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Baseball star Hudson Nikkel was named to the 17U Canada Games roster and he's also looking down the road as he'll be attending a baseball academy in Vauxhall, Alberta for his grade 12 year.
"My dad always played, so he taught me," Nikkel explains. "He showed me a lot of things. I could always hit the ball far, so I just kept playing and got better."
Growing up through the Morden Minor Ball system is something that Nikkel appreciates. "It's been awesome. There's been a lot of really great coaches that have helped me along the way, helped me develop and become the player that I am today."
Looking back, Nikkel says he can remember becoming more serious about baseball. "I always loved hockey just as much as baseball, but it didn't end up working out. At 15, I didn't want to play hockey anymore and I decided to take baseball a lot more seriously after that."
As he's gone along in the sport, Nikkel has taken a lot of pride in how his skill have developed. "I've always been working on my weaknesses, developing those parts of my game to become a better all-around player."
Making the Canada Games roster is a big deal and something that Nikkel worked hard at. "I was lucky enough to make it my first year last year. We had a really good team, and we were lucky enough to medal. We finished third place at Canada Cup last year. The Canada Games come around every five years, I think, so it's awesome to be a part of that this year and I'm hoping we can medal again."
Being in the program before, Nikkel says it's a nice balance of guys he's known before and new guys that make up the club. "My age group, my year has a lot of really strong players who were all on the team last year. We're all pretty familiar with each other, and it just makes the team work a whole lot better."
Perhaps the best part for Nikkel and family is where the tournament is going to be held. "St. John's, Newfoundland," he says with a big smile. "I've never been out east, so it should be really good."
Being close on the diamond is great, but for the Morden product, it's the time away from the field he appreciates just as much. "We develop a very close relationship, and those relationships can last forever," Nikkel says fondly. "We play all the same guys in our AAA league, so it's always fun to have a conversation every time we play them."
While Newfoundland is next, Nikkel admits his mind is also on the destination that comes next year. "I'm going to Vauxhall Academy in Vauxhall, Alberta next year, to further develop my game. It'll be awesome."
Moving from home is a big step, but it's something that Nikkel believes he's ready for. "I think it'll really develop me personally, being away from home. It'll help get me ready for a college like setup."
Speaking of college, Nikkel says he's thought about what that road could look like and balancing being a high level athlete and student. "Yeah, I think I'm prepared. I'm hoping next year is really going to help me further be ready for that possible experience."
At the end of the day, the sensational baseball player Hudson Nikkel says he wouldn't be where he is today without his family. "My family has always really helped me. They've encouraged me along the way, like when times get tough, they're always there. I've also developed a family like connection with teammates. I've been lucky to have that support along the way."
From family to the entire community, everyone will be cheering on Hudson Nikkel no matter what jersey he's wearing.