The Edmonton Blackhawks are focused on two goals at the present time. The first is to emerge victorious from their semi-final series with the Primeaus; the second is to bring home the honour of having won the Western Canada Senior AA Championship. The Blackhawks have enjoyed much success in the NCABL over the past decade having claimed three consecutive pennants from 2014 – 16 and four League Championships in 2013, 2014, 2016, and again last season. The defending League Champions finished second behind the Sherwood Park Athletics this season and continue to present a threat to any opponent. Led by their Manager Randy Gregg, who was awarded the Bob Kootenay Manager of the Year on four occasions by his peers and wily veteran coach Duncan Knoll, the Blackhawks will take to the field in Stonewall, Manitoba, as a club team unlike many other clubs who will be competing as an aggregate of all-stars. The veteran squad will respond to the challenge as they have been groomed to do over their entire NCABL tenure. Former League MVP’s like Kyle Lawrence (2016), Regan Hoet (2015), and Ryan Gregg (2014) know the game and can lead when called upon by Manager Gregg. The supporting cast know their roles and contribute at critical times in a baseball game. The NCABL has not participated in the Western Canada Championship since 2006 and the League has not shown an active interest in Provincial play over the past decade.

The schedule at last posting will see the Blackhawks square off against the Manitoba Provincial Champions on Friday. On Saturday they will play the British Columbia Provincial Champions as well as the host club from Stonewall. On Sunday morning the Blackhawks will complete the round robin against the Saskatchewan Provincial Champions. The Championship final game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Blackhawks return to Alberta on Monday and may be playing in the third game of their best of three semi-final series against the Primeaus on Tuesday should that series be extended.

The North Central Alberta Baseball League wishes the Edmonton Blackhawks much success as they prepare for their next baseball experience. Above, the All-Stars enjoy play at Remax Field, home of the Edmonton Blackhawks.