The London Lightning’s return to the court at Budweiser Gardens was cause for celebration Sunday afternoon.
Not only was it the team’s first home game of the 2017/18 season, it was time to look back at last season’s championship. Fans cheered as the team unveiled a new banner that will hang from the arena’s rafters.
The Lightning unveil their new Championship banner, the 3rd of its kind to hang from the rafters of Budweiser Gardens.
*sorry about the spotlight, was a surprise to me too. pic.twitter.com/LTeai2G245
— XFM Sports (@SportsXFM) November 26, 2017
After the banner dropped, it was time to hand out some jewelry. Team owner Vito Frijia presented rings to the players who have returned from last season’s championship squad, such as fan favourites Royce White and Ryan Anderson.
Last year's NBLC Finals MVP Ryan Anderson receives his Championship ring pic.twitter.com/E8wYGT77PV
— XFM Sports (@SportsXFM) November 26, 2017
Once the ceremonies were done it was time for tipoff. The Lightning’s opponent were the same Halifax Hurricanes that London beat in the NBLC finals in early June. Halifax would attempt to spoil the party to no avail. The Lightning were in complete control of this game and the end result was hardly ever in doubt.
That's game! The London Lightning defeat the Halifax Hurricanes 112-99 in their home opener #NBLC
— XFM Sports (@SportsXFM) November 26, 2017
The win was London’s first on the season and new head coach Keith Vassell’s first with the team. Vassell took over for former head coach Kyle Julius, who took an opportunity to coach overseas in Vietnam. “I’ll tell you what, you never wanna lose a ring ceremony game. All other factors are secondary, you play a game like that it’s motivation for the other team . Especially since you played that other team in the finals” said Vassell when asked about the important win.
London began the season the previous weekend with a loss on the road to Niagara. The now 1-1 Lightning will take the court next at home on Thursday night versus the Saint John Riptide.
