Kalispell A Lakers Kick Off Season with Home Games Before Extensive Road Trip

The Kalispell A Lakers are set to begin their season under the leadership of first-year head coach Thomas O’Connell, with two home matches against Mission Valley tonight. Following this initial home stand, the team will face a demanding schedule, featuring over ten games on the road, including participation in the Palouse Summer Series in Pullman, Washington.

“We are hoping that we do well (on the road) and then can have the home field advantage late,” O’Connell shared, acknowledging the challenges that come with early-season play. He is aware that mistakes may arise but has confidence in his team’s potential. The A Lakers won’t return to Archie Roe Field until June 27, when they are set to face Cranbrook, which will lead to a more concentrated home schedule later in the season. This extended road trip will also facilitate maintenance work at Archie Roe Field following recent wet weather.

O’Connell takes on the head coaching role after serving as the B Lakers’ coach and as an assistant for the A team last season. His brother, Mike O’Connell, has taken the helm of the AA Lakers. Thomas is eager to witness the development of his players, particularly highlighting Jacobe Sullenger and Landon Jacobsen for their contributions during the high school season with the Flathead Braves.

“We have a lot of pitching which is nice; there’s only three or four guys that don’t pitch on the mound,” O’Connell noted, emphasizing the depth of talent within the team, akin to their AA counterparts. Unlike the AA Lakers, who only managed a single practice before their season opener, O’Connell has had approximately two weeks to prepare his squad. “We should be ready to go for the season,” he affirmed. “The program is going to really turn around with the new coaching staff.”

The new coaching staff also includes Joe Pistorese, a former pitcher for Washington State and a Mariners draft pick, who now works as a realtor in the Flathead Valley and will serve as the pitching coach.