Border Cats open 2026 Northwoods League season against Waterloo Bucks
THUNDER BAY — Play ball, Thunder Bay. The Border Cats are back.
The Thunder Bay Border Cats open the 2026 Northwoods League season on the road today, launching a four-game trip with the first of two games in Iowa against the Waterloo Bucks. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. ET on the Memorial Day holiday in the United States.
Carson Small gets the opening day start
Right-hander Carson Small of Pensacola State Community College will take the mound for Thunder Bay in the season opener as the Cats begin their first road test of the summer.
After the two-game set in Waterloo, the Border Cats continue the trip Wednesday and Thursday in Wisconsin against the La Crosse Loggers.
Cats return with experience and Canadian talent
The Border Cats enter the season under second-year manager Joe Ellison after posting a 40-30 record last year. That mark gave Thunder Bay the ninth-best overall record in the 26-team Northwoods League.
This year’s roster brings back 14 returning players and features 20 Canadian-born players, giving the club a strong mix of experience, local interest and national talent.
Home opener set for Friday at Port Arthur Stadium
Thunder Bay fans will get their first look at the 2026 Border Cats on Friday, May 29, when the team hosts the Eau Claire Express at Port Arthur Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Returning right-hander Makaio Cisneros of Pensacola State Community College is scheduled to start the home opener. The Whitby, Ont., pitcher appeared in six games last season, going 1-0 with a 2.42 ERA while striking out 29 batters over 26 innings.
Fireworks and giveaways to open the home schedule
Friday’s home opener will include a post-game fireworks show. The first 500 fans through the gates will also receive a 2026 magnetic schedule, courtesy of Official Parcel Service and Roach’s Taxi.
The Port Arthur Stadium ticket office is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fans can also buy tickets online at bordercatsbaseball.com/tickets.
