CEBL Vancouver Bandits

Bandits to Play 1st Professional Game on BC Soil Since 2019

Published on June 24, 2021 under Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)
Vancouver Bandits News Release


ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - The Fraser Valley Bandits are set to leave their mark in the history books this Saturday, June 26th, when the club tips-off at Abbotsford Centre at 4 p.m. PT against the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Saturday's contest marks the first time that a regular season professional basketball game will be played on British Columbian soil since the Bandits welcomed the Edmonton Stingers to the Fraser Valley for the final game of the club's 2019 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season on Aug. 15, 2019.

BC's professional team is gearing up for its first season on home soil in nearly two years. In 2020, the team advanced to the CEBL Summer Series finals as part of a single-site season hosted in St. Catharines, Ont.

"We have a special collection of talent. This group is determined and features a family of individuals who support one another and are ready to lead by example. I'm looking forward to our roster showcasing a tenacious style of play that will inspire our fans and community each and every game this season," Bandits vice president Dylan Kular said.

The Bandits continue to adhere to the guidelines and health protocols established by the provincial government. In advance of fans being permitted to attend, Fraser Valley has established a unique community initiative for its first game in which local middle and high schools, as well as club teams from various sporting disciplines around the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland regions, have contributed jerseys that will be hung over seats at Abbotsford Centre. Jerseys and team kits will serve as placeholders draped over seats until fans are allowed to return to the stands.

More than 30 sports organizations have contributed with team apparel to the initiative thus far.

"We can't wait to safely welcome back our fans and supporters. Until then, we are proud to be able to showcase the many clubs and teams that make BC a rich home for youth, athletes and adults alike to participate and lead active lifestyles. This special initiative is our modest way of paying tribute to BC's youth and adults who have persevered throughout the pandemic," Kular added.

In preparation for Saturday's season opener, the Bandits announced the club's final 12-man roster. Two pivotal returning players from last year's team are Malcolm Duvivier and Marek Klassen. Three players bringing CEBL championship pedigree are former Rattlers and 2019 CEBL champions Alex Campbell (2019 CEBL finals MVP), Ryan Ejim and Shaquille Keith.

Two Americans, Brandon Gilbeck and Kenny Manigault, bring size and a scoring punch. Canadians and fellow CEBL alumni Gentrey Thomas, Jamal Reynolds and Levon Kendall add experience to the roster while 2021 CEBL U SPORTS draft selections Adam Paige and Anthony Tsegakele round out a Fraser Valley group that is ready to pick up where it left off in August 2020 when it came one game shy of a championship.

All regular season games will be live streamed on the free CBC Gem streaming service, cbcsports.ca and the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices.

New for the 2021 CEBL season is the launch of CEBL+. Basketball fans in Canada, the United States and internationally now have access to live CEBL games, as well as On-Demand content including highlights and other exclusive features available only on this service. Fans can learn more and subscribe to CEBL+ via this link.

In addition to touchpoints on CBC and CEBL+, all Bandits regular season games will also be available to watch on TELUS Optik TV®. Bandits games will be livestreamed on Optik TV® on Channel 1901 Lower Mainland Live Sports.

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Canadian Elite Basketball League Stories from June 24, 2021


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