Okotoks Dawgs set to kick off 20th season on Friday
The Okotoks Dawgs will kick off their 20th season on Friday. Photo: Okotoks Dawgs
May 26, 2026
Official Okotoks Dawgs News Release
Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs are set to host Opening Weekend Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31, marking the start of the club’s 20th season in Okotoks.
The milestone summer will feature key roster additions, returning fan favourites, impressive upgrades to Seaman Stadium, and to cap it off, the Road to Okotoks National Academy Championship.
This year marks 20 years since the construction of Seaman Stadium, made possible through the vision and generosity of the late Don and Doc Seaman. Over the past two decades, the stadium has become one of the premier destinations in summer collegiate baseball, earning recognition as Ballpark Digest’s Best Ballpark in Summer Collegiate Baseball in 2023.
In addition, the Stadium has become a true baseball complex with the addition of the Duvernay Fieldhouse, the Rose Pitching and Hitting Lab and Tourmaline Field, thanks to the generosity of Michael Rose, Dawgs management, and the Province of Alberta.
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 20 seasons of Dawgs baseball in Okotoks,” said Founding and Managing Director, John Ircandia. “The passion and support from our fans over the years has meant everything to our organization, and we’re grateful for it every single day. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the loyalty of our supporters and our generous donors. We are excited to celebrate this special season together all summer long.”
With championships in three of the past four seasons, the Dawgs are eager to reestablish their dominance atop the WCBL.
“Our program has grown tremendously over the years,” said Head Coach Lou Pote. “This year’s team brings a great mix of talent, depth, and competitiveness, and we’re excited for the opportunity to compete for a ninth WCBL championship.”
New roster additions include outfielders Ayden Crouse and Cal Gates (Indiana University), catchers Jayden Lusk (Vernon College) and Lachlan Maude (University of New Mexico), and pitcher Max McCraray (University of Houston).
Dawgs Academy graduates Will Labonté and Leo Cote will return for the summer collegiate season following successful years with the University of Portland. Hometown slugger Connor Crowson (Tennesse Tech), who fans will remember for his walk off, championship-clinching home run in the 2024 WCBL championship, also returns to a powerful Dawgs lineup.
Labonté, along with returning Dawgs shortstop Ricky Sanchez (Gonzaga), were both given second-team all-conference honours for their outstanding performance in the West Coast Conference this season.
Performances like these and several others make this anniversary season one with great promise for the Dawgs.
The Dawgs have also recently completed significant expansions and renovations to Seaman Stadium, including the addition of Section 112 and the Custom Mechanical Field Level Suite, along with phases one and two of the Duvernay Fieldhouse expansion. The upgrades include a state-of-the-art weight and training room as well as the Rose Pitching and Hitting Lab.
In addition to an exciting collegiate season, the Dawgs are hosting the Road to Okotoks: Baseball Canada’s ultimate showcase of talent, competition, and championship spirit. It brings together the 16 strongest Academy programs and travel teams from across Canada doing battle for the Morneau Cup at Seaman Stadium and Tourmaline Field from July 14 to July 19.
Fans will get their first look at the 2026 Dawgs at Seaman Stadium during Opening Weekend, May 29–31. The weekend begins with the Home Opener Friday, May 29 vs. the Sylvan Lake Gulls. The Dawgs are anticipating a full house to begin the season so fans are encouraged to get their tickets now. The game will include a special tribute to the late Don Seaman, honouring his significant lasting impact on the Dawgs organization and baseball in Alberta.
The Opening Weekend celebration continues with 5 O’Clock Somewhere Saturday, a night that sets the tone for the summer with food and drink promotions while the Dawgs play in their “Margaritaville” tropical blue uniforms.
The weekend concludes on Sunday afternoon with Diggity’s Birthday– Mascot Mania. The classic Sunday afternoon game features family-friendly fun, and fans will enjoy the antics of mascots from around Okotoks and the greater Calgary area.