Canadian men's softball team ready to create 'great memories'

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Softball Canada announced Thursday the 15 players selected to represent the country at the upcoming 2015 Pan Am Games.

The players are:

• Ryan Boland of Goulds, N.L.
• Sean Cleary of Harbour Main, N.L.
• Jeff Ellsworth of Mill River, P.E.I.
• Brad Ezekiel of Harbour Main, N.L.
• Ian Fehrman of Townsend, Ont.
• Jason Hill of St. John's, N.L.
• Brandon Horn of Waterloo, Ont.
• Paul Koert of Stouffville, Ont.
• Derek Mayson of North Vancouver, B.C.
• Steve Mullaley of Freshwater, N.L.
• Mathieu Roy of St-Gervais, Que.
• Jason Sanford of Durham, N.S.
• Kevin Schellenberg of Squamish, B.C.
• Andy Skelton of Scarborough, Ont.
• Ryan Wolfe of Melbourne, Ont.

The team is a mixture of experienced veterans and new members, including seven core players announced by Softball Canada in December. The core guys are Cleary, Ellsworth, Horn, Koert, Mayson, Mullaley and Roy. The final group was determined after a selection camp in May.

This is the first time men's softball has been included in the Pan Am Games since 2003. Before the event was removed from the Games, Canada's team was dominant, winning all seven gold medals between 1979 and 2003.

The opportunity to represent the country at the Games is significant, and coaches and players alike are enthusiastic for the chance.

"It is a once in a career opportunity to participate in the Pan American Games on home soil. We have been excited and preparing for this," said head coach John Stuart.

"Playing at the international level is great but playing and battling for your country on home soil is a special feeling. Great memories will be made in July." said Ellsworth.

The team will have a chance to play together in the WBSC Men's World Softball Championship in Saskatoon, Sask., June 26 to July 5 before competition kicks off at the Pan Ams.