London Lightning
Billy is back; Lightning roster taking shape
Around the Perimeter: Lightning loading up on vets in signings so far; New merch on the way for fans; Get an inside peek at coach Jerry Williams in action.
Jones, Harris first two Lightning signings; New ticketing — at ‘new’ arena
Around the Perimeter: Lightning re-sign Chris Jones, add guard Omega Harris, formerly of the Newfoundland Rogues; What’s in store for Year 2 of BSL?; Three-ish new teams, more games. Columnist Jason Winders has the latest
Can Lightning regain top spot during home swing?
Around the Perimeter: London opens March tied for second in BSL standings; Defense looking better in last two games; First look at Newfoundland Rogues; Promising debut for Tisdale; Six straight at Bud Gardens
New-look Lightning fresh for Windsor series
Around the Perimeter: With Newfoundland trip canceled due to snowstorm, Lightning get rare 11-day break; Roster changes aplenty — including major trade; Will energy level improve? London-born Howson finally honoured
First-place Lightning look to snap mini-skid
Two straight losses, a week apart, have Lightning looking for answers; Millinghaus continues to score — off the bench; Free-throw shooting holding Lightning back; This week: TBL’s Pharaohs, then a showdown in Sudbury
Shadell a survivor — on and off the court
His on-court energy — and jubilance — is infectious. It’s real, but it’s only part of Shadell Millinghaus. He’s also a survivor, with mental scars from past trauma and depression. Faith, family and basketball have gotten him through.
Lightning top TBL, take first Windsor rematch
Seven straight wins have London Lightning looking good; Team-wide double digit feat a franchise first; Recalculating Plumb’s win count; How do London’s stats stack up? It’s Tri-State & Montreal this weekend
White, the storied vet, just wants to win
Billy White achieved pretty much every individual accomplishment in the NBLC. A surprise addition to the London Lightning this season, he’s got one thing in mind: winning a championship in Year 1 of the BSL.
Lightning ditch early woes, bring 4-game win streak to TBL
Four straight wins cured what ailed Lightning in their first two outings; What’s with all the fouls?; Millinghaus makes an impression; How to use Jachai? It’s Rhode Island Friday & Sunday. Our latest news/notes …
Early test will gauge Lightning mettle
A 3-game week, with trips to Sudbury and Montreal, will allow the London Lightning to see where they stack up against top competition in the Basketball Super League. Will they sink or swim? Go Around the Perimeter …
And they’re off — Lightning’s BSL era has begun
Coming off a league-opening loss in Sudbury, the London Lightning will play a pair against the KW Titans this week as they get into the swing of Basketball Super League action. What to expect? Go Around the Perimeter
Twelve minutes in May: Re-living Lightning history
The Lightning-Express record-setting 3rd quarter and how it sealed a championship — as told by those on the court …
Can Knights go from rebuild straight to contention?
Gosling’s first pro season brings a championship – and change
What goes into maintaining the world’s oldest ballpark?
Well-traveled Janisse locking down games for Majors
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About the Lightning
Founded in 2011, the London Lightning are a professional basketball team that competes in the National Basketball League of Canada (also founded in 2011). Under the ownership of local businessman Vito Frijia and the guidance of head coach Micheal Ray Richardson, a former NBA pro, the Lightning won the league’s inaugural championship in 2011-12 (over the Halifax Rainmen) and then repeated as champions the following year (against the Summerside Storm).
In 2016-17, led by the franchise’s third head coach, Kyle Julius, the Lightning enjoyed a record-setting year with a 35-5 regular season record (and 11-2 in the postseason) en route to winning the team’s third NBLC title. With Keith Vassell at the helm in 2017-18, the Lightning repeated as champions, capturing the franchise’s fourth title in seven years.
In 2019-20, prior to the league being shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the Lighting, under the guidance of head coach Doug Plumb, sat in first place in the league’s Central Division.
The Lightning, who play their home games at Budweiser Gardens, have had numerous award winners over the years. They include league MVP (Gabe Freeman in 2012, Royce White in 2017), Canadian of the Year (Garrett Williamson in 2014, Warren Ward in 2016), Coach of the Year (Richardson in 2012 and 2013, Julius in 2017) and Executive of the Year (Taylor Brown in 2014, Frijia in 2015).