BlackJacks Bring the Heat on a Holiday Monday
Ottawa's BlackJacks gave fans a Victoria Day gift on Monday, cruising past the Niagara River Lions in a dominant Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) performance that sent the Capital City crowd home happy.
The holiday weekend matchup was exactly the kind of statement game the BlackJacks needed — a convincing win against a River Lions side that has been competitive in the CEBL this season. Playing in front of what is typically one of the loudest home atmospheres in the league, Ottawa made it clear this team means business in 2026.
A Holiday Tradition Building in the Capital
Victoria Day has long been a beloved long weekend in Ottawa — fireworks, patios, and now, apparently, basketball. The BlackJacks are still a relatively young franchise, having joined the CEBL in 2020, but they've been steadily building a passionate fanbase in the city.
Getting a win on a holiday Monday, when fans are off work and looking for something to do, is the kind of moment that turns casual observers into regulars. Ottawa's sports scene has always had a loyal core — Senators faithful, RedBlacks diehards — and the BlackJacks are earning their place in that conversation.
The CEBL's Ottawa Story
For those still getting acquainted with the league: the CEBL is Canada's top professional basketball circuit, and it has grown significantly in profile over the past few seasons. The BlackJacks play at TD Place, sharing the venue with the Ottawa RedBlacks, and the atmosphere on a big night is genuinely electric.
The squad has featured a mix of Canadian talent and international players, and the league itself serves as a key development pathway — several CEBL alumni have gone on to NBA G League stints and overseas professional careers. Ottawa's team has been part of that pipeline, and watching them compete on home soil remains one of the more underrated live sports experiences in the city.
What's Next for the BlackJacks
With the CEBL season ramping up through the summer, this Victoria Day result will be a confidence boost heading into a busy stretch of games. The River Lions aren't a pushover, which makes the win all the more meaningful.
If you haven't caught a BlackJacks game yet this season, now is a great time to check out the schedule. Summer evenings at TD Place, affordable tickets, fast-paced basketball, and a team that's genuinely fun to watch — it's one of Ottawa's best kept secrets for live entertainment.
Keep an eye on the BlackJacks' official channels for upcoming home game dates and ticket info.
Source: CBC Ottawa via Google News RSS
