CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The Island Storm is going to give their home opener another shot.
After the team’s first game of the National Basketball League of Canada regular season was postponed Friday due to inclement weather, the Storm will host the Cape Breton Highlanders tonight in a makeup contest. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Eastlink Centre.
“We’re certainly looking forward to get going,” Storm head coach Tim Kendrick said. “When something like this happens, you have to make it into a positive.”
The postponement provided the Storm its first chance to practice on its home court at the Eastlink Centre. The team held training camp and practices at a few different locations this fall.
“We made sure our guys understand this is an advantage for us because now we get to practice on our floor before we play, and we get another shoot tomorrow morning,” Kendrick said Friday. “We get acclimated.”
Forward Dominic Shuler, who was slowed during training camp while recovering from a surgical procedure on his ankle, will dress tonight. He didn’t play a pre-season game but has practised this week and was cleared to play Thursday afternoon.
“He’s a real dynamic, energy type of player,” Kendrick said, noting they expect him to be a good rebounder and defender.
With Shuler ready to play, the Storm placed Trenity Burdine on inactive reserve to get to the 12-man active roster.
“Trenity Burdine has turned himself into great pro and a great role guy,” Kendrick said of the former Holland College Hurricane. “(He) understands everything about this game and how it works. He does a great job for us in PR and does a great job for us when he gets the chance to dress.”
Tickets purchased for Friday's game are valid for tonight’s contest.
The Storm will host the Saint John Riptide Sunday at 2 p.m.
