FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Sydney, NS, Canada | August 30, 2016

“Basketball is our product, but community is our mission” was the theme for the Cape Breton Highlanders Basketball franchise as it announced its ownership group.  The Highlanders is one of the newest franchises in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL).

Team President, Tyrone Levingston, has been active in Cape Breton Island sporting events and volunteer activities since he moved to Sydney one year ago to build and launch the franchise. 

Last November, Levingston announced the team name and logo, explaining that they were inspired by the beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands and the history and bravery of the Cape Breton Highlanders military regiment.  A successful exhibition game at Centre 200 in December, between the Prince Edward Island Storm and Halifax Hurricanes, demonstrated strong fan desire for professional basketball in Cape Breton.  The Halifax Hurricanes went on to win the national championship earlier this summer, setting up a natural rivalry to emerge with the home town Highlanders.

Announcing the ownership group, Levingston said, “I am excited for this club as we have some of the most influential business and community leaders on board, including from Sydney, Edwardsville, Port Hawkesbury, Halifax, and other regions. Together, we will give our Island a team they can be proud of.”

The owners include:

Martin Chernin - Harbour Royale Development

Parker Rudderham - Pharmacy Wholesales Services

Jim Gogan - Breton Law Group

Jim Kehoe - Joneljim Concrete Construction

Sean Burke - Polysteel Atlantic

Martin Karrel - Island Distributors

Dr. Paul Pluta - Port Hawkesbury

Membertou

Tyrone Levingston – Team/Franchise President

And many others who prefer to remain anonymous at this time.

League commissioner, Dave Magley, commented, “This is a huge day for the NBL Canada, the owners of the new team, and the Island of Cape Breton. Professional Basketball will impact lives through entertainment on the court and positive activity in the community. Congratulations to Tyrone, Marty Chernin, and all the people who worked hard to make this happen.”

The Highlanders are set to begin their inaugural season December 26, 2016 at Centre 200. Tickets are expected to go on sale as early as October 1.

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Tyrone Levingston                                          

President                                                         

Cape Breton Highlanders Basketball
Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 902.539.4146

Website: www.HighlandersBasketball.ca

Facebook:  @HighlandersBasketball
Twitter:  @cbHighlanders

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