Sea Bears Host Calgary to Open a Back-to-Back on Filipino Heritage Night

The Winnipeg Sea Bears (4-4) welcome the Calgary Surge (0-8) to Canada Life Centre Friday night in the first leg of a back-to-back series, with the rematch set for Sunday, June 14 in Calgary. It's a pivotal stretch for Winnipeg, a team that has been dominant on home floor all season, with every one of their four losses coming on the road. The Sea Bears know what they're capable of in front of their own crowd, and Head Coach Mike Raimbault expects nothing less than their best when the doors open Friday.

Adding a new dimension to Winnipeg's lineup is the arrival of Isiah Osborne, who suits up as a Sea Bear for the first time Friday. Raimbault wasted no time expressing his confidence in the newcomer. "We really like his ability to defend multiple positions. We know he can stretch the floor and shoot it. He's a super experienced, high IQ guy, he fit in almost seamlessly in different spots on the floor, so we expect him to have an immediate impact." The versatility piece is something Raimbault is particularly excited about. "We could see him playing some point guard, we see him playing some on the wing. He can help us at the defensive end in a few different positions, and we know that his offensive game should translate well to play with the rest of the group."

Osborne, who comes to Winnipeg fresh off a season in Romania, says he's ready for the moment and the crowd. "The city, the atmosphere, and playing in front of that crowd is going to be a big surprise. With them on your side, it's going to be a different type of beast." On what he brings to the table, the veteran keeps it straightforward: "I try to pride myself on the defensive end. I just try to make the right decision every time, if someone's open, make the pass, I'm open, take the shot. Whatever the team needs, I'll try to do."

Joining mid-season is nothing new for Osborne, who notes the adjustment is part of the job. "I go to a different team every year overseas, so you meet new guys, and you get used to it. We just gotta learn to trust each other, and I'll work my way into that."

Friday's game also doubles as Filipino Heritage Night at Canada Life Centre, featuring a 51-dancer halftime performance by SIKAT. It's a night you won't want to miss. Get your single game tickets now.