Eleventh annual Capital Hoops Classic set for Feb. 3, at Canadian Tire Centre

OTTAWA – In conjunction with Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, Canadian Tire Centre announced today that the venue will host the annual Capital Hoops Classic on Friday, Feb. 3. The event will feature two games – a women’s matchup between the Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton Ravens at 6 p.m., followed by a men’s contest between the same schools at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $10 and will go on sale on Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m.

“We are very excited to be hosting the Capital Hoops Classic this year in partnership with the University of Ottawa and the Senators,” said Jennifer Brenning, Carleton University’s director of recreation and athletics. “The event is always a great atmosphere of school spirit and the competition between the two schools is the best in the country. We hope to once again break the attendance record for Canadian university basketball.”

Since its debut in 2007, the Capital Hoops Classic has played host to some of the highest recorded attendance figures in U Sports basketball history. Last season the Capital Hoops Classic saw one of the highest recorded attendances in U Sports basketball history, when 10,105 fans took in the action.

The Ravens captured their sixth consecutive U Sports championship last season but will be looking for revenge after their first Capital Hoops Classic setback in nine years in 2016. Currently sitting atop the U Sports Top 10 rankings, Carleton is led by guard Connor Wood who sits fourth in the nation with 24.2 points per game to date so far this season. The Gee-Gees currently sit fourth in the Top 10 with a 5-0 record. Ottawa’s dynamic lineup is led by reigning national Defensive Player of the Year, Caleb Agada, and former Raven Jean Emmanuel Pierre-Charles.

Carleton’s women’s team, under the guidance of head coach Taffe Charles, features one of the strongest front courts in Ontario University Athletics. OUA All-Stars Heather Lindsay and Elizabeth Leblanc join former Gee-Gee Catherine Traer in providing the Ravens with a powerful starting three at forward. Ottawa will enter the game following a silver medal finish in the OUA last season and has started quickly in earning a 4-1 record through five games this season. OUA All-Star Julia Soriano, the leading Gee-Gees’ scorer in last year’s Capital Hoops Classic with 14 points, and power forward Sarah Besselink, who has a team leading 12.4 points per game this season, power the co-North Division leading Gee-Gees’ attack.

“Capital Hoops has had an amazing impact on increasing the profile and visibility of university sport in Ottawa. This unique and friendly basketball rivalry between the two universities in our nation’s capital only adds to the student and fan experience we want for everyone,” said Sue Hylland, University of Ottawa’s director of sport services. “I have attended Capital Hoops as a parent and fan over the last 10 years and now in my first year as director of sport services I look forward to working with our partners and continuing to grow this great event within our community.”

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.Ticketmaster.ca, www.canadiantirecentre.com, by phone at 1-877-788-FANS; in person at each of the 10 participating Canadian Tire stores in Ottawa as well as the store in Perth, The Sens Store at Carlingwood Mall and Place d’Orléans, Algonquin College, Superior Photo and at the Canadian Tire Centre box office.

Ticketmaster is the only authorized ticket vendor for Canadian Tire Centre events. Tickets purchased through unauthorized ticket vendors are subject to cancellation and purchasers may be denied access to the event. Only those tickets purchased through authorized vendors are guaranteed seating.

Visit the Canadian Tire Centre website: www.canadiantirecentre.com
Follow Canadian Tire Centre on Twitter: @CdnTireCtr
Like Canadian Tire Centre on Facebook: www.facebook.com/canadiantirecentre

– end –