Last weekend fans were able to enjoy 3 qualifiers, with the Larry Koberg Memorial being held in Walcott, IA, Peguis Redmen Qualifier in Peguis, Manitoba and the Chiefs Challenge in Simcoe, Ontario. While we will be focusing on those qualifiers – we also want to shout out other men’s fastpitch tournaments that happened this weekend:
– John Cho Cup, Prince George, BC
– 5th Annual Graham Isenor Memorial Fastpitch Tournament, Lantz, NS
– Scandia Men’s Fastpitch Softball Tournament, Scandia, MN
Larry Koberg Memorial, Walcott , IA
WALCOTT, IA – The action kicked off Friday night with a dominant statement from the Bar Blues, setting the tone for what would be a highly competitive weekend. Saturday saw a flurry of pool play action, highlighted by massive shutout performances from Dolan & Murphy, the Bombers, and DSC, alongside a wild 9-5 upset by the Walcott Merchants over the eventual champions, Kegel.
However, when Sunday’s single-elimination Champions Bracket rolled around, the Black Knights found their championship gear. After grinding out a tense 4-3 victory over a tough Bar Buzz squad, Kegel lined up a rematch against the Bar Blues—who had just edged out DSC 2-1 in their own semifinal thriller.
In the final showdown, Kegel’s bats came alive, powering them to a decisive 9-4 victory to capture the tournament crown.
Peguis Redmen ISC Qualifier, Peguis, MB
PEGUIS FIRST NATION, MB — It was a spectacular weekend of high-caliber men’s fastpitch softball as the host team, the Peguis Redmen, put on a clinic to capture first place at the official ISC Qualifier tournament!
The event was a massive success both on and off the field, showcasing elite competitive action and a deep community spirit. Backed by their passionate hometown fans, the Redmen proved they are locked, loaded, and officially ready for their next major tournament appearance on the road to the #ISCWT2026 in Melbourne, Ontario.
Tournament Standings
The tournament showcased incredible skill from Manitoba’s finest squads, with the local powerhouse programs completely sweeping the podium:
| Finish | Team | Community |
| 🥇 1st Place | Peguis Redmen | Peguis First Nation |
| 🥈 2nd Place | Fisher River Swing Kings | Fisher River Cree Nation |
| 🥉 3rd Place | Fisher River Hawks | Fisher River Cree Nation |
Chiefs Challenge, Simcoe, ON
SIMCOE, ON – Lions Park played host to a spectacular weekend of fastpitch softball as 12 elite teams battled it out in the 2026 Chiefs Challenge. After a competitive round-robin stage, the field split into A and B divisions, culminating in an unforgettable Sunday of championship action.
A-Division: Gremlins Stun Hill United in Instant Classic
The A-Division championship game featured a heavyweight rematch between the Bear Creek Gremlins and the Hill United Chiefs.
The Chiefs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and held a 5-2 advantage heading into the 7th inning. Down to their final out, the Gremlins launched a legendary rally:
- Lucio Retamar crushed a two-run home run to cut the deficit to one.
- Mathieu Roy laced a clutch triple to tie the game.
- Jerome Raemaki delivered the final blow, blasting a two-run homer to cap off a 5-run 7th inning and give the Gremlins a 7-5 lead.
Reliever Kuba Osička (who entered the game in the sixth inning) shut the door on a roaring Hill United threat in the bottom of the frame, securing the 2026 Chiefs Challenge Championship for Bear Creek.
Earlier in the day, Hill United advanced to the final by defeating JDT First Energy 7-2, while the Gremlins punched their ticket with a 5-1 win over the Sandlot Merchants.
B-Division: Toronto Batmen Take the Crown
In the B-Division bracket, the Toronto Batmen bounced back from a tough round-robin to claim the title. After edging out the Saskatoon Jacks 2-1 in a nail-biting semifinal, the Batmen exploded offensively in the finals. Backed by a complete-game pitching performance from Steve Normand, Toronto defeated the Chippewa Chiefs 11-2 to capture the B-Division Championship.
Playoff Bracket Results
A-Division Playoffs
- Quarterfinals:
- * Hill United Chiefs 10, Midland Explorers 0 (Marco Diaz no-hitter)
- Bear Creek Gremlins 10, Ohsweken Redmen 0
- JDT First Energy 1, Bear Creek Express 0
- Sandlot Merchants 7, NorthEast Drillers 4
- Semifinals:
- Hill United Chiefs 7, JDT First Energy 2
- Bear Creek Gremlins 5, Sandlot Merchants 1
- Championship: Bear Creek Gremlins 7, Hill United Chiefs 5
B-Division Playoffs
- Semifinals:
- Toronto Batmen 2, Saskatoon Jacks 1
- Chippewa Chiefs 1, Townsend Tide 0
- Championship: Toronto Batmen 11, Chippewa Chiefs 2
