Minor League pickleball teams play on Amherstburg courts

The Detroit-Windsor Drive pickleball team was in Amherstburg recently playing a tournament on the courts at the Libro Centre. The Drive play in the Canadian National Pickleball League.

Minor league pickleball players were in Amherstburg for a one-day competition to prepare themselves for their league finals.

The Detroit-Windsor Drive pickleball team, which competes in the Canadian National Pickleball League, held a competition recently at the pickleball courts at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. They are part of “The Dink Minor League Pickleball Canada,” which is considered the “official pathway” to the Canadian National Pickleball League.

“It’s the second one in the area,” said Brandon Contratto, who leads the Drive along with Evan Hollinsky.  

Tecumseh is home to the Detroit-Windsor club, but they wanted to have another event before the league finals in London. Contratto added they plan on calling Amherstburg, Tecumseh and LaSalle courts as their home courts.

Contratto said there were 16 teams across three divisions at last Saturday’s competition, with each team consisting of two men and two women. Players ranged in age from 15-years-old up to over 70.

“It’s a really, really good turnout for the first competition (in Amherstburg),” said Contratto. “There’s no age minimum or age maximum.”

The Detroit-Windsor Drive came to Amherstburg by getting to know members of the Amherstburg Pickleball Association, with members of the latter they know being Linda DiPasquale and Tim Rousseau.

The Drive will be competing against teams from across Canada at the championships in London. There will be eight teams in total at the national championships.

Contratto predicted there would be more team events at the Libro Centre.

“We’re just happy to be here,” he said.

Minor League pickleball teams play on Amherstburg courts

By Ron Giofu