ISC Welcomes New Personnel

Three New Commissioners, Three Player Reps & One Specialist

The ISC is pleased to welcome three new commissioners, three player reps and a new specialist to the organization as we continue to evolve to make the ISC World Tournament better than ever.

Chris Hopewell, Elmsdale, NS, joins us as Regional Commissioner for Atlantic Canada. Chris is currently president of Softball Nova Scotia and is active in the men’s game with the Shooters Bar & Grill Men’s League, the top league in the province, and also coaches the Nova Scotia Mastodons, the 2017 Canadian Champions. In his spare time, he co-hosts the popular Outside the Chute podcast.

Ferdi Nelissen, Portage La Prairie, MB, re-joins the ISC as a Canada West Regional Commissioner after serving a 17-year stint as a commissioner and VP through 1990s and 2000s. Ferdi, who was elected to the ISC Hall of Fame in 2018, is an active volunteer in Manitoba Hockey and in other organizations in his home province.

Scott Perry, Oshawa, ON, is joining the ISC as a Regional Commissioner in Canada East. Scott has previously been the coach of the Toronto Batmen and currently suits up for the Cobourg Force Legends team. Well known in one of the game’s hotbeds in Ontario, Scott will work with closely with Canada East personnel to continue the pipeline of teams in ISC.

Brian Eradus, Vancouver, BC, comes aboard as Communications Specialist and will apply his top-notch talents to expanding the ISC’s presence even further on social media, conducting additional out-reach to players and teams. If you saw any of the social media presence from Softball City for the 2024 ISC World Tournament, then you’ve seen Brian’s excellent work!

Shane Boland, St. John’s, NL, is the newest player representative from Atlantic Canada. Shane, currently a member of the defending ISC World Champions Hill United Chiefs, has been playing in the ISC since 2012.

Jeff Lyons, Glencoe, ON, joins as a player representative for Canada East. Jeff, who played with Bear Creek Express in 2024, has participated in the ISC for the last decade with multiple Ontario teams.

Chris Norris, St. George, UT, is joining the ISC as a player rep in US West. Chris has played for the Pueblo Bandits for many years and is the Director of Player Development for the softball team at Utah Tech.

Welcome aboard to all of our new personnel – we look forward to your contributions!

You can find all of the ISC commissioners, specialists and player reps on the ISC website Contact page at: www.iscfastpitch.com

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Megwan Muswaggon – Pride of the North on the Mound

By Brian Eradus • April 29, 2025

At 25 years old, Megwan Muswaggon has already become a household name in fastpitch circles across Northern Manitoba. Pitching and playing first base for the Can-West Thunder , Megwan brings power, precision, and pride to the game every time he takes the field—carrying the hopes of his hometown, Cross Lake , wherever he goes. Carrying on a Family Legacy For Megwan, fastpitch isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. “I was about 7 or 8 when I started pitching,” he says. “My father, David, was a pitcher himself and introduced me to the game. I grew up watching him and always wanted to be like him.” That influence became even stronger over time, with Megwan also spending three summers training under Canadian fastpitch legend Darren Zack . Fastpitch has deep roots in his community. “It’s the top sport in Cross Lake. We have over 25 youth teams, eight women’s teams, and up to 18 men’s teams. Fastpitch is alive and well in Northern Manitoba.” From Local Diamonds to the World Stage Transitioning from community games to the global fastpitch scene hasn’t always been easy. “Early on, learning the mechanics of pitching was a challenge. But later, the biggest test became mental—adjusting from reserve ball to the world stage,” Megwan explains. Now entering the prime of his career, Megwan sees himself as a key piece of the Can-West Thunder roster. “Without pitchers, your team falls apart,” he says candidly. “So I know I’ve got a big job—keeping the score close and giving my team a chance to win.”

Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field

By Brian Eradus • April 25, 2025

At 36 years old , Mathieu Roy stands as a seasoned presence in left field—sporting jersey #16 . Having played for the New York Gremlins in 2024 and playing for the newly named Bear Creek Gremlins next season, this St-Gervais, Québec native has crafted a storied career that’s still going strong. Off the field, he’s a strength and conditioning coach , as well as a baseball and softball coach, using his expertise to guide the next generation of athletes. Early Start and Family Ties Mathieu’s fastpitch journey began at an incredibly young age—he was swinging at a tee by 18 months old and playing organized softball by the time he was four. The main inspiration? His dad, Jean Roy , who played fastpitch and passed on his love for the game. Growing up in a hotbed of softball, Mathieu quickly discovered his passion for the sport’s high intensity and sense of community. Rising Through Challenges When Mathieu first started playing in ISC-level competition, he noticed a significant gap in pitching velocity during local practices—few pitchers could throw over 75 mph. Still, he found ways to adapt. “I worked on my arm strength in the offseason, and I gained two or three miles per hour,” he explains. “At my age, that’s a big win.” He also aimed to increase his hitting power, recognizing that consistent performance at the plate would help anchor the top of his team’s lineup.