Fitzpatrick: Terriers prepare for "Road to Okotoks"
Left-hander Jack Perry (Mississauga, Ont.) is an ace pitcher for the Terriers. Photo: X
March 31, 2026
By Trevor Fitzpatrick
Canadian Baseball Network
As the Road to Okotoks draws closer and closer in the windshield, the Terriers have shifted gears in their preparation.
Under their director of player development Ben Abram (Georgetown, Ont.), the CPBL squad will play as one of the regional host teams for Ontario come May 28-31.
A total of 30 teams are entered to date across Canada in regional qualifiers set for B.C., Alberta and Ontario that will run from May 28-31. Ten teams are entered in the Ontario qualifier — the Ontario Blue Jays, Ontario Nationals, Mississauga Tigers, Ontario Giants, Etobicoke Rangers, North Toronto A’s, Cage Cobras, Frontier Atlantic Academy, Diamond Baseball and the Terriers.
“Everything’s been going the way that we were hoping for it to go right now,” said former Canadian National Team pitcher Abram, “I’ve tried to build the tournament up as much as possible, but when this gets going, it’s not going to feel like just another tournament.
“I think a few of them are going to be a little shell-shocked but that’s okay, let’s throw them into the fire and see what happens.”
Headlining the Terriers charge is University of Michigan commit Jack Perry (Mississauga, Ont.). The southpaw pitcher will be who the Terriers turn to in big spots, according to Abram, and it’s easy to see why with his heater that’s nearly touching 90 mph.
Two other names that Abram pointed out were Brett Crowley (Peterborough, Ont.) and Fairmont State University commit Baeden Agnew (Hamilton, Ont.).
“Agnew is a two-way guy we picked up in the fall and he’s been outstanding. His velocity has jumped, he’s got four pitches, and he’s playing some outfield,” explained Abram. “Then there’s Crowley. In terms of a competitor and work ethic, we don’t have anybody else like that.”
So what was their coach’s advice for the upcoming opportunity?
The former University of Oklahoma hurler and current Welland Jackfish member has told them to keep things simple.
“Just slow down, take it pitch by pitch, and take a moment to look around and appreciate it,” he said, “If you’re in the moment, you can enjoy it and execute what you’re trying to do, so be where your feet are.”
“Our players will need to be prepared to sacrifice their at-bat, get a bunt down, and move a runner if needed. This is going to be an opportunity to learn how to play baseball at the highest level the right way.”
The scale of the event should serve to attract even more eyes to Canadian talent – a more competitive and club-focused alternative to the Canadian Futures Showcase.
As Canadian baseball continues to flourish on the international stage with the recent successes of the WBC and the Toronto Blue Jays, the ultimate goal appears to be to continue to ride the momentum.
As Abram puts it, “If we start to build this, this could be the biggest event of the year. This is all for the greater good of Canadian baseball at the end of the day.
“The hope is that when those same guys are done playing one day, they come back and decide to coach. If all those guys buy in, that’s when we’re really going to see an improvement in Canadian baseball.”