IBL Announces League Schedule for 2012 Season

Published on March 6, 2012 under International Basketball League (IBL) News Release


The International Basketball League has released their much-anticipated full league schedule today, featuring a variety in competitors and international participation not seen in recent years.

The IBL's eighth season will tip off April 20 with the Olympia Reign looking to be kings of their new court inside the Skookum Creek Events Center at the Little Creek Casino Resort against the Bellingham Slam, with both teams ready to compete for a championship. The next night, the Slam will host their home opener versus the Salem Soldiers at Whatcom Pavilion in Bellingham on April 21.

"We are very excited about our schedule going into this season. Our fans will be treated to a great variety of opponents with eight different teams visiting Bellingham, including several who haven't made the trip up here in a number of years," commented Slam General Manager Bob Hofstetter. "We've also circled May 11 on our calendar as we will have our first chance to face the Volcanoes, who knocked us out of the playoffs last year."

From coast to coast and internationally, the match-ups this season will be some of the best yet. The Orlando Venom will host the Edmonton Energy, who will be glad to see some sun versus snow, at their home opener at the Winter Park Community Center April 27.

"The Orlando Venom is indeed excited as our inaugural full season is nearly upon us. Our excitement has steadily escalated through the past several months as we transitioned from a Branding Team to a Full Season Team. Our players, coaches, dance team, sponsors, and fans eagerly await opening tip-off," Head Coach and Owner Barry Mestel stated emphatically. Meanwhile on April 28, the 2011 IBL Champion Vancouver Volcanoes will open at home against the Salem Soldiers, led by owner Price Johnson, who predicted recently, "Frankly I expect us to win it all." If you are closer to the city of Portland, you can see the Chinooks host the Olympia Reign the same night in Clackamas. The Chinooks are also expected to have a competitive spirit this season as owner Terry Emmert stated, "Losing is not in our vocabulary."

"We wanted to ensure each of our teams had the opportunity to host games on the most favorable dates in their community, upgrade their venues and ensure variety in opponents. You will also notice our full season teams play a 20-game season before the playoffs on July 6-7, and we have maintained our branding program to allow teams an opportunity to operate at a quarter season capacity to build and determine viability," IBL Commissioner Graf shared about the IBL league schedule and outlook for the 2012 season.

On May 4 the Energy will host fans in their new venue, the Go Centre against another East Coast team, the Jersey G-Force. The G-Force is coached by Wes Matthews, a two-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers playing under the famous coach Pat Riley.

"The Edmonton Energy are extremely excited for the upcoming 2012 season. What a great schedule and structure we have this year to play with. The Energy has grown in many areas and we are pleased with the direction that this league has taken. I believe there will be record crowds in Edmonton and everything on our end is definitely showing growth," Energy GM Rick Stanley shared.

Japan will land in the IBL May 26 bringing high quality players from the BJ League and will participate in a full season, while the highly competitive Yamhill Highflyers return for a branding season starting June 8, looking to participate in a full season in 2013.

The IBL's full schedule for all teams may be viewed on the league's website at www.ibl.com.

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International Basketball League Stories from March 6, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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