BANDITS OUTLAST STINGERS ON THE ROAD THANKS TO A GRITTY DEFENSIVE EFFORT

Dillon White • June 16, 2022

EDMONTON, ALTA., June 15, 2022 – The Fraser Valley Bandits picked up a narrow 84-81 victory on the road against their rivals out of Edmonton on Wednesday night at the Expo Centre. It’s Fraser Valley’s first win over the Stingers since July of 2020 and just their second all-time, with Edmonton winning 9 of 11 meetings. 

 

The Bandits rode a career-high 22 point, nine rebound performance from U SPORTS big man Thomas Kennedy to victory over the back-to-back champs. 

 

“What most impressed me with Thomas today was how he played through physical contact,” Bandits’ head coach Mike Taylor said. “Edmonton played a strong, physical game. In his pick and rolls, in his post moves and crashing the boards I think he did well. He played very strong and it was an  important performance for us down in the paint.” 

 

Shane Gibson led Fraser Valley down the stretch, scoring 14 of his 19 points in the second half while also collecting five rebounds and delivering four assists. He also scored the game-winning layup in transition. 

 

“Shane is a talented scorer – he got baskets for himself but he also made some beautiful plays for his teammates,” Taylor said. “It was fitting he got the game-winning basket because we relied on him so much.”

 

Two-time U SPORTS MVP Kadre Gray also had a bounce back game for the Bandits, dropping 16 points off the bench on 4-8 shooting from the field and a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line. 

 

After relying heavily on their bench in a loss to Scarborough, the Stingers’ starters provided the bulk of the team’s offence on Wednesday. Four starters reached double figures for Edmonton with Brody Clarke leading the way with 19 points on 7-11 shooting while Mathieu Kamba dropped 16 on 7-10 shooting along with seven rebounds. Jordan Baker added 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals in a losing effort while Jahmal Jones scored 10 in a starting role. Aher Uguak had nine points off the bench for the Stingers to round out their offence. 

 

The teams were fairly even on the stat sheet in what was a tightly contested game that featured 10 lead changes. However, 14 offensive rebounds for Fraser Valley made a difference for the Bandits in the victory. 

 

The first quarter saw the Bandits assert themselves with the Stingers struggling offensively out of the gate. Kennedy scored eight points in the opening frame, with a soft touch floater, a putback, a hook shot and two free throws. The Bandits carried a 19-15 lead into the second quarter with both teams shooting 37 per cent from the floor and struggling from beyond the arc. 

 

Edmonton was 1-8 from three in the opening 10 minutes while Fraser Valley was 2-7. The game opened up offensively in the second quarter, with both teams exchanging blows and changing leads. After a Gray three gave the Bandits a 29-27 lead, Edmonton went on a 14-2 run to go up by 10. From there, the Bandits closed the gap to cut the lead to 45-42 heading into halftime. 

 

Brody Clarke led all scorers with 11 in the first while Gray and Kennedy led the Bandits with 10 points each. The Stingers were hot from three in the second, going 4-4 from beyond the arc. 

 

Kennedy continued to dominate in the second half, opening the third quarter with a great catch and finish inside followed by an up-and-under and-one with his left hand, tying the game at 46. The Stingers went the first 3:30 of the quarter without a field goal before Baker ended the drought. The west coast squads went back and forth in the third. A transition jam from Clarke gave the Stingers a 55-54 lead before the Bandits closed the quarter on a 9-2 run that included six free throws from Kadre Gray. Fraser Valley carried a 63-57 lead over the champs heading into the final stanza. 

 

After a Bandits’ tip-in to start the fourth, the Stingers went on a 14-4 run of their own powered by 9 points from Kamba to give Edmonton a 71-69 lead. Gibson tied it up at 71 with a slithery finish and Jones answered with a contested floater to regain the lead for Edmonton. A highlight reel poster dunk off of a screen and roll for Kennedy on Baker tied the game once again. However, Baker quickly got revenge, fouling out Murphy Burnatowski and hitting two free throws to give the Stingers a 75-73 advantage heading into the Elam ending with a target score of 84.

 

Shane Gibson put the Bandits on his back in Elam time. He opened the scoring by driving left and finishing with his right hand at the rim then drilled a beautiful three with a hand in his face to give Fraser Valley a 78-76 lead. Gibson then picked up an assist to Kennedy on a drive and dish to put the Bandits up four. Maxie Esho’s reverse layup extended the lead back to four and put the Bandits one bucket away from a win. 

 

A Jones three cut the lead to 82-81 and gave both squads a chance at victory. Alex Campbell missed a three but Baker’s attempt at a response was blocked by Esho, which led to a wide open layup in transition by Gibson for the win. 

 

This is the first time the Edmonton Stingers have lost back to back games since August 9, 2019 when they lost both games of a home-and-home against Saskatchewan and just the third time they’ve lost consecutive games in franchise history. The Stingers have never lost three games in a row. 

 

They will look to avoid that first on Friday in Saskatchewan at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Bandits host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on Saturday, June 18 at 5 p.m. PT at Langley Events Centre. 


Games are available on CEBL+ live internationally and in Canada at cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Games are also available on the CEBL’s official app, CEBL Mobile (available on iOS and Android devices), as well as TELUS Optik TV Channel 1901 Lower Mainland and via live streams on 604 Now’s Facebook and Twitter pages.


Single game tickets are available for purchase at thebandits.ca/tickets. Fans are kindly asked to call (604) 866-0529 or email tickets@thebandits.ca for any questions or ticket related inquiries.


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CEBL MVP Mitch Creek Re-Signs With Vancouver Bandits

By Bandits Staff • June 14, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits announced Sunday that the reigning Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Most Valuable Player Mitch Creek has re-signed with the club and will suit up on Monday, June 15 against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. The 6-foot-5 forward and fan favourite returns to the Bandits after a stellar 2025 campaign in which he was named Most Valuable Player and an All-CEBL First Team Selection. Creek had one of the most statistically productive stretches of his career during the 2025 CEBL season. Starting in all 20 regular season games, he averaged a team-high 24.4 points per game along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 34.4 minutes.Creek made his CEBL debut during the 2024 season and currently ranks second on the Bandits’ all-time leading scorers list (643 points). Creek appeared in five NBA regular season games during the 2018-19 season, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on 50 per cent shooting from the field across both clubs. A veteran of 15 professional seasons, Creek was a mainstay and all-star in his home country’s National Basketball League (NBL), logging 338 games and served as captain for both the Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix. Most recently, Creek competed for Romanian club U-BT Cluj-Napoca during the 2025-26 season where he captained the team to a Romanian League championship and received All-EuroCup Second Team honours. A native of Horsham, Australia, Creek is a major basketball figure in his home country and has been instrumental to the success of the national team, known as the Boomers, and was recently named to Australia’s roster for the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers taking place in July. Creek will step away from the Bandits’ roster later this month to join the Australian national team in advance of its FIBA World Cup Qualifier games on July 3 and 6 against Guam and the Philippines, respectively. He will rejoin the Bandits at the conclusion of his international duties. Bandits Single Game Tickets and additional 2026 ticket options can be purchased here . All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter.

Bandits Victorious Over BlackJacks on Record Scoring Night

By Gary Ahuja • June 14, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits led nearly from start to finish, avenging an earlier loss with a 104-95 victory over the Ottawa BlackJacks. The teams met on Saturday night on Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre, with the Bandits improving to 7-2 atop the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Western Conference. The BlackJacks fell to 4-5, dropping into a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference. “The way they beat us was pretty evident and obvious,” said Vancouver Bandits coach Kyle Julius of the earlier meeting on June 2. “So, I thought we did a great job – for the most part – correcting what hurt us, so that was nice to see.” “I think there was probably a little more urgency defensively,” he explained. The Bandits led for all but 29 seconds of the game, thanks in large part to a 30-point opening quarter. From there, however, the offence struggled to maintain the same rhythm. “Fatigue. We just didn’t have our rotation,” Julius said. “We were shorthanded, and I wasn’t really surprised with the ebb and flow and the dips we had. “Even D’Andre Davis – who is going to be a very good player for us – but if you look at his ankle, it’s still swollen, so he’s out there hobbling around.” The offence was powered by Jarkel Joiner, who had 37 points – a franchise record – seven assists and four rebounds. “The coaches had a great game plan, and we executed it,” Joiner said. “We locked in, we didn’t take the game for granted.” Joiner had a larger role in the game, especially with point guard and leading scorer Jaelen House sidelined. “Honestly, it’s hard without him. He makes the game so much easier with his quickness, how fast he is, how explosive he is, how he sees the game,” Joiner admitted. “But coach needed me to step up tonight, and (Duane Notice) helped with the point guard role, and everybody stepped up.” Miller Kopp added 15 points and eight rebounds, Mychal Mulder finished with 13 and Tyrese Samuel chipped in 10 points and eight boards. Dominic Parolin came off the bench to finish with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, giving Vancouver five scorers in double figures. Ottawa was led by Javonte Smart’s 29 points with Matthew Cleveland and Justin Harmon both adding 19. "They play hard. They have respect for the game and force you into a lot of contested shots, so for us, we have to continue to fight for great shots," said BlackJacks coach Justin Mazzulla. “We have to continue to play together and have our energy not be impacted by whether the ball goes in or not.”  Up next, the Bandits return to Envision Financial Court on June 15 to host the Eastern Conference-leading Scarborough Shooting Stars (7-1). Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

Internationally Acclaimed Singer-songwriter Sukshinder Shinda to Perform at Vancouver Bandits South Asian Heritage Game

By Bandits Staff • June 11, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits professional basketball team have announced that internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and music producer Sukshinder Shinda will perform at the club’s third annual South Asian Heritage Game, presented by Westland Insurance, Envision Financial and SDC by Tut on Saturday, June 20 when the Bandits host the visiting Brampton Honey Badgers at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. Exclusive to Bandits ticket holders, fans attending the game can look forward to two performances on June 20; including a pre-game concert in the arena bowl and a half-time show during the intermission between the second and third quarters of gameplay. Tickets for Shinda’s performances, which are included with the purchase of a game ticket, start as low as $30 each; all ticket prices are inclusive of taxes and fees are on sale now at this link . Fans in attendance are strongly encouraged to arrive prior to 6:00 p.m. PT to ensure that they have time to find parking (free on-site) and locate their seats before Shinda’s performance, which will be shortly after the top of the hour before the Bandits and Honey Badgers tip-off at 6:00 p.m. The festivities celebrating basketball, community and culture begin with the free Bandits Backyard BBQ presented by Otter Co-op starting at 4:00 p.m. Taking place outside Gate 4 adjacent to Willoughby Community Park, the Backyard BBQ will feature an array of outdoor food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities for fans of all ages to enjoy. Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Punjabi music industry, Shinda has built an extraordinary legacy both as a powerful vocalist and as a pioneering music producer. His distinctive voice, innovative productions, and ability to blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences have helped shape the modern Punjabi music landscape and inspired artists around the world. Over the years, Shinda has delivered numerous hit songs and produced music for some of the biggest names in Punjabi entertainment. His groundbreaking work behind the scenes, combined with his success as a recording artist and live performer, has earned him international acclaim and a devoted fan following spanning generations. Join us for a night of unforgettable music and exciting pro basketball action as Sukshinder Shinda brings his legendary sound, celebrated catalogue, and unparalleled stage presence to the 2026 Vancouver Bandits South Asian Celebration Game Halftime Show on Saturday, June 20. Ticket to the game required; the halftime show is included as part of your Vancouver Bandits game experience.

BANDITS VICTORIOUS IN FIRST PRO BASKETBALL GAME PLAYED IN KELOWNA

By Rois Chand • June 7, 2026
A change of scenery didn’t stop the Vancouver Bandits’ wrecking crew in Kelowna on Saturday night. The Bandits cruised to a dominant 105-85 win over the Saskatoon Mamba as part of the first ever Kelowna HOOPFEST. Jarkel Joiner (23 points) and Tyrese Samuel (22 points) led the team while Miller Kopp followed with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. With this win, the Bandits boast a 6-2 record and are winners of five of their last six games. Kelowna native Grant Sheppard also chipped in with a CEBL career-high 10 points and three rebounds on perfect five-for-five efficiency from the floor. Shephard credited his hometown fans for a jolt of support. “I just had that extra energy and passion tonight. I want to play my best but tonight it was just for Kelowna,” said Shephard. “This whole stadium reminds me of Langley Events Centre. The atmosphere and the fans were great.” Bandits head coach Kyle Julius also applauded the atmosphere at Prospera Place as “tremendous” and said his team felt the support from the fans for all four quarters. “I knew it was going to be good, but this was better than I could’ve expected,” he said. Julius praised Shephard’s play and his ability to enter action without seeing heavy minutes. “He doesn’t complain. He comes in everyday with a smile and he’s locked and loaded and ready to go,” said Julius. The Bandits controlled the game from the opening tip, jumping out to a 23-3 lead in the first quarter. The lead would only build, extending to as many as 21 points in the opening half and eventually 29 points as the game went on. Samuel scored 13 of his 22 points by halftime. Eight Bandits were on the scoresheet, including seven points and nine rebounds from standout rookie Dominic Parolin. Everything went right for Bandits tonight as they shot 12-27 from three point land and forced the Mamba into a hole that was too deep to climb out of. “To play the way we did feels great,” said Julius. The Bandits are back in action at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre on June 13 to battle the Ottawa BlackJacks in the second game of a three game home stand.

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