The Cowlitz Black Bears begin their 15th season in the WCL with an exhibition game against the Ridgefield Raptors, the first game of the Columbia River Cup series.
Cowlitz comes into this season searching for their third playoff appearance in franchise history and second in the past three years in 2025. New skipper Dan Spencer will lead the Black Bears. Chris Cota, who has been with Ridgefield since their inception in 2019, is back for his sixth WCL season.
This will also be Ridgefield’s first game of the season, as they will head south to Bend to take on the Elks in their first regular-season series. Cowlitz will head home to David Story Field for a three-game series against the defending champion Portland Pickles.
Don’t miss out on any of our exclusive promotions! Join the Black Bears on May 30th for an Opening Night matchup against the Portland Pickles presented by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. It’s also the first Fibre Friday of the summer. Show your Fibre FCU card at the ticket booth for $5 off your admission. This Saturday, May 31, the first 300 fans will receive a rally towel giveaway. Sunday, June 1, is the first Kids in Free Sunday of the season. Kids 12 and under will get in free when accompanied by a paid adult.
Ridgefield won the Columbia River Cup series last year 5-2 and is coming off of their fourth straight playoff appearance. They finished 31-23 but were swept by the Corvallis Knights in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Cowlitz finished sixth in the South Division at 21-33, missing the playoffs.
The Black Bears-Raptors game will start on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. For more information about upcoming games, stats, or tickets, follow us on social media: X (Twitter) (@CowlitzBBears), Facebook, and Instagram (@cowlitzblackbears). To watch, listen live, or view the 2025 promotional schedule, go to our website, cowlitzblackbears.com.