Barrie Baycats eager for next week's home opener

The Barrie Baycats are again on the sphere, practising forward of subsequent week's residence opener.

On Thursday, the workforce launched itself to the neighborhood as gamers put together to host the Toronto Maple Leafs at subsequent week's residence opener.

"So we've some new gamers, and we've an excellent core from final yr that got here again," says Josh Matlow, the membership president. "We misplaced within the semi-finals, however we anticipate to hopefully be a contender this yr. We expect we'll be there!"

Jake Wilson performs centerfield. As a lifelong fan, he is thrilled to be representing the workforce this yr.

"I grew up watching them as a younger man, so it is form of cool to see myself on the sphere as a Baycat and now not simply watching them, being a part of the workforce," says Wilson. "It is simply a lot pleasure. I am simply ready to play in the summertime."

This yr's season is longer than normal, with 42 video games scheduled in comparison with the everyday 36 video games. Final yr's season was even shorter as a consequence of COVID-19, with solely 30 video games scheduled.

Matlow says as a small-town workforce they're excited to interact the neighborhood as usually as attainable.

"I believe we'll be focusing quite a bit on attending to know a few of our native guys particularly in order that the followers know who's from the world and who's a part of the neighborhood, and plenty of these guys are popping out to plenty of the neighborhood initiatives as properly which I am very fortunate for," says Matlow.

The workforce's first regular-season recreation is subsequent Thursday at residence in opposition to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The sport begins at 7:30 p.m.

EXHIBITION GAME

The Baycats will even play an exhibition recreation in opposition to the Thornhill Reds on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Followers can enter the sport free with a non-perishable meals donation for the Barrie Meals Financial institution. With out a donation, entry prices $2, with proceeds going on to the meals financial institution.