Established as St. Anthony's Baseball Academy in 2017, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks Baseball Club is now running under a new name in partnership with ONC
The Ottawa Nepean Canucks trace their roots back to the Jr. Ravens, a pilot project launched to test the viability of Ottawa travel baseball in 2017. In October 2018, the team was formally established as the St. Anthony Baseball Academy by George Rigakos and Andre Robidoux.
For five seasons St Anthony enjoyed remarkable success in developing players, securing tournament victories and league championships. It was widely considered the strongest youth baseball program for 10U-12U in Eastern Ontario. In 2023, St. Anthony briefly merged with the Ottawa Knights before that organization folded into Watson Elite. Finally, in July 2024, we adopted our current name and agreed to a partnership with the Ottawa Nepean Canadians. Under this partnership, our players now have the opportunity for a seamless transition into the CPBL with the Ottawa Nepean Canadians.
The Ottawa Nepean Canucks Program consists of four parts:
1. Fall Season
Beginning the first week of September and runs until Thanksgiving. All teams will train 2-3 times a week and play simulated intersquad games along with 1-2 tournaments. Our workouts will be dynamic and high-paced, with smaller working groups based on positions to maximize reps.
Our goal is always development, working hard to improve every day. The focus during intersquad and sim games will be on all aspects of the game, from innings for pitchers, at bats for hitters, defensive work, and game situations. This will mostly take place at our home diamond, Hamilton Yards.
2. Off-Season Training
Starts in January and runs for 17 weeks. Each team will have two workout sessions per week in Limoges and Sluggerz, Stittsville. Workouts will include open hitting/pitching, fielding, and strength & conditioning. Players will focus on skills development, positional play, and game training.
These dynamic workouts, along with strong planning and execution, will prepare players for the season and help them make significant progress in their development over the winter months.
3. League Play (ENYTB / CanAm)
League play starts in April and runs through early August. Canucks teams participate in Eastern New York Travel Ball (ENYTB) and CanAm leagues, offering a rich competitive environment while also focusing on training and development for CPBL play.
Both leagues feature a diverse range of teams, providing challenging opponents that enhance players' growth and teamwork. Travel costs are the responsibility of the player's family (e.g., gas, hotels, meals).
4. US Tournaments
In July and early August, teams will travel to the US for three weekend tournaments. This provides players with exposure to US baseball talent and college scouts from NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA programs. Travel costs for the player and parent(s) are the responsibility of the family.
Following US tournaments, a break occurs before tryouts for the next year's program in late August.
Commitment
We encourage multi-sport participation, asking players to communicate with coaches when absent from team activities. However, players should prioritize Ottawa Nepean Canucks commitments during league play and tournament season.
Personal Development
Participation in sports is crucial for youth well-being, both physically and mentally. Whether continuing in baseball or moving on to other pursuits, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks provide an elite experience that prepares athletes for the future, helping them build resilience and community spirit.
Team Fees
For the 2024-2025 program year, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks team fees are $3,900. Fees are paid in two installments:
| Installment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Payment | $500 |
| Due November 30th | $1,700 |
| Due April 1st | $1,700 |