2022 Ottawa BlackJacks: Looking Back While Planning Ahead
August 30, 2022 – Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) – Ottawa BlackJacks News Release
Ottawa Blackjacks huddle
(Ottawa BlackJacks)
As the Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) wrap up their third season presented by Ottawa General Contractors and launch their 2023 season seat memberships, the organization looks back on a successful campaign and highlights some of the key factors that made this year a memorable one, including record-breaking team performances, unique gameday entertainment and impactful community initiatives.
Winning five of its final six home games under the leadership of interim head coach James Derouin, Ottawa ended their regular season on a high note as the team prepared to take on the 2022 CEBL champions, the Hamilton Honey Badgers, in the CEBL semifinals on August 12. Basketball fans from across the country came to Ottawa to enjoy “La Crème de la Crème” of Canadian basketball as the final four CEBL teams were competing for the title. BlackJacks season seat members had priority access to Championship Weekend tickets, giving them the best seats at TD Place. The 2023 season seat memberships are now on sale and BlackJacks fans are invited to visit theblackjacks.ca/tickets for more details.
With two players having NBA experience (Deng Adel, Walt Lemon Jr.) and seven returning players (Johnny Berhanemeskel, Kadre Gray, Tyrell Green, Guillaume Pépin, Chad Posthumus, Tommy Scrubb and Ryan Wright), the 2022 BlackJacks roster offered fast-paced and exciting basketball, breaking multiple league and team records, including the biggest Elam Ending comeback in CEBL history on June 27 as BlackJacks forward Tyrell Green hit the winning three-pointer to complete a 14-point Elam Ending comeback against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. A week later, the BlackJacks tied a league record for the largest margin of victory and lowest number of points allowed with a 101-50 win over the visiting Saskatchewan Rattlers.
Making the BlackJacks mission statement come to life with world-class sport and entertainment experience in the nation’s capital, BlackJacks host Bobby Brugal and resident DJ, DJ TDOT energized the crowd during every home game at the Arena at TD Place. In addition to five themed games, fun activations and giveaways, the BlackJacks saw some of the most talented up and coming local artists and personalities performing during their regular season halftime shows, including:
-JYDN HILL, R&B Singer
-Maya Spoken, Spoken Word Poet
-The Poppers Club presented by the Flava Factory, Dance Pack
-Sax ‘N Sip, Saxophonist
-City Fidelia, Soulful Street Poet, Rapper, Singer, and Songwriter
-DJ Merquez and DJ Velvet
-Kayiri, Violinist
-Fana Soro, Master of the African Drum
-BBOYIZM, Premier Street Dance company in Canada
-Sabaya, Singer-songwriter, Musician and Producer
In addition to highlighting local talent, the BlackJacks take pride in supporting their community and being key members in the growth and accessibility of the game of basketball in Ottawa-Gatineau. Through partnerships with the City of Ottawa, Christie Lake Kids, BGC Ottawa and the 2022 Ontario Summer Indigenous Games, the BlackJacks have coached and organized numerous youth basketball clinics around the city. The team has also welcomed more than 100 Indigenous athletes at the Arena at TD Place to watch a BlackJacks practice and learn from Coach Derouin.
Local basketball clubs such as the Nepean Blue Devils, Ottawa Shooting Stars, Russell Rockets, Valley Pride Basketball, Ottawa Elite, Ottawa Rising Stars and Team Believe had the opportunity to take part in exciting gameday experiences, allowing them to play on the court at TD Place before BlackJacks games, to stand on the court near the players bench during the team warmups and standing alongside players during the national anthem. Local basketball clubs who wish to learn more about Group Tickets and experiences are invited to contact the BlackJacks at [email protected].
During their last regular season game on August 1, local painter Allan Andre created an art piece that was auctioned off during CEBL Championship Weekend. A total of $700 was raised to support youth basketball, courtesy of the OSEG Foundation.
The team also launched the BlackJacks Reading Challenge and organized a book drive during the July 24 game. BlackJacks forwards Zena Edosomwan and Maxime Boursiquot visited two community centres and read inspiring books in both official languages to more than 30 children, a project in collaboration with Kids up Front.
As reported by post-game surveys directed to BlackJacks ticket holders, gameday experiences were very positive and exceeding the goals set by the organization, with the level of competition and atmosphere being the main drivers. The BlackJacks front office is looking to build on the feedback received during the 2022 season to deliver the best sport and entertainment experience in the nation’s capital in 2023.
Ottawa BlackJacks 2023 season seat memberships are now available and fans looking to reserve the best seats, including courtside seats and tables, for all 10 regular season games and one potential playoff game can visit the BlackJacks website at theblackjacks.ca/tickets. Season seat members enjoys various benefits, including, but not limited to, lowest possible price on tickets, discounts on merchandise and additional single game tickets, and invitation to preseason Meet & Greet with BlackJacks players and coaches. For more information, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected].
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