NEW FACES, PROVEN CHAMPIONS AND A HISTORIC FIRST: BOWLS CANADA ANNOUNCES 2026–2028 NATIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUAD
New talent, returning international stars and the full integration of Para athletes highlight an exciting new chapter for Canadian bowls
Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is proud to announce the athletes selected to its National High-Performance Squad for the 2026–2028 cycle, bringing together an exciting combination of established international competitors, emerging talent and, for the first time, the full integration of Para athletes into Canada’s national High Performance (HP) Program.
The newly selected squad reflects the continued growth and development of high-performance bowls across Canada. Of the 23 athletes named to the men’s and women’s squads, six are new additions, bringing fresh talent and perspectives alongside established international competitors. This infusion of new talent highlights the strength of Canada’s developing athlete pathway and signals an exciting future for Canadian bowls on the international stage.
Among those returning are internationally acclaimed Canadian bowlers Kelly McKerihen and Ryan Bester, whose experience and accomplishments on the world stage continue to set a high standard for Canadian bowls. Their leadership, combined with the energy and ambition of new squad members, creates a strong foundation for the next chapter of Team Canada.
A significant milestone for the program is the full integration of Para athletes into the National HP Squad for the first time. Building on Canada’s historic participation in the Women’s Para Pairs (B6-B8) competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, this advancement represents an important step toward a more inclusive and unified high-performance pathway, ensuring Para athletes are an integral part of Canada’s national program.
“This is an exciting moment for high-performance bowls in Canada,” said Britany Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Bowls Canada Boulingrin. “With six new athletes joining our men’s and women’s squads, we’re seeing the continued emergence of talent from across the country. Combined with the experience and leadership of our established international competitors, this speaks to the growing strength and depth of Canadian bowls. Equally significant is the historic full integration of Para athletes into our High Performance Program. This is about more than selecting a squad; it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable pathway that will position Canada for success on the world stage for years to come.”
The 2026–2028 National HP Squad will form the pool of athletes from which Team Canada will be selected for the 2027 World Bowls Championships, as well as the 2027 and 2028 Atlantic International Challenge (AIC) competitions.
Athletes were selected through an established evaluation process guided by BCB’s High Performance Committee and National Coaching Staff, using published selection criteria that assess technical and tactical abilities, competitive performance and the attributes required for success in international team environments. The process considers both individual athlete capabilities and the overall composition of the squad, recognizing the importance of building a balanced and competitive national program. The full selection criteria were published in advance and are available on the Bowls Canada website.
2026–2028 NATIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUAD
Women’s Squad
Emma Boyd (BC)
Katrina Carter (ON)
Joanna Cooper (AB)
Jackie Foster (NS)
Jordan Kos (AB)
Jennifer MacDonald (AB)
Bridget Masterson (ON)
Kelly McKerihen (ON)
Teryn Mitchell (AB)
Linda Ng (BC)
Baylee van Steijn (ON)
Men’s Squad
Ryan Bester (ON)
John Bezear (ON)
Darryl Fitzgerald (ON)
Erik Galipeau (ON)
Rob Law (AB)
Cameron Lefresne (NS)
Rick Lyons (ON)
Jon MacDonald (AB)
Jake Masterson (ON)
Mike McNorton (ON)
Kody Olthof (ON)
Greg Wilson (AB)
Para Squad
Andy Caldwell (ON)
Cory Galloway (AB)
Sheila Grieve (BC)
Anne Hibberd (AB)
Chelsea Robertson (ON)
Jack Smart (AB)
Jean Stairs (NB)
National Coaching Staff
Derek Dillon – Head Coach
Pat Vos – HP Coach, Para Bowls Lead
For more information about Bowls Canada’s High Performance Program, visit The Program – Bowls Canada Boulingrin.
