teams have committed to return for the upcoming season.

For the Mavericks and Fort McMurray Giants however, they are holding off on a decision for at last the next few weeks.

“Financially we know it’s going to be a tough go, just like it is for everybody else,” said Morrison. “Our model will give us a little more time to decide on whether it is viable.”

The Mavericks are in the process of applying for the provincial government’s Stabilize Program grant for financial assistance during the pandemic and won’t find out if they’ve been approved before the end of April.

“Financially we know it’s going to be a tough go, just like it is for everybody else,” said Morrison. “Our model will give us a little more time to decide on whether it is viable.”

Another major change to the season will come in the make up of the rosters, as the WCBL will only allow Canadian players to suit up this summer with the Canada-United States border still closed.

“We let our American guys know yesterday that they’re best to find a place and if things open up in July, you never know,” said Morrison. “But, as of now it’s an all-Canadian roster and we’ll do our best to fill out that roster with some great Canadian talent.”

Not all WCBL clubs will be back in 2021 however as the Swift Current 57’s, Regina Red Sox, Weyburn Beavers, Moose Jaw Miller Express and Brooks Bombers will wait for 2022 to make their return.

WCBL president Kevin Kvame told reporters on Thursday that while difficult, it was the prudent move for the Brooks and Saskatchewan-based clubs.

“I understand the disappointment that fans of the teams that won’t be participating this summer will feel,” said Kvame. “But, I hope they understand that this was done in the best interests we believe of the players that would have been participating on those teams, and also in the best interests of the longevity of the teams themselves.”

Kvame also confirmed the Yorkton Cardinals and Melville Millionaires have departed the WCBL and ceased operations, ending speculation since both took leaves of absence from the league in 2019.

If Medicine Hat chooses to join the 2021 campaign, they won’t be playing out of their home ballpark.

The Mavericks will have to re-locate to Jeffries Park due to ongoing upgrades to Athletic Park this summer, returning to the field they called home following the June 2013 flood.

While Morrison will have more than the 12 hours he had to pack up and move the Mavericks in 2013, it’s still a large logistical challenge for the club,

“The boys did pretty good up there winning 20 consecutive home games and going all the way to the finals that year,” said Morrison. “It’s a great ballpark, it’s a great surface up there, it’s great to play on. It’s just going to be can we make it work?”

The WCBL hasn’t finalized protocols surrounding testing and fan attendance yet, citing the restrictions currently in place and the changing nature of the pandemic.

Between the anticipated return to play and the news that not all teams would be able to come back, Kvame called the day ‘bittersweet’ but hopes better days are ahead for the collegiate league.

“We are somewhat optimistic that a partial season is going to give us some exposure and relevance throughout western Canada again through the WCBL,” said Kvame.

by Scott Roblin

VIDEO: WCBL lays out return plans, Mavericks still undecided

Our Community