Many basketball fans were excited to hear the news of a new professional basketball team coming to London, I purchased 2 season tickets as soon as I could and have taken each of my 4 children and other family members to check out the action.  After clapping hands with some of the players, my 10 year old proclaimed “this is the best time I have ever had in my life” which made me second guess those trips to Great Wolf Lodge and Canada’s Wonderland.  My 12 year old thinks that this winter has been a mild one because the Lightning are “heating it up” this winter.

Ryan’s son Jayden enjoying the action!

 The truth is, the level of competition is very high, the speed of the game is rapid and exciting highlight plays for the new and old fans alike are plentiful.  Second only to Halifax (who were a part of the ABA and the Premier Basketball League since 2007), the attendance at the John Labatt Centre fills the stands with many boisterous and knowledgeable fans.  And the fan base keeps growing and growing by the game.  I can’t help but mention, our mascot “Lil Flash” is a real life hero- there is no better at what he does. 

When firing on all cylinders, our team led by Gabe Freeman and a roster of very talented individuals can destroy each and every opponent placed in front of them on any given day.  The passion each of the Lightning players has for this sport and our city is very apparent.  I still think about that game against Halifax on Jan 7, we were down big and mounted a huge comeback; our fans were insane because we fed off our player’s passion.  You could literally feel the electricity; we really lived up to our nickname on that day.  Any fan that witnessed that game will be back for another.

The franchise has made countless visits to area schools, hospitals and benefits and in turn, the city is supporting them back.  The team is extremely accessible to the community, the city of London and the surrounding area is a better place to be now that we have our team here, playing the best sport in the world in our backyard.  Young players of this sport now have the opportunity to see how hard work can pay off and their dreams of becoming a pro one day looks more obtainable because it’s right here to witness.   

My very high expectations have been, and continue to be exceeded.  If you are a fan of basketball or competition for that matter, it’s a must to come down to an amazing venue like the JLC and check out a game.  Tickets are as low as $12, if you are not a fan, give it a shot and you will be guaranteed to have a great time.

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Ryan Blake is a husband and a father of 4, a lifetime lover of basketball, eager to see the growth of the sport in our country and a passionate supporter of the London Lightning and NBL Canada.