As the North Central Alberta Baseball League (NCABL) marks its 58th consecutive year, the league took time to recognize the players, managers, and clubs who made the 2025 season one to remember Saturday (Aug. 9).
The annual award ceremony celebrated excellence across the diamond, and once again, the Westlock Red Lions were front and center.
The Red Lions claimed their 17th NCABL pennant, finishing the regular season with an 18-2 record. The storied club has competed in every NCABL season since its founding in 1968 and remains a cornerstone of the league. With a younger core taking the field this season, the Red Lions aren’t just resting on legacy, they’re building for the future.
Leading that next generation is Jordan Brand, who was named Manager of the Year and awarded the Bob Kootenay Memorial Award. In just his second season, Brand has already made a lasting impact. Taking over from his brother, Chris Brand, a former All-Star, Jordan focused on recruiting and developing local talent. His efforts were rewarded with both wins and team buy-in. Brand earned 35 ballot points in a tightly contested race, edging out Legal Primeaus’ Duane Hudec by just two points.
But it was Ayden Cote, a standout pitcher from the Red Lions, who truly stole the show. Cote was named the Dan Gerlach Memorial Award winner for Most Promising Junior Player after earning a perfect 50 ballot points. His regular season was nothing short of dominant: a 5–1 record, a 1.11 ERA, and 73 strikeouts over 44 innings pitched, second only to veteran Kyle Prather of the Parkland Twins. Ayden was praised for both his talent and his poise on the mound.
Cote’s season didn’t stop with junior honours. In a rare and impressive feat last achieved in 2018, he also captured the league’s highest individual honour – Most Valuable Player of the Year. He topped the ballot with 21 points, beating out teammate Leyton Sharrun (18 points) and Parkland’s Prather (13 points).
NACBL commissioner Paul Riopel noted that Cote’s elite stats, leadership, and humility made him a natural pick. “His dedication and work ethic are second to none,” said Riopel.
While the Red Lions ruled the awards, athletes from St. Albert and Barrhead also earned well-deserved recognition. Kayden Rentz of the Barrhead Orioles finished second in voting for the Dan Gerlach Memorial Award, while St. Albert Cardinal Chase Noppers earned third.
The NCABL’s current championship era remains tightly contested, but the message from this year’s awards is clear: the next generation is already here, and they’re making history. The Red Lions will now host the Senior AA Western Canada Baseball Championship next weekend, and fans are encouraged to support the home team on their national stage.
The season's final chapter plays out Aug. 22–24 during the League Championship Series, where the Ken Schultz Memorial Award will be presented. Until then, the league tips its cap to all nominees and winners who made 2025 a year to remember.
