Abridged article from today's T&T
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.co...rticle/1433528
Moncton Miracles to join pro hoops league
Published Saturday August 20th, 2011
Professional basketball team begins play in late October
By NEIL HODGE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF
The city's new professional sports franchise will be called the Moncton Miracles, the Times & Transcript has learned.
Moncton is a member of the National Basketball League of Canada, a seven-team circuit that will begin its inaugural season in late October. Other franchises are Saint John, Halifax, Summerside, Quebec City, London, Ont., and Oshawa, Ont.
A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday to announce Moncton's team name, colours and logo and to introduce head coach and general manager Norris Bell. Owner Steven Conville couldn't be reached for comment.
The 'Moncton Miracle' is a term that's commonly used to describe the city's impressive rebound from recession in the mid-1980s to a thriving economy today. Moncton is the fastest growing urban centre in Atlantic Canada, the 10th fastest (6th actually
) growing Census Metropolitan Area in Canada and it's known as the retail hub of the Maritimes.
Moncton has also established itself as the entertainment capital of Atlantic Canada by hosting numerous high-profile sporting events and mega concerts. Moncton's pro basketball team is being called the Miracles because of the historical significance as it relates to the city's economic rebirth.
The Miracles will begin the 36-game regular season on the road against Quebec on Oct. 29. Their first five outings are in opposition buildings and their home opener is versus Saint John on Nov. 20 at the Coliseum.