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La Ligue Élite Canadienne de Basketball présente le Surge de Calgary

October 19, 2022
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La Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) a dévoilé sa toute nouvelle franchise lors d'une conférence de presse mercredi au Parc olympique du Canada de WinSport à Calgary. Le Surge de Calgary effectuera ses débuts lors de la saison 2023 qui se mettra en branle en mai et le Centre des événements WinSport sera le domicile de l'équipe. Usman Tahir Jutt et Jason Ribeiro ont été présentés comme le duo à la tête de la venue du basketball professionnel à Calgary.


« Je ne pourrais être plus enthousiaste à l'idée d'accueillir Usman Tahir Jutt, Jason Ribeiro et les merveilleux amateurs de sport de Calgary au sein de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball », a déclaré Mike Morreale, commissaire et cofondateur de la LECB. « Calgary était une pièce importante de nos plans d'expansion, et nous avons pris notre temps pour trouver un groupe de propriétaires qui a l’estime de la communauté, comprend les nombreux attributs qui rendent notre ligue unique parmi les ligues sportives professionnelles canadiennes et qui peut apporter des idées et des atouts qui profiteront à chaque franchise. Ayant organisé des matchs internationaux de la Ligue des champions de basketball des Amériques (BCLA) à WinSport en mars dernier, nous sommes convaincus que ce site offrira une expérience fantastique et historique aux partisans du Surge de Calgary. »


Au terme d’une campagne populaire en ligne qui a généré des milliers de réponses, le « Surge » a été choisi comme nom de l'équipe. Andrew Phung, quintuple lauréat des Prix Écrans canadiens et fier Calgarien, a dévoilé le nom et le logo de l'équipe au public pour la première fois. Le « Surge » reflète à la fois la dynamique économique et sociale positive de la troisième plus grande ville du Canada et sa croissance rapide dans des domaines comme l'énergie propre, la transformation numérique et les industries créatives. Le nom représente également l’aspect athlétique que les amateurs apprécieront du style de basketball de la FIBA qui est joué au sein de la LECB. La Fédération internationale de basketball (FIBA) offre un jeu plus rapide et comprend des règlements qui diffèrent de ce à quoi les amateurs de basketball sont habitués de la part de la NBA, de la NCAA et de U SPORTS.


« J'adore Calgary et j'ai choisi de bâtir ma vie et de fonder ma famille ici. Je ne pouvais pas laisser passer l'occasion de faire partie du Surge de Calgary et de jumeler mes passions pour le sport et le développement communautaire et des jeunes », a déclaré le président Usman Tahir Jutt. « Le basketball est l'un des sports qui connaît la croissance la plus rapide au Canada, et je veux faire de Calgary une ville de basketball. Nous pouvons le faire avec le Surge. »


« Je suis ravi que nous nous associons à l'une des ligues les plus excitantes du sport professionnel et je suis honoré d'avoir la chance de redonner à une ville que j'aime profondément », a déclaré le vice-président du conseil et président Jason Ribeiro. « Les amateurs de basketball savent que l'influence du sport va au-delà de ce qui se passe sur le terrain et je ferai tout mon possible pour que le Surge de Calgary devienne un pôle d'attraction pour l'art et la culture, le développement économique et la fierté civique aux quatre coins de la ville. »


« Il y a eu récemment une vague de nouvelles emballantes à Calgary et celle d'aujourd'hui ne fait pas exception », a déclaré le maire de Calgary, Jyoti Gondek. « Le basketball a toujours été joué dans nos rues, mais maintenant il sera à l’avant-plan alors que Calgary concourt sur la scène nationale. C'est incroyable d'avoir une équipe que les Calgariens peuvent encourager avec passion. Go Surge! »


Conformément à la tradition du marché sportif de Calgary, les couleurs de l'équipe sont le rouge et le noir avec des touches de gris et de blanc. L'icône est un faucon menaçant avec une forme d'aile qui représente les quatre quadrants de la ville réunis en un seul. Le graphisme en forme de larme est un clin d’œil délibéré aux origines de la franchise en tant que « Nighthawks » et des partisans de l'équipe partout au pays.


Les Stingers d'Edmonton, champions de la LECB en 2021, ont accueilli l’étape canadienne de la compétition de la BCLA en mars 2022 à WinSport. Construit pour accueillir les Jeux olympiques d'hiver de 1988, WinSport abrite plus de 15 organismes nationaux et provinciaux de sport, ainsi que l'Institut canadien du sport de Calgary, qui soutient l'entraînement sportif de haut niveau pour d'innombrables athlètes olympiques et paralympiques et athlètes professionnels. WinSport est également un centre communautaire de sports et de loisirs ouvert toute l'année pour des milliers d'enfants, de nouveaux arrivants et d'athlètes de sports adaptés de Calgary. Au cours d'une année typique, WinSport génère 120 millions de dollars en activité économique, crée 1 200 emplois à Calgary et accueille plus de 1,2 million de visiteurs.


La franchise de Calgary a été fondée sous le nom de Nighthawks de Guelph en 2018, l'un des six membres fondateurs de la LECB. L'organisation a été transférée du plus petit marché de la ligue à Calgary en août dans le cadre de la stratégie de croissance de la ligue visant à avoir des équipes dans les plus grandes régions métropolitaines du Canada. La LECB compte 10 équipes dans six provinces, ce qui en fait la plus grande ligue de sport professionnel au Canada. La LECB compte le pourcentage le plus élevé de joueurs canadiens de toutes les ligues professionnelles du pays, 71 % de ses joueurs actuels étant des Canadiens. Les joueurs viennent de la NBA, de la NBA G League, des meilleures ligues internationales, du programme de l'équipe nationale canadienne et des meilleurs programmes de la NCAA et de U SPORTS. La saison de la LECB, seul partenaire de Ligue professionnelle de première division de Canada Basketball, se déroule de mai à août. Rendez-vous sur CEBL.ca pour plus d'informations ou suivez-nous (@cebleague) sur Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook et YouTube.



CITATIONS :


Catriona Le May Doan – Présidente et chef de la direction, Sport Calgary

« Sport Calgary aimerait souhaiter la bienvenue au Surge de Calgary et à la LECB. Alors que nous continuons à sortir de la pandémie, le sport et les loisirs jouent un rôle essentiel pour aider notre pays à se remettre et à guérir. Le fait d'avoir du basketball professionnel à Calgary incitera certainement plus de jeunes enfants à s’emparer d’un ballon, à dribbler, à courir, à s'amuser et à adopter un mode de vie plus sain et plus actif. »


Brad Parry – Président et chef de la direction, Agence de développement économique de Calgary

« L'arrivée d'une autre franchise de sport dans notre ville ne fait que souligner l'élan dont nous sommes témoins dans notre communauté au cours des dernières années. Le fait d'avoir une équipe de basketball professionnelle à Calgary témoigne de la diversité de l'offre culturelle et de divertissement de notre ville, qui joue un rôle clé dans la capacité de notre organisation à retenir et à attirer certaines des personnes les plus brillantes et les talentueuses du monde entier. »


Andrew Phung – Acteur, comédien et écrivain primé

« Pendant mon enfance dans le nord-est de Calgary, jouer au basketball et m'immerger dans la culture du basketball ont été des éléments très importants de mon éducation. Calgary est devenue l'une des villes les plus diversifiées de ce pays, et ne pas avoir d'équipe de basketball professionnelle a toujours semblé être une occasion manquée. Nous attendions ce jour et c'est honnêtement un rêve devenu réalité pour tant de gens à Calgary. »


BIOGRAPHIE DE USMAN TAHIR JUTT

Usman Tahir Jutt est père, philanthrope et président et chef de la direction de Chirp. Il est l'un des plus grands employeurs de jeunes du sud de l'Alberta et siège à plusieurs conseils d'administration d'organismes à but non lucratif.


BIOGRAPHIE DE JASON RIBEIRO

Jason Ribeiro est père, défenseur de la communauté et chercheur doctoral à l'Université de Calgary. Il est un incontournable des médias locaux et nationaux qui offre des commentaires sur les affaires publiques et siège à plusieurs conseils d'administration d'entreprises et d'organismes à but non lucratif. 

HONEY BADGERS GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IN COLLABORATION WITH REGENERATION OUTREACH COMMUNITY

December 18, 2024
The holiday season is about spending time and celebrating with friends and loved ones while also supporting important causes and initiatives in the community. The Honey Badgers front office staff visited the Regeneration Marketplace and the Regeneration Marketplace on Tuesday afternoon to sort food donations, portion meals, stock shelves and assist guests with food selection. “As leaders in our Brampton community, it is extremely important for us to collaborate with local organizations that continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others on a daily basis,” said Josie Pingitore, vice president of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “Our organization is committed to continue to make strides in our community growth, not only during the holiday season but throughout the calendar year.” Regeneration Marketplace is a local food bank in the heart of downtown Brampton, operating to provide quality, helpful food and household items for those in need in the community. Open 365 days a year, they proudly serve 39,000+ meals annually with more than 1,100 households receiving the necessary food and goods on a weekly basis. “Right now we are just inundated with donations, and the work the Honey Badgers did to help us sort saved us so much time,” said Katie Cleland, director of development at Regeneration Outreach Community. “This will help us get the food on the shelves much quicker so that we can serve more people this week.” The Honey Badgers staff were also joined by Amisha Moorjani, owner of The Food Quotient, and Rod Power, City of Brampton Councillor of Wards 7 and 8. This is one of many initiatives that the Honey Badgers and Councillor Power have collaborated on this holiday season, including turkey drives and Christmas dinners for underprivileged youth. To learn more about how you can contribute to the Regeneration Office & Meal Program or Regeneration Marketplace, please contact [email protected] or visit www.regenbrampton.com .

LA PLUS LONGUE SAISON DE L'HISTOIRE DE LA LECB DÉBUTERA LE 11 MAI À EDMONTON

December 4, 2024
Chaque équipe visitera chaque ville en 2025 alors que la ligue dévoile le calendrier de sa septième saison

LONGEST SEASON IN CEBL HISTORY SET TO TIP OFF MAY 11 IN EDMONTON

December 4, 2024
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VANCOUVER BANDITS LAUNCH THE BANDITS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

November 28, 2024
LANGLEY, BC - The Vancouver Bandits professional basketball team is proud to announce the launch of the Bandits Community Foundation - the team’s dedicated charitable and philanthropic arm. This foundation is committed to empowering youth and driving positive change across British Columbia through innovative basketball and education programs. The Bandits Community Foundation will prioritize creating pathways for youth and adults to excel both on and off the court. Its initiatives include supporting local nonprofits, increasing access to basketball in underserved communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage in the sport—all while fostering community connections and personal growth. “We believe in the power of community and the ability of sports to inspire, unite, and create lasting change,” said Dylan Kular, Executive Director of the Bandits Community Foundation. “The launch of the Bandits Community Foundation is a commitment to giving back and empowering the next generation. Together, we are building a brighter future, one bucket at a time.” To guide this effort, the Bandits Community Foundation will be guided by an esteemed Board of Directors: Shawn Dheensaw, Basketball BC Executive Director Teresa Gabriele, Canada Basketball national team alumni Charles Hethey, O’Neil Law LLP Lawyer and Partner Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits Basketball Team President Peter Natrall, ISPARC Regional Coordinator Kim Smith-Gaucher, 3x3 Canada Basketball Women’s Head Coach Lucky Toor, TGL Group CPA’s LLP Co-Founder and Partner Full biographies of the Foundation’s board members can be found here . In addition to basketball-centred programs, the Foundation will support local charities, schools, and community organizations through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and event collaborations. Its overarching vision is to ensure sport and education are accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic circumstances. The Vancouver Bandits have long championed community engagement through initiatives such as: Court Projects: Building and refurbishing outdoor basketball courts across BC Bandits School Tour: Delivering cost-free basketball workshops and practice instruction to high school teams Community Champion Initiative: Providing youth and families in need with the special experience of a Vancouver Bandits game Indigenous Basketball Collective: A partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council to foster opportunities for Indigenous players and coaches The Bandits Community Foundation invites individuals and businesses to join its mission, amplifying its impact through donations and partnerships. Every contribution helps provide vital tools, experiences, and support for youth to thrive. For more information about the Bandits Community Foundation, its programs, or ways to get involved, visit www.banditsfoundation.ca . Follow the Foundation’s journey on social media: Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter @BanditsFoundation.

CEBL STATEMENT REGARDING PASSING OF CHAD POSTHUMUS

November 21, 2024
The Canadian Elite Basketball League mourns the loss of one of our most beloved players, Chad Posthumus. Chad was a founding player in our league, helping lead Saskatchewan to the inaugural CEBL championship in 2019. He was a fan favourite in ensuing years playing with Ottawa and Winnipeg and representing Edmonton and Brampton in international tournaments. Chad had a love for people and for the game of basketball that lit up even the largest arenas. His spirit and passion touched the hearts of fans and inspired teammates and all of us blessed to have shared Chad’s all-too-brief life with him. Chad represented the best in aspiring Canadian basketball players during his professional career in Japan, Argentina, and here at home. Off the court he was an Academic All-American in college and was a dedicated advocate for those living with Diabetes. The impact Chad made on our world is as undeniable as the force that he was on the court. Our deepest sympathies go out to Chad’s family, his legion of friends, fans, and teammates, and to the Winnipeg Sea Bears organization. - CEBL -

The Mindfulness of a Bandit

By Josh Kozelj • November 18, 2024
How Jon Giesbrecht brought mindfulness to Vancouver — paving the way for the best season in franchise history

INDOCHINO CEO Drew Green Named Chair of the CEBL Board of Governors

November 14, 2024
Award-winning Canadian entrepreneur becomes co-owner of the league, with the goal of growing the business of basketball in Canada

Drew Green, chef de la direction d’INDOCHINO nommé président du conseil d’administration de la LECB

November 14, 2024
L’entrepreneur canadien primé devient copropriétaire de la ligue, avec pour objectif de développer la commercialisation du basketball au Canada

Indochino CEO Drew Green’s new role with CEBL promises to provide a snug fit

By Myles Dichter • November 14, 2024
Drew Green’s basketball roots run deep. Green, the CEO of Indochino, played high-school hoops against the likes of Rowan Barrett, starred on the York University squad and went on to ply his trade professionally in Australia and Singapore. Now, his two sons are forging their own careers in the sport — and Green is right there with them. On Thursday, the CEBL announced that the accomplished executive was coming aboard as its first-ever Chair of the Board of Governors and co-owner. “We are a basketball family, right? We've been in the gym, my sons and I, thousands and thousands of hours. We have an NBA half court literally in our front yard that we built during COVID. And so this is going to be a lot of fun,” he said. It’s a partnership that fits as snugly as a well-tailored suit. The Scarborough, Ont., native said that watching his sons find their love for basketball in recent years reignited his own affinity for the sport. “The two areas of passion in my life are basketball and business. And they interplay really well with this role,” Green said. Throughout the many business ventures, Green said his first job was as a father to Liam and Aidan and as a husband to his wife, Andrea Dayco. While his sons are triple-citizens of Canada, the U.S. and the Philippines, Green has made it a point to raise them with Canadian values — and to push them toward the national basketball culture. “I've seen the evolution of basketball in this country firsthand. When I played in high school, I think we had one, maybe two people that ever played in the NBA. The ability to play in the U.S. and go to and play (NCAA) Division One basketball didn't really exist. “Rowan was one of that first cohorts that played, and that was amazing, but it was so rare.” Now, there are nearly 200 Canadians playing in college basketball’s top division. Among those players is Liam, who recently accepted a five-year scholarship at Florida Atlantic University. Aidan plays for the renowned prep school Montverde Academy, which produced the likes of current Raptors RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. Liam heads to FAU with some CEBL background, having practised with Vancouver Bandits head coach Kyle Julius. Green said the CEBL has quickly become a foundational piece of the Canadian basketball landscape through its partnership with U Sports, its reach to all corners of the country and its affordability. “I think there's just an amazing group of people involved in the league that are really passionate about growing the sport, growing the business (and) providing a really, really incredible experience to customers. “You've got some of the best athletes in Canada and the world playing in the games. … The product continues to get better and better every year,” he said. Besides his impressive basketball resumé, Green has enjoyed a long, successful career in business. He took over as CEO of Indochino, the men’s formal-wear company, 10 years ago and proceeded to launch its retail business, raise over $100 million in strategic capital commitments and guide the brand through the pandemic. Prior to Indochino, Green founded Canada’s first multi-merchant marketplace (now owned by Emerge Commerce) and was an executive at DoubleClick (acquired by Google) and Shop.com. At the CEBL, Green will help introduce the league to potential partners and investors while assisting the league and team owners on business matters. CEBL commissioner Mike Morreale called the partnership with Green “an incredible win.” “Drew’s business success speaks for itself and his passion for the game mimics all involved in making the CEBL a homegrown and global success. His personal financial investment into the league demonstrates his strong belief of our bright future and recognizes the foundation that has been built during our formative years,” Morreale said. “Personally, I look forward to getting right to work with Drew on the next stage of the CEBL and the growth of our game.” Green said the CEBL is on a “great trajectory,” but projected plenty of growth potential too. “Whether that's sponsors or investors or other types of strategic partners that really align with growing the game of basketball and growing the business of basketball in Canada, I think there's lots and lots of opportunities,” he said. “When you try to do something on your own in life, it often takes you a lot longer than it should at the core of it. And so that's why partnerships have always been a core ethos of mine to build businesses.” Green also remained connected to sports through business as Indochino established partnerships throughout the four major North American sports leagues. There was one NBA draft, Green said, in which half of the first round wore Indochino — though the company cannot take credit for Gradey Dick’s infamously bedazzled red suit. “We had a deal to provide him with suits and actually suited him up,” Green recalled, “and then I saw the suit and I was like, what the, how did that happen? That was not an Indochino. So he went off the reservation and did his own thing, but good on him. It got a lot of hits.” Like Dick, CEBL players have quickly become known for their personal branding and tunnel fits. Now, with a former hooper in Green on board, the CEBL brand itself is ready to truly take off. “I just think the CEBL will play a really critical, critical role in the evolution of the game over these next couple decades,” Green said, “and inspire a whole new generation of young athletes to go after their dreams.”

NBA G League Features CEBL Talent Once Again in 2024

November 5, 2024
Twenty-four players with CEBL experience currently attending G League training camps
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