By Anil Jhalli
They didn’t get the miracle victory the Ottawa Senators did in their first game back in 1992, but the expansion Ottawa Skyhawks of the National Basketball League of Canada showed promise that they’ll win plenty more games than the inaugural Sens did in a 112-105 defeat at the Canadian Tire Centre.
“We are an expansion team, these guys haven’t been together too long but we did a lot of good things out there,” SkyHawks coach Kevin Keathley highlights. “I’m proud of these guys for the way they played. They played hard and really gave the fans and the city something to talk about.”
The SkyHawks made their debut on Nov. 2 in front of an energetic and excited crowd of over 2,000 basketball fans. It was the first of 20 regular-season games Ottawa’s new club will play at CTC until February, and came on the same night as Carleton and uOttawa basketball home games.
“I’m excited and I’m pumped,” says Gus Takkale, the team’s co-owner and president. “We have been looking forward to this day for a long time.”
Takkale was pleased with the turnout at the game and the support received from the fans in attendance.
“The people in Ottawa are going to see some good, quality basketball,” notes the Orleans resident. “You can tell the fans were excited.”
While Takkale envisions the team making its mark on the league with its talent on the court, it is also important to help the city off the court by visiting basketball camps, schools and universities, and working with local teams.
“The season just started for us, and we are going to grow,” he adds. “We want to be part of the community and share the love of basketball and bring the sport the awareness it deserves. Ottawa is a great city, we have a lot to offer, and we have different options now when it comes to sports. This is an exciting time.”
SkyHawks win fans fast
Count Michel Ibrahim, who attended the game with a friend of his, as a supporter the team’s already won over.
“I just had a blast,” says Ibrahim, also a Chicago Bulls fan. “I was impressed with everything today. The crowd, the level of play, everything. Everyone around me was so into it and I can’t wait to come back and see them play again.”
Keathley was also impressed with the atmosphere surrounding his new team as they stood tall against the Windsor Express, who also knocked off defending-champion London in their other game this season.
“There was a buzz around town, there was a buzz on social media and everyone is talking about it,” Keathley describes. “The support so far has been great and hopefully we gave the people something to be proud of and stand behind. I know we can be as good as anyone in the league.”