The Halifax Hurricanes were a Canadian professional basketball team based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Hurricanes played in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) from 2015 to 2021, when they folded due to financial difficulties. Despite their short-lived existence, the Hurricanes made a significant impact on the Halifax community, the NBLC, and fans who eagerly followed the Halifax Hurricanes schedule each year.
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Early Years and Success (2015-2018)
In the wake of the Halifax Rainmen’s bankruptcy, the city’s professional basketball aspirations were reignited with the establishment of the Halifax Hurricanes in 2015. Fans were excited to secure Halifax Hurricanes tickets and support the team. A dedicated coalition of Halifax’s business and community leaders, including Don Mills and Lee Bragg, formed the Halifax Professional Basketball Club Inc. (HPB), bringing hurricanes basketball back to the city. Their vision was supported by a well-funded business model and a commitment to building a lasting franchise, ensuring that the Canes basketball schedule would be filled with thrilling games. With the NBLC’s endorsement and a three-year business plan crafted with Grant Thornton’s aid, the team was poised for success.
Inaugural Season: Building the Team’s Identity (2015-2016)
Selected to represent the city’s resilience, the Hurricanes played their first game at the Scotiabank Centre, marking a new era for the city’s sports enthusiasts and adding to the vibrant Halifax basketball scene. The community searched for Hurricanes season tickets for 2020, eager to be part of the excitement. Despite not qualifying for the playoffs, the Hurricanes’ debut season under head coach Kevin Dickie laid a strong foundation, culminating in a record of 21-27.
Steady Improvement and Playoff Debut (2016-2017)
The Halifax Hurricanes schedule for the 2016-2017 season was met with great anticipation, as the team achieved a 25-23 record and earned their first playoff berth, signalling their rise as a strong contender in the league. However, their playoff journey ended abruptly with a defeat by the Island Storm.
Climax of Early Success: Division Champions (2017-2018)
The 2017-2018 season saw the Hurricanes at the peak of their success, with fans frequently checking the Halifax Hurricanes schedule to see when they could catch the next game. They not only dominated the regular season with a stellar 32-16 record but also claimed the Atlantic Division title. Their hard-earned place in the NBLC Finals put them against the St. John’s Edge, where they fought with tenacity but were ultimately bested in the series.
Decline and Folding (2019-2021)
After their promising run to the NBLC Finals in 2018, the Hurricanes’ fortunes took a turn for the worse. The team struggled in the following seasons, finishing with losing records and failing to make the playoffs. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the team’s financial difficulties, ultimately leading to their decision to fold in 2021. During this time, fans kept an eye on Halifax hurricane updates and remained hopeful for a turnaround.
Legacy
Despite their relatively short existence, the Halifax Hurricanes left a lasting legacy on the city and the NBLC. The team’s early success and impact on the community made them a beloved part of the Halifax sporting landscape. Fans who had purchased Halifax Hurricanes tickets or held onto their Hurricanes basketball season tickets continued to cherish the memories of attending the games live.
The Hurricanes’ achievements include:
- Atlantic Division Champions (2018)
- NBLC Finals Appearance (2018)
Arenas
Throughout their existence, the Halifax Hurricanes played their home games at the Scotiabank Centre, a modern and well-equipped arena that provided a fitting stage for the team’s exciting brand of basketball.
Notable Players
Several talented players graced the court for the Halifax Hurricanes, including CJ Washington and Brian Rouse, leaving their mark on the team’s history and contributing to the vibrant MBA basketball Halifax scene:
- Travon Van (2015-2016)
- Jared Pearson (2016-2018)
- Kyle Wiltjer (2017-2018)
- Chris Daniels (2018-2020)
- Aaron Fuller (2019-2021)
2019-2020 Roster Highlights
In their 2019-2020 season, the Halifax Hurricanes roster featured a range of talented players, each bringing unique skills to the court:
| # | Name | Position | Height | Weight | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Johnson | Forward | 6’5″ | 205 lbs | North Preston, NS |
| 2 | Ta’Quan Zimmerman | Forward | 6’2″ | 200 lbs | Waterbury, CT |
| 4 | Marquis Clayton | Point Guard | 5’9″ | 175 lbs | Halifax, NS |
| 7 | Devin Sibley | Guard | 6’2″ | 175 lbs | Knoxville, TN |
| 10 | Tyler Scott | Guard | 6’3″ | 185 lbs | Halifax, NS |
| 11 | Carl Hall | Forward | 6’7″ | 238 lbs | Cochran, GA |
| 12 | Cliff Clinkscales | Point Guard | 6’0” | 185 lbs | Queens, NY |
| 13 | Joel Kindred | Guard | 6’4″ | 194 lbs | Raleigh, NC |
| 14 | Antoine Mason | Forward | 6’4″ | 205 lbs | Queens, NY |
| 15 | Kyle Arseneault | Forward | 6’5″ | 220 lbs | Fredericton, NB |
| 20 | Tremayne Johnson | Power Forward | 6’8″ | 216 lbs | Los Angeles, CA |
| 22 | Marvell Waithe | Power Forward | 6’9″ | 225 lbs | Scarborough, ON |
| 25 | CJ Washington | Forward | 6’7″ | 225 lbs | Augusta, GA |
Head Coaches
The Halifax Hurricanes had three head coaches during their time in the NBLC:
- Kevin Dickie (2015-2018)
- Joe Salerno (2018-2020)
- Jason Fraser (2020-2021)
Investor Group
| Name | Title & Organization |
|---|---|
| Alan Abbass (MD) | Director, Centre for Emotions and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University |
| Amy Bragg | Private Investor |
| Mike Brien | Regional Head, MacDonald Chisholm Trask Insurance |
| RB Cameron | President, Cameron Corporation Limited |
| Wayne Chahley | President, Interprovincial Holdings Limited |
| Murray Coolican | Deputy Minister, Department of Energy, Province of Nova Scotia |
| Wade Dawe | CEO, Fortune Bay Corporation |
| Doug Doucet | CEO, RCS Construction |
| Francis Fares | CEO, Fares Inc. |
| Wadih Fares | CEO, WM Fares Limited |
| Floyd Gaetz | CEO, AML Limited |
| John Ghosn | CEO, EnQore Developments Ltd. |
| Chris Giannou | President, Hercules SLR Inc. |
| Mark Lever | President & CEO, Halifax Herald Limited |
| Colin MacDonald | Chairman, Clearwater Solutions Inc. |
| Mickey MacDonald | President & CEO, Micco |
| Carole-Ann Miller | CEO, Maple Trade Finance |
| Don Mills | Chairman & CEO, Corporate Research Associates Inc. |
| Jim Mills | CEO, Office Interiors |
| Keith Skiffington | COO, Office Interiors |
| Fred Smithers | CEO, Iona Resources Limited |
| Jim Spatz | Chairman & CEO, Southwest Properties Limited |
| Rob Steele | CEO, Newfoundland Capital |
| John Volcko | VP Corporate Development, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. |
| Robert Zed | Chairman, Triangle Strategies |
The Halifax Hurricanes, though brief their existence may have been, left an indelible mark on the Halifax sports scene and the NBLC. Their early success, community engagement, and legacy of talented players continue to be remembered fondly. While their folding due to financial challenges was a sad outcome, the Hurricanes’ impact on basketball in Halifax and the NBLC remains undeniable.