Category: News

Opening day 2019!

Lethbridge, AB – 

It was a sunny but cool day at Lloyd Nolan Yard to open up 2019.  Game 1 saw the Jets take on the Prospect Academy winning by a score of 9-3.  Adam Macko started on the mound going 3 innings allowing 1 hit with 1 BB and 5 K’s.  Matt Wiggins threw the following 2 innings allowing 2 hits, 1 unearned run with 4 K’s and 0 BB’.  Levi Abbott finished things off going 2 innings allowing 2 hits, 2 runs with 4 BB’s and 3 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by John Vulcano who was 2 for 4 with a triple.  Max Grant was 2 for 3 with an RBI.  Shayne Campbell was 1 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Ty Wevers and Jackson Clemett rounded out the offense going 1 for 3 and 1 for 2.

Game 2 saw the Jets and PBA JV battle to a 4-4 tie.  Chase Florendine started throwing 2 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 earned run with 3 BB’s and 1 K.  Tyler Boudreau threw 2 2/3 innings allowing 2 hits, 2 runs with 3 BB’s and 1 K.  Reece Keller earned the victory going 2 1/3 innings allowing 2 hits with 1 BB and 2 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Josh Malainey who was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Dayton Peters was 2 for 4.  Max Grant was 1 for 3 with a double and Logan Grant was 2 for 2 with an RBI to round out the offense.

The Jets now travel to Lethbridge Monday to play a 9 inning game vs PBA at 2:30 pm.  Again at Lloyd Nolan Yard.

13th Annual Awards/Scholarship Dinner!

13th Annual Awards/Scholarship Banquet  

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is excited for the 13th annual Awards/Scholarship Fundraising Banquet March 2nd, 2019 at the Vauxhall Community Hall (5 pm cocktails and 5:45 pm program begins).  We are very excited to announce former Toronto Blue Jays coach – Tim Leiper will be our featured speaker.  Leiper played 12 seasons in the minor leagues before moving over to the coaching side of the game.  He has coached and/or managed for 22 professional seasons with the last 5 seasons coaching 1st base for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Leiper has also coached Team Canada at every World Baseball Classic event (2006, 2009, 2013, 2017).

The evening will once again be highlighted by the Reno Lizzi Scholarships as well as several other Awards and Scholarship presentations. A silent auction, live auction and raffles will be going on throughout the evening

Some of the highlight auction items will be posted prior to the banquet.

Please contact Lynda Unruh at [email protected] for tickets.  Tickets cost is $60/ticket or $450/table of 8

We look forward to celebrating with the past, current and future Jets!

2018 Jets enjoy some culture getting ready for Christmas!

 

Full squad including practice squad.  Missing Florendine, Kondor and Howg

Great looking crew.  21 players – missing Chase Florendine on his recruiting trip to CSUN.

Couple vets Josh Malainey & Dayton Peters looking after a young buck Jackson Clemett.

Inside of Theatre Calgary and Max Bell Theatre

East Coasters Nick Gravel & Tyler Boudreau getting ready for the Theatre.

Good looking crew prior to the production starting

Cheque presentation for Pennies for K’s.  President Todd Ojala with Barbara and Yukio.

Calgary, AB –

The Jets traveled to Calgary Theatre and the 32nd running of “The Christmas Carol” live theatre production.  It has become an annual holiday tradition for the Jets. 2018 marks the 13th consecutive year that Yukio and Barbara Kitagawa have treated current Jets as well as many Academy supporters to a great day of holiday celebration and cheer. In total 53 Jets supporters enjoyed the holiday tradition.

It was an extra special day with VAB President Todd Ojala being presented a cheque from the Pennies for K’s fundraiser from Yukio and Barbara Kitawgawa.  The original fundraising goal for Oct. 12th, 2018 was not met but fortunately within the last month the goal was obtained.  Thank you so much to all that participated in the fundraising campaign.  It is great appreciated.

On behalf of the entire Jets organization we would like to thank Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa, Jason and Dawn Clemett, Margie Fast and Shirley from Theatre Calgary for the great day.

Merry Christmas!!

5 Jets commit to US schools!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Vauxhall Academy is very proud to announce 5 Jets have committed to college baseball programs on scholarship for the 2019-2020 season.  All 5 players will finish up their spring in Vauxhall and will join their respective college programs in the fall of 2019.  We are very proud of all of these young men and look forward to following their careers.  Stay tuned for additional Jets signing over the winter months.

The following is a list of Jets who signed:

LHP – Adam Macko – Stony Plain, AB  – has accepted an NCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  The Boilermakers play in the very competitive Power 5 Big 10 Conference.  For more details on the Purdue Boilermakers: https://purduesports.com/index.aspx?path=baseball

RHP – Chase Florendine – Lethbridge, AB  – has accepted an NCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend California State University Northridge in Northridge, CA.  The Matadors play in a very challenging  Big West Conference.  Floredine will be joining former Jets Damiano Palmegiani, Wesley Moore and Victor Cerny with the Matadors. For more details on Cal State Northridge Baseball: http://www.gomatadors.com/sports/m-basebl/index

OF/RHP – Evan O’Toole – Bridgewater, NS  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Iowa Western College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  The Reivers play in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.  The Reivers finished in 6th place in the 2018 NJCAA World Series. For more details on Iowa Western: http://www.goreivers.com/sports/bsb/index

 

LHP – Thomas Little – Lethbridge, AB  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Northern Oklahoma Enid College in Enid, Oklahoma .  The Jets play in the NJCAA Region 2.  The Jets finished in 3rd place in the 2018 NJCAA Division 2 World Series. For more details on Northern Oklahoma Enid: http://www.nocjets.com/sports/bsb/index

C – Shayne Campbell – Winnipeg, MB – has accepted an athletic scholarship to attend NCAA Division 2 University of Mary Marauders in Bismark, North Dakota.  The Marauders play in a very challenging Northern Sun Conference.  For more details on the University of Mary Baseball: http://www.goumary.com/index.aspx?path=baseball&&tab=0

Jets split in Lethbridge vs PBA!

 

Lethbridge, AB –

The Jets split on a beautiful day at Nolan Yard in Lethbridge.  The VAB lost game 1 by a score of 12 – 7 and won game 2 13-4.

Game 1 saw Evan O’Toole start on the mound going 2 innings allowing 4 hits, 3 runs with 1 K.  Thomas Little threw 1 inning allowing 2 hits, 1 earned run with 2 BB’s and 1 K.  Chase Florendine threw 2 innings allowing 3 hits with 2 BB’s and 1 K.  Nick Gravel threw the final inning allowing 1 hit, 1 run with 2 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led Josh Malainey was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles.  John Vulcano was 2 for 3 with 3 RBI’s.  Carlin Dick was 1 for 4 with an RBI.  Max Grant was 1 for 2.  Ben Adams was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Logan Domanski was 2 for 3 to round out the offense.

Game 2 saw Levi Abbott start on the mound going 3 innings allowing 4 hits, 2 runs with 3 K’s.  Ben Adams was dominate going 2 innings allowing 1 unearned run with 1 BB and 6 K’s.  Adam Macko threw 1 inning allowing 1 hit with 3 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Josh Malainey who was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.  John Vulcano was 2 for 4 with 2 triples and 5 RBI’s.  Evan O’Toole was 2 for 4 with a triple.  Carlin Dick was 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Shayne Campbell was 1 for 4.  Max Grant was 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Logan Domanski rounded out the offense going 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Next up for the Jets is a 11 am DH vs PBA at Spitz Stadium

Damiano Palmegiani drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays!

 

Vauxhall, AB – 

The VAB is very proud to announce that 3 year Jets standout Damiano Palmegiani was drafted in the 35th round by the Toronto Blue Jays, 1046th overall in the 2018 MLB 1st year player draft.  Damiano has also spent the last 2 years with the Canadian Junior National Team and his college commitment is NCAA Division 1 Cal State Northridge in Northridge, CA.  Congrats Damiano on a tremendous accomplishment.

Jets alumni (2012/2014) Ben Onyshko was also drafted in the 2018 MLB 1st year player draft out of Stetson University. Former Jet LHP Ben Onyshko (Winnipeg, MB) was drafted in the 24th round, 718th overall by the Seattle Mariners.  Ben was a standout for the Jets for 2 years and has had a very successful career at Stetson University.  They are in the NCAA Super Regionals this weekend.  Congrats Benny!!

Below is a list of other Jets who have been drafted in previous seasons:

2007 – Cody Phipps – Houston Astros –signed

2008 – Lionel Morrill – Minnesota Twins – attended College of Southern Idaho

2009 – Steven Inch – Philadelphia Phillies – signed

2009 – Adam Nelubowich – Seattle Mariners – currently attending Washington State University

2009 – Brandon Petite – Houston Astros – attended Texas Tech University

2009 – Jordan Wong – Milwaukee Brewers – attended Hill College

2009 – Dale Anderson – Texas Rangers – attended College of Southern Idaho

2009 – Jay Johnson – Baltimore Orioles – attended Texas Tech University

2010 – Jay Johnson – Toronto Blue Jays 2011 – Jay Johnson – Philadelphia Phillies – signed

2011 – Ben Dartnell – Boston Red Sox – attended Eastern Michigan University

2011 – Brendan Hendriks – Philadelphia Phillies – attended University of San Fransico

2012 – Logan Seifrit – Seattle Mariners – signed

2013 – Adam Nelubowich – Houston Astros – signed

2013 – Chris Thibideau – San Diego Padres –  North Florida University

2014 – Ben Onyshko – Milwaukee Brewers –  Stetson University

2016- Josh Burgmann – St. Louis Cardinals – currently attending University of Washington

7th Annual Celebration of Achievement!

Vauxhall, AB –

It has became a tradition of the Jets to celebrate special achievements throughout the 2017/2018 season.  A great meal with several presentations and awards was highlighted by the Pennies for K’s recap and goal of $100,000 for 100,000 km.  Special thanks to Brian and Susan Van Uden and Yukio and Barbara Kitagawa for providing dinner.  The evening was capped off with a special thanks to Garrick & Bev Blaine for being the Residence Managers, bus driver and voice of the Jets for the last 12 years.  The Blaines have been the residence managers for the last 6 years and we wish them a great retirement.

2018 was a tremendous success both on and off the field.  The Jets finished the spring with a 28-10 record, 3 Tournament Championships (including the PBA Tournament, Haven Agencies Tournament & Missoula Memorial Day Tournament) and a 2nd place finish at the Best of the West.  All 9 graduating seniors are set to move onto college baseball programs (including 3 to NCAA Division 1 programs) and 3 Jets spent time throughout the year with the Canadian Junior National Team (currently all 3 Jets are still with the CJNT).  Please see below all the award winners from last night:

Reno Lizzi Ring Presentation – RHP Garrett Hawkins

Jet of Year presented by Don Groves – OF/INF – Ty Penner $1000 scholarship

Inch by Inch presented by Don McPherson & Yukio & Barbara Kitagawa – $1000 scholarship – RHP Garrett Hawkins

Scott Hornstra Memorial Scholarship – Heart & Hustle – $500 scholarship – C Shayne Campbell

Wanda Stober Memorial Award – Volunteers of the Year $1000 scholarships – INF Kaiden Cardoso

Kalvin Odland Memorial Award – Leadership/Dedication $500 scholarship – INF Damiano Palmegiani

Doug Stevenson Memorial Award – Best Teammate $500 – INF Liam Vulcano

Jan Tolton Memorial Award – Best in the Dorms $500 – RHP Matt Wiggins

McLeod Family Scholarship – Excellence everyday that doesn’t require talent – $1000 scholarship each – OF/RHP Evan O’Toole, OF – Cooper Jones

Schwartz Insurance Assistance Program – $3000 scholarship – LHP Adam Macko (Coach Mac accepting on behalf of Adam)

 

Jets finish off the 12th Annual Haven Tournament with a win!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Jets got 8 runs in the 1st and cruised to a 15-3 victory over Great Falls.  Shayne Campbell finished things with a grand slam in the bottom of the 5th to seal the victory.  Chase Florendine started going 4 good innings allowing 3 hits, 1 earned run with 1 BB and 6 K’s.  Matt Wiggins finished things off going 1 inning allowing 1 hit.

Offensively, the Jets were Liam Vulcano who was 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI’s.  Owen Harms was 1 for 3.  Ty Penner was 1 for 2 with a 3 run HR.  Shayne Campbell was 1 for 3 with a grand slam.  Kaiden Cardoso was 2 for 3 with an RBI double.  Cooper Jones was 1 for 2 with an RBI and Josh Malainey finished things off going 1 for 2 with an RBI.

Thank you to all the fans, players, coaches and umpires for attending the 12th Annual Haven Agencies Tournament!

Also a special thanks to Peter & Connie Van Uden, Haven Agencies and Intact Insurance for sponsoring the event again this year.

2018 Jets heading to college!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Vauxhall Academy is very proud to announce 9 Jets have committed to college baseball programs on scholarship for the 2018-2019 season.  All 8 players will finish up their spring in Vauxhall and will join their respective college programs in the fall of 2018.  We are very proud of all of these young men and look forward to following their careers.  We look forward to announcing our final commitment soon.

The following is a list of Jets who signed:

INF – Owen Harms – Winnipeg, MB  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas.  The Trojans play in the very competitive Jayhawk Conference.  For more details on the Colby Trojans: http://www.colbycc.edu/athletics/teams/baseball/index

C – Kaiden Cardoso  – Abbotsford, BC – has accepted an NJCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas.  The Bulldogs play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference which is home to some of the top junior college baseball programs in Texas.  For more details on Clarendon Baseball: http://athletics.clarendoncollege.edu/Baseball

C – Martin Vincelli-Simard  – Boisbriand, QC – has accepted an NJCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend Midland College Chaps in Midland, TX.  The Chaps play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference which is home to some of the top junior college baseball programs in Texas.  For more details on Midland College: http://www.gochaps.com/baseball/index.php

 

INF – Liam Vulcano – Cloverdale, BC  – has accepted an NAIA Scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in Vancouver, BC .  The Thunderbirds play in the competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference and compete for the title every season.  For more details on UBC Baseball: http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/index.aspx?path=baseball

OF – Cooper Jones – Ponoka,AB  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa.  The Blackhawks play in the very competitive ICCAC Conference.  For more details on the Southeastern Baseball: http://www.sccblackhawks.com/sports/bsb/index

3B – Damiano Palmegiani – Surrey, BC  – has accepted an NCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend California State University Northridge in Northridge, California.  The Matadors play in a very challenging  Big West Conference.  Palmegiani will be joining former Jets Nolan Bumstead, Wesley Moore and Victor Cerny with the Matadors. For more details on Cal State Northridge Baseball: http://www.gomatadors.com/sports/m-basebl/index

RHP – Garrett Hawkins – Biggar, SK  – has accepted an NAIA Scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in Vancouver, BC .  The Thunderbirds play in the competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference and compete for the title every season.  For more details on UBC Baseball: http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/index.aspx?path=baseball

1B/OF – Ty Penner  – Lethbridge, AB – has accepted an NAIA Scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in Vancouver, BC .  The Thunderbirds play in the competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference and compete for the title every season.  For more details on UBC Baseball: http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/index.aspx?path=baseball

LHP – Jaden Griffin – Lower Sackville, NS  – has accepted an NCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend Virginia Commonwealth University Rams in Richmond, VA .  The Rams play in the very competitive Atlantic 10 conference and compete for the Championship year in and year out.  For more details on VCU Baseball:http://www.vcuathletics.com/sports/bsb/index

The entire VAB organization is very proud of all 4 Jets and we look forward to following their very bright futures moving forward.  Stay tuned for additional signings throughout the winter and spring months.

Tough weekend for the Jets!

 

 

Vauxhall & Okotoks – 

It was a tough weekend for the Jets losing games after the 5th inning against a good Okotoks Dawgs club.

Game 1 saw the Jets fall in 2 extra innings losing 5-2 in the 9th.  Garrett Hawkins was dominate on the mound going 7 innings allowing 5 hits, 2 runs with 6 K’s and 1 BB.  Josh Tardif and Evan O’Toole were both good in relief with Okotoks hitting a 2 out single in the 9th to lead to victory.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 2 for 4.  Cooper Jones was 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Martin Vincelli – Simard was 1 for 2 and Ty Penner was 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Game 2 saw the score tied at 4 thru 5 innings before Okotoks broke the game open with a huge 6th inning cruising to a 15-5 victory.  Jaden Griffin started on the mound going 5 innings allowing 5 hits, 2 earned runs with 5 K’s and 1 BB.  Chase Florendine, Reece Keller and Jared Arnold finished things off in relief.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 1 for 3.  Cooper Jones was 2 for 3.  Kaiden Cardoso was 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI.  Ty Penner was 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI’s to round out the offense.

Game 3 the Jets traveled to Okotoks with another couple of close games.  The Jets out hit the Dawgs but fell in extra innings 3-2.  Adam Macko started on the mound going 5 innings allowing 5 hits, 2 runs with 5 K’s and 3 BB’s.  Levi Abbott finished things off throwing very well going 2 2/3 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 unearned run with 5 K’s and 2 intentional walks.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Cooper Jones who was 1 for 4.  Damiano Palmegiani was 1 for 4.  Kaiden Cardoso was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s.  Martin Vincelli-Simard was 1 for 3.  Ty Penner was 1 for 3.  John Vulcano was 1 for 3.  Shayne Campbell was 1 for 3 and Owen Harms was 1 for 3 with a double.

Game 4 saw the Jets take a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the 5 inning behind strong pitching performance from Matt Wiggins.  A couple of mistakes found the Jets trailing after 5 and couldn’t mount a comeback.  Matt Wiggins started going 4 2/3 innings allowing 6 hits, 4 unearned runs with 2 K’s and 4 BB’s.  Thomas Little finished things off going 1 1/3 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 run with 1 BB and 1 K.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Ty Penner who was 1 for 3 with a double.  Levi Abbott and John Vulcano both added hits as well.

The Jets now focus their attention to Graduation Weekend with 12 noon DH Saturday vs Badlands Academy and a 1 pm DH Sunday vs Great Falls Chargers.  The Jets are extremely proud of our 10 seniors.  They have represented the Jets with class and dignity on and off the field.  We are excited to follow their next steps in their careers and look forward to adding them to our distinguished alumni list.  Once a Jet…..Always a Jet!!