The Kamloops NorthPaws will not be taking to the diamond for the 2021 season due to circumstances caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The NorthPaws, along with the Victoria HarbourCats, Nanaimo NightOwls and Edmonton Riverhawks, have made the difficult decision to cancel the Canadian contingent of the 2021 West Coast League season.

“We’re definitely disappointed to not begin play in 2021, but we’re still ecstatic about bringing the NorthPaws and the West Coast League to Kamloops. Talking to people throughout the community, that excitement is shared throughout the city. The pandemic has stalled us from starting, but it hasn’t deterred us from starting,” says the NorthPaws ownership group.

Players who signed to play in Kamloops will be released to pursue other playing opportunities for the 2021 collegiate summer season.

Fans who have purchased a ticket for the 2021 season will be contacted by the team and offered a rollover to the 2022 season or a full refund.

The NorthPaws will shift focus to beginning play for the 2022 season for its inaugural campaign.

A unique food truck, team mascot and other fun things will be released throughout 2021 as restrictions ease. Stay up to date with the NorthPaws’ website and social media channels throughout 2021 for all the new releases.

The Kamloops NorthPaws are an expansion West Coast League franchise bringing the highest calibre baseball Canada’s Tournament Capital has ever seen. The West Coast League, founded in 2005, has 15 teams across Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alberta featuring some of the top collegiate players during a 54-game summer season. Find the NorthPaws online at www.northpawsbaseball.ca, @northpawsbaseball on Instagram and Facebook, or @northpawsbb on Twitter.