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There’s exciting news for Yukon basketball fans: for the first time Whitehorse will host a professional league game.
The Calgary Surge and Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) will tip off for a regular season game next month at Takhini Arena.
“Today is a special day for Canadian basketball and it is a special day for Canada,” said Jason Ribeiro, president of the Calgary Surge. “This is something historic, the first professional basketball game ever played in Canada’s territories.”
This is something historic– Jason Ribeiro, president, Calgary Surge
Ribeiro says he wanted to bring a CEBL game to the Yukon because he loves Canada. He said it was important for him to bring a pro game to a place that doesn’t always get to experience it.
“It’s more than a milestone it is a statement about where Canadian sport belongs,” said Ribeiro. “Who it should reach and what it can mean when we choose to bring opportunities to places that have too often been overlooked.”
Ribeiro says the trip to Whitehorse will include more than a basketball game. Players and other personnel will be in the community for four days.
They’ll host a 3-on-3 tournament, run basketball camps for youth, and even take part in the Canada Day parade.
Ribeiro is also committed to bringing the league back to the Yukon in 2027 and 2028.
“We want to leave something behind that lasts long after the whistle, the final buzzer and the final applause,” said Ribeiro. “That is what this event is about.”
Ribeiro says the professional game will be about more than just the sport.
He says it will be a chance to showcase local culture and art.
“This will be a celebration of community and the north,” said Ribeiro. “Fans can look forward to First Nation’s storytelling moments throughout the four-day event.”
Sean McCarron lives in Whitehorse where he teaches high school and coaches basketball.
He says having a professional game in their hometown will show Yukon players what is possible with the sport.
“I’m really excited,” said McCarron. “A professional league game, this isn’t an exhibition, these teams are vying for playoff seeding and that sort of thing. I think it’s really going to be special.”
The Calgary Surge and Saskatoon Mamba tip-off against one another on July 3 at Takhini Arena.
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