Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Team Canada: Future Games Continues To Grow And Impress

August 7, 2021
Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Canada Senior Writer

Follow @PBR_Ontario
Follow @PBR_Alberta
Follow @PrepBaseballBC
Follow @PBR_Qubec

EMERSON, Ga. - The Future Games returned to LakePoint and the Prep Baseball Report event was better than ever.

After 2020 resulted in the Future Games being held at separate sites due to COVID-19 restrictions - which also meant no participation from Team Canada - it was full steam ahead in 2021 and with it came the feeling of satisfaction after the 10th annual event concluded its nearly weeklong run.

“It isn't a secret formula: create a format and environment for good players to show off what they've got and the coaches will be there,” explained Shooter Hunt, PBR Crosschecker. “That is what makes this event so special each year. Because when it comes down to it, everyone in the PBR network is working to try and help players connect with schools.”

That is what happened with 32 teams featuring players from nearly every state in the country along with Canada competing in front of a record 333 college coaches.

“It was amazing to see the 300+ college coaches back in attendance,” related Hunt, the vice president of scouting for PBR. “It was almost like returning to school after summer break and getting to see all your friends again. They helped bring some more energy to the yard, and I think the kids raised their level of play because of it.”

Sean Duncan, PBR President, echoed what Hunt had to say.

“This event is always about the players performing in front of college coaches, so it was great to see such an overwhelming amount of college coaches this year,” Duncan said. “More importantly, the players were really really good and performed up to their abilities. So many players have already committed shortly after the event, with hundreds more to come in the near future. And that ultimately is what this is all about: Bringing the top uncommitted underclassmen across the country and having them compete and perform in front of college coaches.”

Doing it in person rather than via live-stream like a year ago only made the event better in the eyes of Duncan.

“It was so much more impactful on a whole to have all the states back to LakePoint,” Duncan admitted. “Last year, due to COVID restrictions in many states, we broke up the Future Games into three regional pods. While all the pods were loaded with talent, it just didn't have the same impact as it does when everyone is together. It also helped that college coaches were able to be there in person to evaluate, as opposed to watching the live streams.”

The setting at the facility in Georgia is hard to beat. 

“It doesn't get any better than LakePoint: eight fields in one spot with pristine grounds,” Hunt said. “The facility is easy to navigate for coaches which makes it the perfect spot for players to showcase their skills. Having everyone back in one spot (finally) raised the energy level, and allowed for an amazing event with more than 300 college coaches (with some MLB scouts mixed in!) watching players from 44 states plus Canada.”

Cameron Chee-Aloy, who received his first Division I offer since the event ended and was recognized by Hunt as “One of Shooter’s 20 names to know from the workout session,” understands what the event is all about.

“Being on Team Canada was an amazing feeling,” the 2023 outfielder related. “There's nothing like wearing your country on your chest.”

Two pitchers on the squad touched 90 velocity during game action while another hit 89, helping bring interest to a team that played against Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania at this year’s event.

Duncan certainly took notice.

“Canada is always fun, and every year they have a handful of players that blow up at the event,” Duncan said. “With all the lockdowns in Canada, it was great for the players to get in front of all those college coaches.”

Hunt had high praise for the Canadians at the Future Games.

“Team Canada was the most buzzed about team coming into the event from the college ranks because of how little the country has been able to play baseball for the past 18 months,” Hunt explained. “Anyway, the boys from up north got a chance to ball out, and the coaches were not disappointed. There was a little bit of everything to watch for including some powerful bats that I really liked, but the arms are what were most enticing. When you think about how little they have been able to get live repetitions, it really enhances what they were able to do at such a prestigious event against premium talent.”

It could mean more time up north in the future for Hunt.

“Michigan, New England, Ohio, and Canada all put some pressure on me looking toward the spring and next summer,” Hunt admitted. “I just have to get out there to see all the talent. The Future Games gave a good glimpse at just how deep these northern regions are, so I'll be monitoring weather all spring to get out to some games.”

Speaking of weather, this year’s event had just one delay which helped make 2021 memorable.

“Overall, there was an amazing energy coming out of LakePoint,” Duncan concluded. “The players, coaches, parents, there was an incredible vibe every day. Plus the weather cooperated, which is a considerable feat at this time of year in the Southeast.

“Every year I feel like the Future Games keeps getting bigger and better; this year's event will be hard to top, though I am sure we will cook something up to take it to another level.”

A PBR thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Canada that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since the event):

To view all the stats/articles related to the 2021 Future Games - Team Canada, click here.

To view the complete statistical results from the 2021 Future Games, click here.

***** If you were on Team Canada and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email us and we will get them included within this article.

Team Canada: Future Games Continues To Grow And Impress

Dario Romeo SS / 2B / TNXL ACADEMY, QC / 2024

We are waiting to hear back.

Cameron Macleod C / 3B / Argyle, BC / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 1

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were meeting my team, talking to the other players on different teams and definitely playing in front of all the scouts.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel like I played pretty well, barrelled a few balls and went 3-5 in all of it with two walks. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
I loved being on Team Canada. It felt so good when I had gotten the invite knowing I’m going down there for Canada. What stood out was seeing all these kids I don’t know all competing for the same spot as I am.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition down there was as I thought it to be. I knew going down there that these kids are among the best in North America and that I’d have to try that much harder. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
By participating in the Future Games this will give me a lot of exposure which is what I need. It will also help me by knowing how other scouting tournaments are going to be.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I haven’t been in contact with any.

Matt Evans OF / Glendale, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 12 / POS: 3

We are waiting to hear back.

Cameron Chee-Aloy OF / SS / Neil McNeil, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 2 / POS: 1

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were hitting personal bests on my outfield velo (94 mph) and my 60-yard dash (6.62). More highlights include leading game 1 off with a loud barrel to deep center 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I had a really solid performance overall even though in the games stat-wise it didn’t look like I would’ve. I still thought I did the little things well like run every ball out and back up throws from right field. And in the showcase I think I couldn’t have done a better job, especially in the batting practice hitting every ball hard on a line

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being on Team Canada was an amazing feeling. There's nothing like wearing your country on your chest. Also, it was great meeting the boys from other provinces and boys that will be at the Team Canada Jnt training camp in August

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was all legit stuff and without doubt the best I’ve seen all summer. With every game we were seeing 86-92 with a quality breaking pitch. It was a great atmosphere with everyone chasing the same goal

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games will help me prepare in the future with Team Canada because now you know the quality of players you will be playing against in the future. You also realize the game is quicker, everyone is faster, stronger and hits the ball harder which is the type of baseball I strive to play in. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
A bunch of Division 1 coaches have been in contact with me including my first Division 1 offer.

Cardel Dick C / SS / Vauxhall, AB / 2023

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Being at the Future Games was an incredible experience for me. Competing at the highest level and being able to represent my country is a great feeling all around. Some of the highlights were the presence of all the collegiate scouts there to watch you play. It elevates the intensity of the games and makes it overall more enjoyable.  

PBR: Assess your performance.
Although I didn’t produce enough offensively as I would’ve liked, I thought I gave it my all defensively. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Having your country’s name on your chest and being selected to come to this prestigious event is an honor within itself. It was tons of fun getting to know my teammates and making lasting connections as well as competing with them on the ball diamond. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Seeing the competition that we faced has given me insight on where I need to get to skill-wise in the next two years. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games can be an instrumental boost in your career if you play well but not only that, it can help even if you just take the time to observe the competition and learn from them and assess yourself and see where you need to be to be able to compete with the best of the best. It also gives you a feel for those kinds of high-pressure events so that you’ll no longer be nervous in the future.

Elliot Cadieux Lanoue LHP / OF / Fadette, QC / 2024

We are waiting to hear back.

Ryan (RJ) James RHP / SS / John A MacDonald, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 11 / POS: 4

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The double play to get out of bases loaded, and meeting so many skilled players from around the country

PBR: Assess your performance.
Although I did not have my regular fastball, I felt I used my off-speed pitches to back it up. I was happy with the light contact, and easy outs considering the high-skilled batters on the opposing team.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being on Team Canada was an incredible experience. I was able to learn from different players, and the fast-pace game forced our pitching, hitting and defence to be strong. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was very strong, but we kept up. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games event presented a lot of opportunities, with plenty of scouts and a good feel for the skill at the top level.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
None as of yet

Griffin Howell RHP / OF / St. Annes, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 3

We are waiting to hear back.

Kaleb Thomas RHP / SS / Brantford Collegiate Institute, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 6 / POS: 1

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were probably my couple strikeouts and how I didn’t give up any runs and was able to give my team a chance to win.

PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance was pretty good because I didn’t have my best slider that day, but it was still pretty good and I got my fastball up to 90. I ended up with a couple strikeouts and didn’t give up any runs so I think I did a pretty good job by giving my team a chance.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
I think what stood out the most about Team Canada was seeing all the other talented Canadians and getting the chance to be on a team with them

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the event was what I expected. I expected to play against some really good competition that would capitalize on the other teams mistakes. I also knew they’d be able to hit better than most people I've faced, play some great defense and have some tough pitching. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
By participating in the Future Games it helped me see what the competition in the future will be like. I’ll see those guys that were at the event in the future so it gives me a grasp on where I need to improve so I can keep up with all the other good players out there. It can also help me with my future by getting me seen by a ton of coaches that were at the event and who got to see me pitch so it helped with exposure which is huge for me.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I was in contact with Missouri St during the event as well as West Virginia University. Those were the ones I talked to or reached out to my coach that I know about.

Nick Frers RHP / SS / Argyle secondary, BC / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlight was my pitching performance, I hit 90 mph and had 2 shutout innings. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought my performance was very good considering the outstanding competition we faced. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being on Team Canada was very fun and exciting to be a part of. The team was filled with skill, everyone was very welcoming and everyone got along great. Something that stood out to me was that everyone there had a goal to continue playing baseball to the next level and it showed in how everyone carried themselves on the field. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition we faced at the future games has definitely been the hardest I have ever faced. Everyone is very aggressive at the plate and won’t go down easy.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think the Future Games has and will continue to help me in the future because there was such a big number of scouts from all across the U.S. that were present for you to play in front of. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Since the event I have been in contact with Dayton, Northwestern, Illinois, and Oregon State.

David Stanley C / OF / Greenwood College, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 1

We are waiting to hear back.

Joshua Jones OF / TNXL Academy, QC / 2023

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I really had a good time this year at the Future Games. I’m grateful to have had the chance to participate twice in the Future Games and it will be something I will never forget 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I’m happy with the way I played and showed my skills.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
This year was a blast with Team Canada and I’m very happy with the way our team went out.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Being able to play against good competition like this was really fun. There were a lot of good players attending and overall every game was great.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It’s always a great chance for me to participate in events like these because it’s such a great way to show everyone who’s watching what you're capable of and how good you can be against good competition.

Cole Leclair SS / 3B / Upper Canada College, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 3

We are waiting to hear back.

Brodie (B.J.) Peart SS / 2B / Peoples Christian Academy, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My definite highlight was the Scout Day. Being able to have the spotlight on me for a certain amount of time was a very cool experience - especially in front of all those recruiters, players and parents.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I did my job as best I could given some injury. And there were instances where I made a mental mistake once or twice, but other than that, I feel I was pretty successful in my role and comfortable doing everything that I was asked to do by our coaches.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Playing for Canada was an amazing opportunity and a massive privilege that not most guys don't get, and who might be just as deserving. Playing for Canada was also a big deal because all of us were selected from an entire nation, opposed to being from single states. I think that's what really stood out to me.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was solid and forced me to raise my game. It definitely showed off the best uncommitted 23s/24s from each state. A lot of solid players were tough outs and most pitchers were hard to get hits off.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Just getting exposure really. Even if you don't talk to a school right away they will still have seen you play, and this tournament was a great opportunity for just that.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Although I did not have any direct interest from recruiters, that's okay because I am young and need more development. It was a greater privilege to just play, as a Canadian, in front of so many recruiters and decision makers.

Jimmy Dionne LHP / 1B / Seminaire Saint-Francois, QC / 2023

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I really enjoyed the workout on the first day. It gave me the chance to display my defensive skills as well as my swing in the BP. In the game, as a pitcher I felt good for two innings and I gave up no runs and a bunch of ground balls with 1 strikeout and I picked off a runner at 1st base. My fastball was in the mid-80s and I topped 87 and my change-up and my curveball were working well. Offensively, I had a great at-bat at the end by winning a battle against the pitcher and I hit a base hit.

PBR: Assess your performance.
I’m very happy with the way I played since we didn’t get a lot of at-bats and I only had the chance to pitch 2 innings. Everything went pretty well.

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
It was with great pride to be among the best players in the country and I developed great friendships with my team. It was like we had been playing together for a long time. We have a lot of fun.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
We faced some of the top players in the USA so every pitcher was very good. We saw great defensive and offensive players.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It was great to be seen by so many scouts. It will definitely open doors for me in my future baseball career.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Yes, I was in contact before with some recruiters and they were there at the Future Games and saw me play live which is great. Many more were there and I may end up with more opportunities.

Xavier Boutin 1B / RHP / TNXL Academy, FL / 2023

We are waiting to hear back.

Andrew Johnston C / 3B / IMG Academy, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 17 / POS: 4

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
During this year's Future Games I highlighted my much improved defense behind the plate and my offensive abilities by hitting some balls on the screws.

PBR: Assess your performance.
Although I felt I could’ve done better, I’m still happy with the performance that I had both offensively and defensively. Sometimes you just get unlucky or a guy robs you of a knock or two at the plate. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
We had a lot of great ball players and great people on this year's team and I felt everyone was engaged from start to finish of all the games. We had a lot of fun and played some great baseball as a unit.

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition we faced was absolutely top tier. Being an event of the top uncommitted players in the country, it was just as advertised, and it really gave us a great perspective as to what the next level of the game will be like.

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in this event was both a lot of fun and a great eye opener as to who we’re competing against for jobs and scholarships at the next level.

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
As of today the 1st, I haven’t been in contact with any coaches regarding the event but I hope to in the near future!

Matteo Pare RHP / 1B / St. Thomas of Villanova, ON / 2023

We are waiting to hear back.

Hudson White LHP / OF / Okotoks, NL / 2024

We are waiting to hear back.

Lachlan Maude C / RHP / Silverthorn Collegiate Institute, ON / 2023

Rankings  StateRank: 10 / POS: 2

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The highlights in my opinion were being with the team and playing hard every single game. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought my performance was pretty good. I hit well and played defense well, too, although I missed some opportunities that I should’ve capitalized on. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
Being on Team Canada is pretty awesome, but there is a lack of respect from the other countries and whole load of stupid questions that we receive constantly. I hope in the near future that people realize Canada can play just as well if not better. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was amazing. I was so happy to see that we had good opponents because it puts everyone in the game. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games won’t guarantee you anything in the future but it gets your name and your game out in front of a ton of coaches and makes it possible to be seen.

Asafa Jones OF / 1B / TNXL, ON / 2024

PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The Future Games was an amazing experience. I loved the atmosphere, everyone participating was there to compete and I loved that. 

PBR: Assess your performance.
Closer to the end of the tournament I began to make some adjustments. The first few games I was out ahead, so I told myself to live backside, and the last game I did just that, going 3-3 with all my hits being in left of centre field. 

PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Canada and what stood out.
I liked the dynamic in the dugout. The Junior Future team was loaded with talented players that had personalities and made those 4 days a blast. 

PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The Future Games opened my eyes to the level of talent that is everywhere. 

PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
After participating in the Future Games, I realize I need to spend the next off-season and the rest of my high school career separating myself from everyone. 

PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
As of now, no colleges have reached out, but I’m praying that they will in the near future.

Recent Articles

Premium Content Area

This article is only available to PBRPlus Subscribers. If you wish to continue reading this article:

Login to the Subscriptions Website.
To purchase a NEW SUBSCRIPTION, please click here to go to our subscription products page.