A historic win: North Regina's 2023 Little League World Series appearance remains one for the history books
North Regina’s Little League World Series run may have come to an end over the weekend. However, the team is leaving the competition having done something no team from Regina has done before – win a game.
North Regina’s journey to Williamsport, Pa. began on home turf with an unlikely comeback at the Little League Canadian Championships in Regina.
After three straight losses off the hop – North Regina was forced to win out – and they did.
“We had like a team meeting out on the field when we lost and everybody said, 'Let's go boys, we're gonna win this boys,'” Nickson Hjelsing, told CTV News on Aug. 10.
"We just kept grinding, winning one game at a time, one pitch at a time," Braeden McQueen added.
With their ticket to the Little League World Series punched, they packed for Pennsylvania – becoming just the second team from Regina to ever make it there.
The first came in 2002 where the team was competitive in each of its games but was unable to pick up a win.
A little rain on the parade in Williamsport was not nearly enough to dampen their spirits.
"The boys are just soaking in this event, the opportunity that's in front of them," Coach Dean McQueen told CTV Morning Live on Aug. 16.
The team’s first opponent on the international stage was a difficult one in Chinese Taipei.
Regardless, the squad was optimistic at the start of the game.
“[We’re feeling] pretty good. We're here now – just gonna go out there, throw my best, do my best, do what I can," Jaxon Weir told TSN on Aug. 17.
Despite facing a team that finished in the finals of the international bracket in 2022, North Regina held Chinese Taipei to six runs.
The loss put them in a must-win situation against their next opponent – the Czech Republic.
The team played well – shutting out the Czechs 3-0 and making history as the first Regina team ever to win a game at the World Series.
Unfortunately, the journey came to an end the following day in the squad’s matchup against Mexico – resulting in a 10-1 loss.
The players were left with a glimpse at big dreams – taking in the MLB Little League classic later that night – creating memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW
NEW 'My door is always open': heritage minister insists feds working hard 'to bring Meta back to the table' on C-18
Canada's heritage minister insists the federal government is still working to get Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta back to the bargaining table to negotiate a deal to compensate Canadian news organizations as part of the regulatory process for the controversial Online News Act.
Strong earthquake that sparked a tsunami warning leaves 1 dead amid widespread panic in Philippines
A powerful earthquake that shook the southern Philippines killed at least one villager and injured several others as thousands scrambled out of their homes in panic and jammed roads to higher grounds after a tsunami warning was issued, officials said Sunday.
Bonnie Crombie wins Ontario Liberal leadership after 3 rounds of voting
Ontario Liberals have selected Bonnie Crombie, a three-term big city mayor and former MP who boasts that she gets under the skin of Premier Doug Ford, as their next leader to go head to head with the premier in the next provincial election.
Israel widens evacuation orders as it shifts its offensive to southern Gaza amid heavy bombardments
Israel's military on Sunday ordered more areas in and around Gaza's second-largest city of Khan Younis to evacuate, as it shifted its offensive to the southern half of the territory where it says many Hamas leaders are hiding.
Teen girls are being victimized by deepfake nudes. One family is pushing for more protections
A mother and her 14-year-old daughter are advocating for better protections for victims after AI-generated nude images of the teen and other female classmates were circulated at a high school in New Jersey.
Naloxone: What to know about the opioid overdose-reversing drug, free across Canada
Health Canada has called the opioid crisis one of the most serious public health threats in recent history, and an addictions specialist says everyone can play a part in helping reduce the death toll. All it takes is access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose.
James Webb Telescope confirms existence of massive dusty galaxy from early universe
New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have confirmed the existence of a massive, dusty, star-forming galaxy which was first spotted years ago by a ground telescope, but was completely invisible to the Hubble Space Telescope.
What was a hospital like in medieval times? Researchers analyzed 400 skeletons to find out
In medieval times, hospitals took care of the 'poor and infirm,' but how were inhabitants selected and what were their lives like? Researchers analyzed 400 skeletons to find out.
Avril Lavigne, Rick Mercer celebrated at Canada's Walk of Fame anniversary gala
Pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne, political satirist Rick Mercer and hockey superstar Connor McDavid are among those set to be inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame tonight at a special anniversary gala in Toronto.
Saskatoon
-
'Screaming for help': Saskatoon man injured saving family from dog attack
An evening stroll for a Saskatoon man and his three children quickly turned violent, when two Pit bull dogs aggressively approached and attacked them on Wednesday in the Holiday Park neighbourhood.
-
Saskatoon business says rise in 'incidents' in Pleasant Hill reason for planned closure
The CEO of a financial institution that’s closing its doors next year says a rise in frequency and severity of incidents in the Pleasant Hill community where the building is located is the main reason for the planned closure.
-
'Every tool at our disposal': Lawyers submit amended application to challenge Sask. pronoun legislation
LGBTQ2S+ advocates are not backing down in their legal fight against the Sask. Party’s Parents’ Bill of Rights, submitting an amended application against the legislation on Friday evening.
Winnipeg
-
'Winter is the fabric of who we are’: Winnipeg businesses, activities bearing the brunt of mild weather
Winnipeg is known for its cold and snowy winters, but this year, mild weather and stifled snowfall have made it difficult for businesses that need those frigid conditions.
-
'No Trespassing' signs now up at Lemay Forest
Advocates are speaking out after public access to a St. Norbert forest officially ended Friday.
-
Holiday Train stopping in Winnipeg Saturday night
The festive lights of the CPKC Holiday Train are set to illuminate Winnipeg's night sky Saturday as part of its 25 year anniversary celebrations.
Calgary
-
RCMP warn property owners after theft and shooting near Linden
RCMP are warning the public about the danger trying to stop a crime in progress after a theft and shooting on a property near Linden, Alta.
-
Calgary woman dies when her vehicle hits power pole south of Airdrie
A Calgary woman died early Saturday when her vehicle struck a power pole near Airdrie.
-
Humane Society names new program after Rosco, a stolen dog who died
A new Humane Society program is being named after a dog that was stolen and later died.
Edmonton
-
Gun sighting prompts lockdown of West Edmonton Mall Saturday
West Edmonton Mall was locked down late Saturday afternoon after a shopper was seen with a gun.
-
'You can feel the excitement': Historic Italian Bakery reopens after arson
Edmonton's Chinatown warmly welcomed back a sweet Italian staple Saturday.
-
'It's awesome': Local ski hills open for season despite lack of snow in Edmonton
Ski clubs worked around the clock to get ready for skiers and snowboarders on opening weekend.
Toronto
-
Bonnie Crombie wins Ontario Liberal leadership after 3 rounds of voting
Ontario Liberals have selected Bonnie Crombie, a three-term big city mayor and former MP who boasts that she gets under the skin of Premier Doug Ford, as their next leader to go head to head with the premier in the next provincial election.
-
Woman in hospital following fire in northwestern Toronto
A woman in her 40s is in hospital following a fire at an apartment building in northwestern Toronto.
-
Here's what the new Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie promised
The Ontario Liberal Party has a new leader.
Ottawa
-
SNOWFALL WARNINGSNOWFALL WARNING Heavy snowfall coming Ottawa's way this weekend
Ottawa could be a winter wonderland by this time tomorrow, with a significant snowfall in the forecast.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Snow and freezing rain expected in across eastern Ontario and western Quebec
A significant winter storm is making its way to eastern Ontario and western Quebec this weekend, but the kind of weather it will bring depends on where you are.
-
Here is when roads and sidewalks will be cleared of snow this winter in Ottawa
The city of Ottawa says snow clearing is done using a "road-priority system," with high-use, emergency and transit routes cleared first. CTV News Ottawa looks at when roads and sidewalks will be plowed during significant snowfall events, according to the city's website.
Vancouver
-
13-year-old boy and father targeted in Richmond double homicide, investigators say
Homicide investigators say the two people found dead inside a Richmond home Thursday night were father and son, and evidence gathered so far suggests they were targeted.
-
6-month ban, $2,000 penalty for Abbotsford dentist who admitted to improperly touching staff member
An Abbotsford dentist who was the subject of "extraordinary action to protect the public" earlier this year has reached a consent agreement with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.
-
Number of British Columbians lost to toxic drugs in 2023 surpasses 2,000
At least 2,039 British Columbians have lost their lives to toxic drugs so far in 2023, according to the latest data release from the BC Coroners Service—marking the third year in a row more than 2,000 people have died from the province's ongoing overdose crisis.
Montreal
-
WEATHER WARNINGWEATHER WARNING Snowfall warning issued for Montreal, southern Quebec
Environment Canada has issues a snowfall warning for many parts of southern Quebec, including the Montreal area.
-
Hundreds demonstrate against Quebec housing bill
Several hundred people demonstrated in Montreal on Saturday to oppose Bill 31 on housing, saying it will weaken the rights of renters.
-
Two dead, two injured in Quebec head-on highway collision
Two people have died, and two others were seriously injured in a head-on collision Saturday evening on Highway 50 between the towns of Lachute and Mirabel, Que.
Vancouver Island
-
Police seek 'dangerous' suspect after home invasion attempt on Vancouver Island
Mounties in Langford say they're looking for a suspect who "may be armed and is considered dangerous" after a home invasion that occurred late Friday afternoon.
-
13-year-old boy and father targeted in Richmond double homicide, investigators say
Homicide investigators say the two people found dead inside a Richmond home Thursday night were father and son, and evidence gathered so far suggests they were targeted.
-
Hoopla expected to hit new heights as Sinclair's farewell game in Vancouver nears
Canada's lopsided 5-0 win over an experimental Australia side in the rain Friday at Starlight Stadium and the hoopla surrounding it provided a taste of what is to come in Christine Sinclair's farewell game at B.C. Place Stadium.
Atlantic
-
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon nets over $600,000 for children in need
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its Maritime traditions on Saturday, showcasing various Maritime talents throughout the seven-hour show.
-
Dozens took to the streets of Halifax calling for peace in Gaza
Dozens of Halifax residents gathered under gloomy skies – a reflection of their heavy hearts. They are calling for peace as the conflict between Gaza and Israel heats up again following the end of a humanitarian ceasefire.
-
Police investigating report of gunshots in Dartmouth
Halifax Regional Police say they responded to a report of possible gun shots in Dartmouth, Friday night.
Northern Ontario
-
How to watch the 2023 CTV Lions Children's Christmas Telethon
Once again, the annual Sudbury tradition of the CTV Lions Children's Christmas Telethon returns Saturday, Dec. 2 and is marking a major milestone with its 75th anniversary this year.
-
One dead, one in hospital after vehicle crashes into Lake Ontario
A man is dead and another is in hospital after a vehicle crashed into Lake Ontario early on Saturday morning.
-
Sudbury Wacky Wings owner ‘heartbroken’ restaurant being expropriated, vows to reopen
While he’s a big supporter of what the city has planned for downtown, the owner of Wacky Wings on Shaughnessy Street says he and his staff are “heartbroken” they are being forced out of their location.
Kitchener
-
Alleged victims speak out after a Waterloo, Ont. man posed as a CSIS agent and scammed women out of millions
Several women have come forward claiming they were victims of a romance scam by a Waterloo, Ont. man. Police believe he allegedly defrauded dozens of women out of more than $2 million over 15 years.
-
'Start thinking in innovative ways': Cambridge councillor pushing for new idea to tackle affordable housing crisis
A Cambridge city councillor is calling for a new way to tackle the local affordable housing crisis.
-
Waterloo man considered 'armed and dangerous' arrested after police chase
A man from Waterloo, who was wanted for an armed home invasion, has been arrested following a police chase in Kitchener.
