Moncton, a team that had a hot start to the season, cooled down rapidly over the past few weeks.

Tonight’s action can be seen at Credit Union Place at 7 p.m.

Summerside has all players active for tonight’s game, including Omari Johnson, the Storm’s newest addition.

If you can’t make it to the game, you can catch it online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/summerside-storm

Thanks again for viewing and Happy Holidays!

To watch tune in before tip-off at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/summerside-storm

A big week of professional basketball will begin here at Eastlink Arena on Wednesday.

The Storm hosts the Halifax Rainmen in an important Atlantic Division matchup in the National Basketball League of Canada at 2 p.m. The Storm then hosts Moncton on Friday at 7 p.m., and the Montreal Jazz visits for a New Year’s Eve contest at 7 p.m.

“I think with some of the moves we made we are going to be really good on the court,” said Duncan Shaw, who co-owns the Storm along with Darren MacKay.

The Storm brings a 9-8 (won-lost) record into the game while the Rainmen are 7-9. It will be Halifax’s first visit to Summerside this season.

The Storm recently posted back-to-back wins at the Halifax Metro Centre – 113-90 on Dec. 16 and 103-92 on Dec. 21.

With a recent hot stretch and some big-name acquisitions by Shaw, MacKay and head coach Joe Salerno, Storm-mania is starting to build.

“We are spending a lot more (money this year),” admitted Shaw. “It does come down to that sometimes in pro sports.

“We are not that far from the ($150,000) salary cap, which wasn’t the case last year. We’re giving Joe the money to go pick up a Brandon Robinson when he becomes available. You want to be able to make those moves. . .

“Last year, we didn’t spend the money to make that move. At the same time you turn around and really push on the business side when your goal is to break even.

“It’s a small market with all the things that come with it. It’s interesting the league has announced a franchise for Ottawa now (for next year). You go Ottawa, London, Halifax, Summerside.

“The demographics are really tough, and everything has to fire on all cylinders to have it to happen. P.E.I. loves to win, you have to spend the money and you have to work. Part of it is spending money, but the biggest part of it is just an awful lot of work.

“We did a ton of stuff this summer to find the players we wanted. I don’t think Joe took a week of vacation all summer. He was on the road looking for players.”

While the Storm is committed to putting a strong product on the floor, the team has also set a goal of raising $50,000 for P.E.I. charities this season.

“Darren and I run a bunch of businesses that we are very business-focused,” said Shaw. “The Storm, for us, is much more about the community stuff we love to do.

“The $50,000 is a big part of that, and I want to beat that (standard). I want that to be the floor.

“It’s a chance to engage people. There are so many good causes out there, and you would like to be able to support them all. This is one way we can help an awful lot of people.

“It’s not just the money, it’s the engagement. It brings new people to the building, it brings new people in contact with us and really makes the players’ experience better because they get to know the community and get involved.

“I told them (players) at our opening-night banquet that they are going to walk with some of the most challenged folks we have in the province, and they are going to walk with some of the most successful because they are going to be involved with everything.”

Omari Johnson joins the Storm from the D-league of the NBA where he was a fifth round draft pick by the Canton Charge.

Last year Johnson was the second leading scorer on the Oshawa Power, and fourth in NBL, scoring 17.5 points per game.  Johnson had his best game in point production against the Storm last season when he scored 29 points on February 1^st.  He currently holds the league record with 250 field goals made in one season and league record for blocks at 57.

A native of Los Angeles, California, the 6’9” forward played his college ball at Oregon State University where he was a four year starter for the Beavers. Johnson played in 120 games during his college career, 8^th all-time at Oregon. In his senior year he led the team in rebounding while finishing 12^th in the PAC 10. 

Omari Johnson

A name, email address, phone number, and short answer is all that’s required to win tickets. (If winner does not replied within 12 hours new winner will be chosen.)

* You can only enter once per contest

Contest end date: Thursday Dec 13 at 10 p.m.

The question is…

“What former Halifax Rainmen star did the Storm sign this past week?”

Enter your information and answer below.

Holmes, an NBL 1st Team All-star from Philadelphia and starting this season in Columbia, averaged over 17 points per game for the Kebs last season and over 19 points in the play-offs. He shot nearly 50% from the field and over 47% from the 3 point line with 8.8 rebounds per game and almost 80% from the free throw line.

Ralphy Holmes, left, chats with Summerside Storm team captain Al Stewart before Wednesday afternoon’s practice at the Canada Games Sports Centre in Slemon Park. (Jason Simmons, Journal Pioneer)

The Summerside Storm also have announced a new Christmas Ticket Package for three games over the Holiday Season. It’s the STORM BOGO Christmas Package (buy one, get one free) for the Storm home games on Boxing Day December 26, Friday December 28, and New Years Eve December 31st.

Storm Fans can purchase any priced ticket for any of the three games and get another ticket of equal or lesser value for any of those three games free. In other words, you may purchase a ticket for a game on December 28th and get a ticket for the New Years Eve Game. This offer is valid through game time December 28th and subject to applicable taxes and box office fees. Tickets can be purchase at the Credit Union Place Box Office, online by visiting www.stormbasketball.ca, or by phoning 902-432-1234

Contest deadline is tonight at 11:59 p.m.

Contest is open to anyone.

Tickets are for tomorrows 7 p.m. game against Windsor.

Leave your name, phone number and answer below.

This weeks question is,

“What former Quebec Kebs player just arrived on the Island yesterday to play for the Storm?”

Holmes, a prolific scorer and defender was by far the best player on the Quebec Kebs last season.

I will have a full story and interview with Ralphy later this week.

Stay tuned…

The Miracles are on top of the Atlantic Division with their impressive 8-4 (won-loss) record.  Meanwhile Summerside is in third in third place with a 5-6 record.

Moncton is led by Devin Sweetney who just received play of the week honours and leads the team in scoring with over 21 per contest.

Storm center Brandon Hassell told me that this game is important for his team, and that they will have to play all 48 minutes to get a W today.

Today’s game is at 2 p.m. in Eastlink Arena at Credit Union Place.

If you can’t attend today’s game check it out online, where yours truly will be broadcasting: www.ustream.tv/channel/summerside-storm

Tonight’s game is a 7 p.m. tip off that will feature the Express team that went 1-1 against the Storm on their Ontario road trip.

Sunday’s game features the Moncton Miracles, who have been giving Summerside fits the last few meetings.

Ralphy Holmes, Summerside newest acquisition, is unconfirmed for tonight’s game, but sources tell me it’s unlikely he’ll arrive on the Island on time.

I will be live tweeting tonight’s game at https://twitter.com/Brett4Raps

To watch tonight’s game online via Ustream click http://www.ustream.tv/channel/summerside-storm