1 Thru 9: Hudson Kozicki

When he was speaking with prospective college programs, Hudson Kozicki said he had one goal: play baseball as long as he can.

The Sherwood Park native and Vauxhall Academy of Baseball alum has had been on the radar of post-secondary coaches for years, having pitched in some big moments throughout his young career.

Fresh off suiting up for the Team Alberta Bighorns at the Baseball Canada Cup in Fort McMurray, he got a call from the University of Mary.

Lethbridge Bulls 2024 Season Preview

The Lethbridge Bulls have plenty to celebrate this year.

With 2024 marking the 25th anniversary of the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) franchise, the team has a lot planned to promote the ball club and recognize its proud history.

Part of that history includes opening up Alberta to the circuit and setting the league on a path from the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League (SMBL) to the Western Major Baseball League (WMBL), the predecessor of the WCBL.

The Bulls will look to convert that trailblazing history into modern-day success in 2024.

Going to School

Who has the top high school baseball academy program in Canada?

The debate has only intensified over the years as more schools pop up from coast-to-coast.

Baseball Canada CEO Jason Dickson says it might be time to settle some scores, as his organization explores the idea of an academy national championship.

The Bash Brothers

After growing up in BC, Carlin and Cardel Dick have forged similar paths in baseball.

After spending time at Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, they are now part of the Canadian contingent at Division 1 schools stateside.

Hawk Eyes Return

Vauxhall Academy of Baseball grad Garrett Hawkins has been rising up the San Diego Padres’ depth chart since being drafted in 2019.

However, his plans have hit a roadblock after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.

As Tyson Shushkewich reports, the right-hander is still hoping to return in 2024.

Ice Burg

Sitting in the stands of a hockey rink as a scout, Josh Burgmann says he’s really happy with how life has turned out.

It’s a far cry from his days as a baseball player, rising through the ranks with Vauxhall Academy, the University of Washington and being a Chicago Cubs draft pick.

Now the head scout and director of player personnel of the Nanaimo Clippers, Burgmann reflects on his time in baseball with no regrets.

Palmegiani Rises Up Jays’ Ranks

Coming off a strong 2022 season split between two minor league affiliates, Damiano Palmegiani was determined to continue moving up the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league depth charts.

The Vauxhall Academy of Baseball product is doing that with another strong season with the Double-A New Hampshire Fishercats.

1 Thru 9: Kalem Haney

Kalem Haney has seen baseball at virtually every level in Lethbridge.

From Little League right through to the Western Canadian Baseball League’s Lethbridge Bulls, he’s also seen a championship and a season without the playoffs.

The Vauxhall Academy grad is the latest to be featured in our “1 Thru 9” series.

Pinky Promise

It would have been easy for Demitri Shakotko to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Instead of chasing the hockey dream, he went after baseball by heading to Vauxhall Academy of Baseball.

After a successful first season with Cloud County Community College, he hopes to suit up in the city his dad played junior hockey in with the Lethbridge Bulls.

Boudreau So Good

It’s not easy to excel in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division I.

Seventy-five of the league’s hitters finished the season with a batting average of .400 or higher, a stat that makes the year Tyler Boudreau had on the mound even more impressive.

Canadian Baseball Network’s Trevor Fitzpatrick has more on the Sylvan Lake Gulls hurler.