Home / Sports / Unknown Thunder Bay Player Shocks Nationals with Gold
Unknown Thunder Bay Player Shocks Nationals with Gold
3 Sep
Summary
- Jason Horychuk, an unknown from Thunder Bay, won a national pickleball gold medal.
- Horychuk and partner Joel Jones clinched the men's doubles title.
- Nearly 950 participants competed in the national pickleball championships.
The 2026 IG Wealth Management National Pickleball Championships, concluding on August 30th, saw participants from across Canada compete. Thunder Bay's own Jason Horychuk emerged as a national champion, securing a gold medal in men's doubles with partner Joel Jones in the 4.5+ rated division for players aged 35-49. This victory marked their first Canadian National Championship title.
Horychuk also earned a silver medal in mixed doubles (4.0+ rated, 50+ age group) with partner Marie Aubie. Other notable performances from Thunder Bay included Florina Nisioiu winning a bronze medal in women's singles (4.0+ rated, 50+ age group), Roberto Mancuso achieving 12 wins across categories, James Martinsen and Erin Manahan securing bronze medals, and veteran Tom Steele earning 8 wins.
The national tournament hosted nearly 950 players in Downsview and Vaughn, Ontario. The article notes the increasing popularity of pickleball across North America and the subsequent need for more courts, training facilities, and organized events to support its growth.
