Windsor Express celebrates 10th season
The Windsor Express are celebrating a milestone this season.
“It's our 10th anniversary, something we gotta be proud of,” said head coach Bill Jones, who has been around for all 10 seasons.
Many didn’t think the team would reach their fifth anniversary, let alone 10th.
“You can hear the level of respect that they have for a team that has been around for 10 years,” said team CEO Dartis Willis who credits the community, including fans and sponsors, for helping the Express stay in the game.
Despite a losing record last season, the Express broke their attendance record by over 10 per cent.
Administration and staff worked hard during the off-season to stay connected to the community.
“Making sure that they are a part of what's happening. Making them aware of all the different players and events and connections. Especially the 10th anniversary connection,” said Willis.
Willis feels the signing of six players from last year’s team was an important part in staying connected with fans.
“If they know who the players are they tend to have that connection,” he said.
Not since the early days have Express fans been able to say they are familiar with numerous players on the team to start the season.
“We want to bring them back to be able to have our fans come and say ‘yeah he's back’ and to be able to continue to support us and those players as well,” said Jones.
Billy White is one of the returning players and leaders on the team.
“The fans here are amazing,” he said. “I've been playing in this league for a long time and I just like Windsor a lot and the fans are very supportive.”
For the second straight year the NBL of Canada will be a four team league.
The core-four are Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Sudbury and they’ll compete against teams in the U.S. league TBL.
Willis isn’t sure where the league is headed but says the NBL of Canada is exploring options to ensure Windsor has more milestones to achieve in the future.
“What does the perfect league look like? Is that an amalgamation? Is that a partnership? We haven't determined that yet but we're not counting anything out,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.