‘Storybook’ Supers win brings league title back to Canora

CANORA - It was just about the perfect way to win a championship.

“Winning on a walk-off home run in front of our home fans is as storybook an ending as you can imagine, just a perfect way to end the season,” said Greg Andreychuk, Canora Supers player/manager, after Kody Rock of Canora ripped a line drive over the left field fence in Game 3 to break a 5-5 tie and win the 2025 SESBL championship for the Supers.

The Supers took the best-of-five final series over the Saltcoats Lakers in three straight games but it seemed too close to be a sweep, since all three games were decided by three runs or less.

Game 1 in Canora, July 21: Supers 3, Lakers 0

It was the Kody Rock show on full display, as he pitched a complete game shutout, and drove in all three runs, including a two-run homer in a 3-0 Supers win at Al Sapieha Field.

“The fielding was in fine form as Ian Quewezance made a difficult pick and throw at third base to set the tone early,” said Andreychuk. “Shae Peterson also made a few great picks and stretches at first base to help keep the Lakers off the board.

“Rock gave up just two hits, and had eight strikeouts as he was completely in control on the mound.”

After a leadoff walk by Braden Kitchen in the bottom of the first, Rock jolted one over the left field fence to put the Supers in good position to win the game. Lakers pitcher Matt Spilchuk slammed the door the rest of the way, giving up only one more run, but the damage had been done as the Supers came out victorious.

Game 2 in Saltcoats, July 23: Supers 8, Lakers 6

A four-run top of the third gave the Supers a commanding 5-0 lead, while three more in the fifth were needed to fend off a late Lakers charge in an 8-6 Supers victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Chaz Jaeb of Sturgis started on the hill, pitching six innings to pick up the win.

“He cruised through the first three innings allowing no runs, until the Lakers pushed two across in the fourth, and three more in the fifth to make things interesting,” said Andreychuk. “But Jaeb battled through a bases loaded jam in the sixth before giving way to Kody Rock in the seventh. Rock slammed the door to earn the save.”

In addition to earning the victory on the mound, Jaeb also led the way on offense with a single, double, three runs batten in and two runs scored. Evan Rostotski had a big two-run single in the top of the third, while Ty Sleeva broke the game open in the fifth with a two-run double.

“The defence was a bit shaky on this evening, but made the plays when it really mattered to lock down the win,” said Andreychuk.

Game 3 in Canora, July 28: Supers 6, Lakers 5

In front of a huge crowd anticipating a special evening at Al Sapieha Field, the Supers were looking to clinch the title at home for the first time since 2019.

It was an exciting back and forth game, with the Lakers taking an early 2-0 lead. The Supers were able to rally in the fourth to take over the lead, but Saltcoats tied it in the top of the seventh and final inning.

“Tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh, Kody Rock came up to bat, and promptly sent a missile over the left-center field wall to put the crowd into a frenzy, as the Supers claimed their fifth title in six seasons,” said Andreychuk.

Derek Palagian of Sturgis, Chaz Jaeb, and Rock each had a pair of hits, while Shae Peterson of Sturgis also chipped in with an RBI single.

Rock started on the mound, allowing five runs (three earned) on 10 hits and racked up an impressive 13 strikeouts.

The win gave the Supers their seventh league championship overall since 1999.

“The Lakers battled as hard as they could and were worthy opponents in this series,” said Andreychuk. “They will be a good club in this league for years to come.”

Depth key to victory

One of the biggest factors in winning the championship was overall team depth.

“We knew going into the playoffs that there would be some very good players on our team unable to be in the starting lineup,” said Andreychuk. “That is a good problem to have. In years past we were one or two players short of contending. That is no longer the case as we have plenty of great options, and is a big reason why we had a great record this year.”

Andreychuk said the youngsters on the Supers roster showed impressive growth throughout the season, making significant contributions to the team’s success.

“We definitely grew as a team. For example, Shae Peterson proved he can pitch in big games with his performance in Melville during the first round of playoffs. Nate Wolos pitched well all season long and can be counted on for more innings going forward. Nathaniel Minhinnick’s defence took huge strides in the outfield, as he made several big plays in the playoffs.

“Overall as a team, when things weren't going according to plan, we never panicked. We have a good group of veterans who don't allow things to get out of hand.”

Fans make a difference

“The fan support in Canora is the best,” said Andreychuk. “We can't thank everyone enough for their support. The well wishes across town, the honking of horns at the games, and the overall support is second to none. We would not be where we are today without our fans.”

Andreychuk is already looking ahead to the 2026 SESBL season.

“There are a couple of communities in the region that have 18U programs where they could potentially graduate some players in the next year or two to hopefully add more teams to the league. It's hard to say exactly how many teams we'll have next year, but off the top of my head I would say four at the low end, and maybe six at the high end.”

Announcer tribute

Even though he is not on the Supers roster, announcer Mike Spelay continues to be a big part of the team’s success.

“His dedication to the team is tremendous, and our home games are not the same when he's not there,” said Andreychuk. “Also a big thank you to Aaron Herriges and his staff at the Town of Canora for keeping Al Sapieha Field in tremendous condition. We believe our playing surface is the best in the league. The rest of the league enjoys playing on our field.”

A memorable year for Canora

2025 has definitely been Canora’s year in sports. The Supers won the SESBL title, and the Cobras captured the Sask East Hockey League championship back in March.

“Thanks to everyone for making 2025 a special year for Canora,” concluded Andreychuk.

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