ISC Saddened by Passing of Two-Time Legends MVP Ward Gosse
Blair Setford • January 20, 2025
Ward Gosse 1968-2025
The ISC is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Newfoundland native Ward Goss and we offer our deepest sympathies to Ward's family, teammates and friends.
Ward had a long and distinguished fastball career, being inducted into the Softball Newfoundland & Labrador Hall of Fame in 2014. At the National level, Ward played on 15 Provincial teams winning 6 Medals: 1 Gold, 3 Silver & 2 Bronze and was named to the All-Tournament Team on three occasions.
Internationally, he was named to the ISC Second All-World Team as a Pitcher in 2006 with Kegel Black Knights and in 2007, he was named Second Team All-American at the ASA National Championship. In 2012, he was a member of the Parry Island Hawks team that captured the ISC II Championship and was named Tournament MVP and Most Outstanding Pitcher.
In the ISC Legends 50+ division, Ward was the MVP in both 2018 and 2022 as a member of the championship-winning Sudbury Relics team.
His accomplishments in the St. John's Men's Fastball League are legion, including Rookie of the Year in 1988, Sportsmanship & Ability in 2003, 1 Triple Crown of Batting, 2 Triple Crowns of Pitching, 7 Regular Season MVPs, 10 Playoff MVPs and 11 All-League Team Selections.
Ward was a multi-sport athlete and during the fastball offseason he demonstrated a love and talent for hockey. He played for 17 years in the Senior A St. John’s Senior Hockey League and was a member of 5 Herder championship teams in 1990, 1995, 1996, 2002, and 2005. He was top defensemen in the West Coast Senior Hockey League for the 2002-2003 season. In 2019, he was inducted in the Sport Newfoundland Hall of Fame.
Outside of his stellar athletic career, Ward served in municipal government and spent more than 20 years in the Real Estate and Financial Services industry after graduating from Memorial University. He grew up in Bay Roberts and lived in the scenic town of Torbay. Ward is survived by his wife Karen of over 28 years, and was a proud father of three beautiful children Cassidy, Samuel and Makay.
Ward's presence will be missed greatly on ballfields in Newfoundland, in Ontario and across North America.
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At just 21 years old , Ryan Earley is already turning heads as a rising outfield talent with the STK squad heading into the 2025 season. Wearing jersey #24 , Ryan’s blend of speed, athleticism, and genuine passion for the game is hard to miss. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand , he’s been around a ball diamond his whole life—and now, he’s gearing up for what he calls the “coolest event of his life”: his first ISC World Tournament . A Diamond From Day One Ryan’s connection to fastpitch softball started almost from birth. “I’ve been around the diamond since I can remember,” he says. “My dad and brother were both involved, so it was always part of my world. I fell in love with the game, the community, and especially the mates I’ve made along the way.” Growing up, his brother Max and his best mate Oscar were constant motivators. “They’ve always pushed me,” he says. “And of course, playing with guys like Cole Evans and Nathan Nukunuku —who also coached me—was huge for my development.” Goals for 2025 and Beyond Ryan’s goals for the upcoming season are as team-focused as they are personal. “I just want to be as impactful as I can to help the team win ,” he says. “If I can lock down a starting spot and become a go-to guy , that’s a huge win for me.” He’s focused on his mental approach at the plate , simplifying at-bats, staying in the moment, and learning from every pitch. “Confidence is everything. I’ve been guilty of putting too much pressure on myself before, so now I’m working on trusting my game.”