FITZROY HARBOUR – A young Fitzroy Harbour fastball catcher will be part of the 222’s fastball team heading to New Zealand to compete in a national tournament next week.

“Best of luck to the 222’s Fastpitch Club, who are taking a U15 boys’ team to New Zealand over the next couple of weeks to compete in a tournament and local exhibition games,” Eastern Ontario Fastball Blog reporter Adam Brown released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 30). “They will be competing in the New Zealand nationals for U15 boys, a 17-team event in Paraparaumu from Jan. 9 to 12.”

Players on the 222’, based out of Melfort, SK, originate from Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

 Fitzroy Harbour’s Conner Hopper will be backstopping the squad.

“‘Hop’ is a top player on West Carleton Electric – U14 last year, U16 this year,” Brown said.

Other eastern Ontario communities with players on the team include Springbrook and Napanee.

The 222’s are coached by former national team player and ISC hall of famer, Dean Holoien and Keith Mackintosh.

222’s Fastpitch was created to assist young players in reaching their softball goals by implementing proven training techniques and elite instruction benefiting every skill level of player from mites to college. With more than 40 years of elite playing and coaching experience, Holoien and Mackintosh know what it takes to be an elite softball player. They have gone from the playgrounds of Melfort to representing Canada. As the owners of 222’s Fastpitch, Holoien and Mackintosh offer not only their knowledge and expertise but also enhance the program by incorporating the assistance of former national team and current college athletes.