Expansion good for basketball league, says Island Storm executive

Island Storm officials are excited about a new team starting up in Sudbury, Ont., next year and potential expansion to St. John's.

Brett Poirier, vice-president of business operations for the Storm, said it will add more travel time, but will be worth it for the overall good of the National Basketball League of Canada.

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"There's certainly a little bit of an additional expense but it's not anything we're not prepared to do to make the league grow," he said.

Good markets

Poirier said the business side of the Sudbury team is strong because it will be co-owned by the city's Ontario Hockey League team.

He said St. John's is a good sports market to break into. A decision on the Newfoundland franchise is expected in the next 30 days.

The league currently has five teams in the Maritimes and five in southern Ontario.

Waiting for Moncton or Halifax

The Storm has advanced to the Atlantic Division final against either the Halifax Hurricanes or Moncton Miracles.

The Hurricanes lead the best-of-five series 2-0 with Game 3 Wednesday in Moncton.

The winner of the Atlantic Division will battle the Ontario champs for the NBLC championship.

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