The Sylvan Lake Gulls have developed a large and loyal fanbase since the team was founded in 2020 and began play in June of 2021. Let’s take a look back at how it all came together.
It started as an idea shared in a living room on a cold winter night. At first, the idea may have seemed a bit far-fetched, but the more it was discussed, the more doable it became. An ownership group was soon assembled: Graham and Jennifer Schetzsle, Trevor and Tammy Fawcett, and Brad and Tara Fawcett. From there, a leadership group was put in place. Aqil Samuel was hired as President and COO, Jason Chatwood was named Head Coach, and the rest of the leadership team soon followed.
In March of 2020, the WCBL officially announced that Sylvan Lake had been awarded a franchise. Later that year in September, a lease was signed with the Town of Sylvan Lake for a new stadium to be built at Pogadl Park. An official groundbreaking ceremony followed, and construction began on what has become a stadium that Central Albertans are proud of.
The inaugural season did not come without challenges. First and foremost was navigating COVID-19. The organization faced several difficult decisions, including whether it was even possible to field a team. One of the biggest hurdles was that American-born players were not allowed to cross the border, resulting in an all-Canadian roster. In addition, only five teams chose to operate that year: Sylvan Lake, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Okotoks, which fielded two teams, Red and Black.
There were also fan restrictions to manage, and the stadium itself was still a work in progress. Concessions were not quite ready, so food trucks were brought in, and with washrooms still under construction, portable facilities were used. None of this seemed to bother the fans. Attendance was initially capped at 300, then gradually increased to 600, 900, and eventually full capacity. No matter the limit, the stands were consistently full.
Despite all of these obstacles, the Gulls drew more than 9,000 fans during the regular season and welcomed 1,222 fans for their lone playoff game. The team recorded an incredible 22 straight sellouts. Although the Gulls were eliminated in the first round by the eventual league champions, the Lethbridge Bulls, the foundation had been laid and excitement around the team was clearly building.
Year two, in 2022, gave fans their first look at a full WCBL schedule, with all 11 teams back in action. Once again, fans were treated to a first-rate game-day experience and a strong on-field performance. The Gulls returned to the playoffs and earned their first playoff series victory, sweeping Fort McMurray in two games. Their run ended against the powerhouse Okotoks Dawgs in a tightly contested series, with Okotoks once again going on to win the league championship.
Attendance continued to climb. Average attendance rose to just under 1,300 fans per game, with more than 36,000 fans attending regular season games. Another 3,675 fans came out for two playoff games, and a new single-game attendance record was set at 1,915.
The Gulls’ third season in 2023 saw popularity grow even further. More than 44,000 fans passed through the gates, and another regular-season single-game attendance record was set at 1,948. Playoff crowds remained strong, with over 4,200 fans attending two home playoff games. After defeating Lethbridge in the first round, the Gulls once again ran into Okotoks and were eliminated, with the Dawgs repeating as WCBL champions.
In 2024, the WCBL welcomed a 12th team, the Saskatoon Berries, and it proved to be a landmark year for the Gulls. Sylvan Lake established a WCBL record with 44 regular-season wins. In the playoffs, the Gulls eliminated the Brooks Bombers in two straight games before meeting Okotoks once again. The Gulls took the first game of the series but dropped the next two and were eliminated by the eventual league champions for the fourth straight season. Attendance remained strong, with more than 45,000 fans attending games in 2024.
The 2025 season saw a slight dip in both the win-loss record and attendance, due in part to an uncooperative summer with several cold and wet evenings. Even so, the Gulls averaged over 1,500 fans per game, third-best in the league. On the field, they finished second in the Western Conference behind Okotoks.
In the playoffs, the Gulls swept Lethbridge and advanced once again to face their long-time nemesis, the Dawgs. This time, Sylvan Lake finally broke through, defeating Okotoks in two straight games to advance to the league final for the first time in franchise history. The Gulls opened the championship series in Regina with a thrilling 3–2 extra-innings win. They returned home for Games 2 and 3 but were unable to close out the series, losing 10–7 and 5–4. Game 2 was particularly heartbreaking, as the Gulls entered the ninth inning with a 6–4 lead before surrendering six runs. A late rally fell just short.
As the Gulls head into the 2026 season, some changes are on the horizon. Jason Chatwood has stepped down as Head Coach and will be replaced by former Gulls pitcher Matt Hape. Roughly half of last season’s roster is expected to return, and it will be exciting to see which new faces join the team.
One thing is certain: another exciting season awaits at the ballpark. The Gulls continue to offer a first-rate fan experience, both on and off the field, and Sylvan Lake is extremely fortunate to have this organization in its community. I, for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Go, Gulls, Go!
