Calgary Surge Sign Hamilton Forward Matt Grace
The Calgary Surge have signed Matt Grace for the 2024 season, the team announced Monday.
Grace most recently played in the OPAP Basket League, the top-tier level of men’s professional basketball in the Cypriot basketball league system, for the APOEL Nicosia. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.6 blocks, 0.6 steals, and 23.2 minutes in 18 games played.
“We are excited to have Matt sign with the Surge. Matt had a great season overseas and has been able to get some professional experience under his belt,” said Surge General Manager, Shane James. “Matt also fits into Coach Vernon’s system because of his ability to shoot the ball and space the floor.”
In 2023, Grace graduated from the University of Richmond in Virginia where he averaged 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.5 steals and 27.8 minutes through 29 games played with the Spiders. In 2022, the Hamilton, Ontario native also led the Spiders to an Atlantic-10 Championship by making the game winning field goal.
“I’ve only heard great things about the Surge organization and the city of Calgary,” said Surge forward Matt Grace. “I can’t wait to get out there and get the season started.”
Prior to his time with the NCAA D1 program, he graduated from the RISE Centre Academy in Brantford, Ontario. He led the school to an Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) championship as a senior in 2018 and was notably coached by Surge Head Coach, Tyrell Vernon.
Fans can now purchase tickets to the team’s season opener at the Scotiabank Saddledome at www.calgarysurge.ca/surge2thedome.
Single game tickets for the remainder of the 2024 Calgary Surge regular season are now available at www.calgarysurge.ca/single-game-tickets.
About the Calgary Surge
The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). From day one, the Surge have been committed to being the Home Team for Calgary and a space where everyone is welcome.
The Calgary Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sort and entertainment. In their inaugural season, the Surge finished 1st overall in the Western Conference and were crowned Western Conference Champions in the playoffs. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca.
About the Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.