The Ottawa BlackJacks have announced their schedule for the teams inaugural season.
Last week, the Canadian Elite Basketball League released its 2021 regular season schedule, with a 14-game slate kicking off on June 5th.
BlackJacks President Michael Cvitkovic says they’re excited about the prospect of bringing a high calibre basketball product to the city.
“We’ve been able to carry the momentum from the CEBL Summer Series, where we finished in the semi-finals, work hard on our health and safety protocols and continue to build our franchise in the nation’s capital,” Cvitkovic said. “So, to be able to play at home in 2021 is just huge for us, and we’re just excited to get back on the court.”
The season was pushed back from a mid-May start to June 5 to accommodate the possibility of fans being able to attend games in person this summer.
Cvitkovic says health officials have been working tirelessly to ensure the team is in the best position in the fight against Covid-19.
He adds they brought in some great basketball minds to help ensure the team’s success on the court.
“General Manager Jevohn Shepherd, and Assistant GM Andy Rautins are working hard to not only complete our basketball operations staff but also tweak our roster to get our best team on the court to represent Ottawa-Gatineau. So, that’s the basketball side, we’ve got great leaders in place.”
Cvitkovic adds between now and the start of the season, the team will be scouting talent and looking to add to its depth of players.
The BlackJacks open the 2021 season on the road against Hamilton on Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m.
After starting the campaign on a three-game road trip, they will play their first home game in franchise history on June 24 at 7 p.m. against the Niagara River Lions.