2026-2027
ONC Junior Program
Founded in 2017 as St. Anthony’s Baseball Academy, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks Baseball Club provides high-level baseball development and competitive opportunities for youth athletes across Eastern Ontario
Rooted in Development Since 2017
The Ottawa Nepean Canucks trace their roots back to the Junior Ravens, a pilot project launched in 2017 to help grow travel baseball opportunities for younger players in Ottawa. In October 2018, the program was formally established as St. Anthony’s Baseball Academy by George Rigakos and Andre Robidoux.
Over the next five seasons, St. Anthony’s built a strong reputation for player development, helping young athletes grow through consistent coaching, competition, and a positive team environment. In 2023, St. Anthony’s briefly merged with the Ottawa Knights before that organization later merged into Watson Elite. In July 2024, the program adopted its current name: the Ottawa Nepean Canucks.
Today, the Canucks continue to build on that foundation as a development-focused program for young athletes, with their own leadership, coaching, and team environment. The program is led by President Chris Chapman, along with a dedicated group of coaches committed to long-term player development.
Canucks Program
Fall Season
The Fall Season begins the first week of September and runs until Thanksgiving. All teams will train 2–3 times per week and participate in simulated intersquad games and internal assessments. Depending on team schedules and readiness, some teams may also compete in one tournament during the fall window.
Training sessions are dynamic and fast-paced, with players split into smaller position-based groups to maximize reps and engagement. Our focus remains on development—building skills, confidence, and game understanding through consistent work and repetition. Simulated games will target all facets of play: innings for pitchers, at-bats for hitters, defensive reps, and in-game scenarios.
Off-Season Training
Off-season training starts in January and runs for 17 weeks. Each team will train twice a week, combining weekly sessions at ONC Labs and the Stittsville Dome.
Workouts will focus on skill development, open hitting and pitching, fielding, and strength and conditioning. Athletes will receive dedicated positional instruction and game-rep scenarios to prepare for the upcoming season. With thoughtful planning and a structured training environment, players will continue to build important skills during this key development window.
Competitive Play
The 2027 competitive season will run from May 1 through August 1, with teams playing approximately 35 to 40 games and practicing twice per week. Home games will be played at the Lions Club Field in Richmond, Ontario.
Rather than joining a standard league, ONC will build an independent schedule by carefully selecting opponents and game weekends. This approach allows us to maintain a strong level of competition while ensuring that field dimensions and game rules align with our player-development objectives.
The anticipated schedule will include ENYTB competition in May, followed by hand-selected home-and-home series throughout June and July. Teams will also participate in two tournaments over the course of the season, including one tournament in the United States and one hosted at home.
The independent schedule will expose players to a variety of opponents and competitive situations, helping them develop adaptability, teamwork, confidence, and game awareness.
Tournaments
Canucks teams will participate in two tournaments during the 2027 season: one in the United States and one hosted at our home field in Richmond.
These events are selected to provide strong competition and meaningful game experience while supporting our player-development objectives. Tournament play challenges athletes to adapt to new opponents, perform in competitive environments, and apply their skills in high-pressure situations.
Travel expenses—including accommodations, meals, and transportation—are the responsibility of each player’s family.
Developing Youth Athletes
Commitment
We encourage multi-sport participation and ask players to communicate clearly with coaches when they will be away from team activities. During the season, families should expect a committed team environment and regular participation in Canucks programming.
Personal Development
Participation in sports is crucial for youth well-being, both physically and mentally. Whether continuing in baseball or pursuing other interests over time, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks aim to provide a strong developmental experience that helps athletes build confidence, resilience, and a sense of community.
Fees are paid in four instalments, with an initial deposit of $2500 due on acceptance.
/player
Program includes:
- Fall Training & Development
- Indoor Winter Development
- Competitive Season
- Two Tournaments
- 35-40 Game Season
- Mizuno Player Kit