The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have solidified their leadership for the future, announcing the promotion of Dylan Howe to the position of team President. The move, confirmed early Tuesday, December 16, 2025, is part of a deliberate succession plan for the franchise.
From Senior VP to the President's Office
Howe steps into the top role after serving as the Surge's Senior Vice-President. In that capacity, he was a driving force behind the club's core operations, with direct oversight of basketball activities, ticketing strategies, community engagement initiatives, and overall programming. His promotion marks his second significant advancement within the organization in just three years.
His rise within the Surge organization has been guided by the direct mentorship of co-chairman and acclaimed entrepreneur Jason Ribeiro. Howe has worked alongside Ribeiro since the franchise's inception in October 2022, playing a key role in shaping the team's identity.
A Proven Track Record in the CEBL
Dylan Howe is no stranger to the CEBL landscape. His career in the league includes progressively senior roles with two other franchises before the move to Calgary. He worked with the Niagara River Lions from 2016 to 2018 and then with the Guelph Nighthawks from 2018 to 2022. The Nighthawks' relocation to Calgary three years ago brought Howe to the city, where he has since become a central figure in the Surge's rapid ascent.
The team's performance under his operational leadership has been stellar. In 2025, the Surge were honoured as the CEBL Franchise of the Year and also received the CEBL Digital Excellence Award. On the court, they captured their second Western Conference championship, advanced to a third consecutive CEBL Championship Weekend, and finished with the best regular-season record in the franchise's history.
Leadership Endorsement and Future Vision
Jason Ribeiro expressed strong confidence in Howe's promotion. "Dylan has been by my side from the very beginning of the Calgary Surge shaping every detail of who we are — competitively, culturally, and commercially," Ribeiro stated. "This promotion is a testament to the dedication he has shown to date and the leadership potential he continues to bring to Canada’s sports and entertainment industry."
Ribeiro will continue to focus on the business's broader growth, leveraging his expertise in cross-sector partnerships and community impact. The leadership structure ensures a blend of experienced guidance and fresh executive direction.
In response to his new appointment, Dylan Howe shared his gratitude and commitment. "I’m honoured by the trust placed in me," Howe said. "Our fans, our partners and our city have embraced my family and I in such a powerful way. I’m committed to continuing the work of making the Calgary Surge a leading example of sport, culture and community across the nation."
This strategic promotion signals a new chapter for the Calgary Surge as they build on their recent successes and aim to deepen their roots in the Calgary community and their standing within the national basketball scene.
