The 2025 Haida Gwaii softball season is officially underway — and if the 4/20 Tournament is any indication, the Warriors are picking up right where they left off.
The defending league champions powered through three straight wins to claim the tournament title last weekend, defeating the SOPs in a low-scoring final that marked the season’s opening pitch.
“You could definitely tell it was the first games of the year,” said Warriors veteran John “Scoops” Wesley. “Not many runs scored.”
But the Warriors didn’t need fireworks. With solid defence and sharp instincts, they navigated the early-season rust better than the rest of the field — a worrying sign for opponents who watched them hoist the League Championship and Hospital Days trophies last year.
“Our toughest competition is probably the Traitors and Cousins,” said Wesley, who also pointed to the Grinders as a potential spoiler. “Hopefully we take a few more tourneys this year, and maybe get over the hump and finally catch that all-men’s tourney win that has eluded us.”
The Traitors, meanwhile, have reloaded and are aiming high.
“We brought in a couple new players with a ton of baseball experience,” said Damon Fladmark. “I’m excited to see how their experience can make our team better… I’m predicting my team to be lifting a ton of hardware this season.”
The Grinders, 2024 Canada Days champs, are showing trademark humility. “We are old,” said team rep Cairns — a joke perhaps, but one backed by experience and a proven record.
In the north, the Allnighters are putting together a fresh lineup.
“Our biggest change is having a bunch of new players from Old Massett,” said team member David. “The Grinders may be the team to watch out for this year. It’s a fun league with lots of friendships and friendly competition.”
The E-Lemon-Ators are also expecting to rise.
“Our biggest change has to be our commitment of Trevor Russ, who helps make our team stronger,” said Len. “If we can stay healthy, I think we could finish top four.”
The Cousins — winners of the 2024 Skidegate Days Tournament — and SOPs are keeping quiet for now, but their performance in the 4/20 Tournament shows they’re not to be overlooked.