Calgary Surge Strengthens Coaching Roster Ahead of 2026 Season
The Calgary Surge, a prominent franchise in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), has officially unveiled its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 campaign. This strategic move introduces a dynamic mix of professional, university, and international expertise to the organization's bench, signaling a robust commitment to competitive excellence and player development.
Returning Assistant Coach Kenny Otieno
Kenny Otieno makes a welcomed return to the Surge following a successful 2025 season with the team. A former standout player at the University of Alberta, Otieno played a pivotal role in leading the Golden Bears to a Canada West Championship and a USPORTS national bronze medal. His professional playing career included a stint with the Edmonton Stingers.
Transitioning into coaching, Otieno gained valuable experience with both the Edmonton Stingers and the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, where he ascended to the head coaching position in 2023. He brings a strong foundation in player development, scouting, and defensive structure to the Surge.
"I'm looking forward to my second year with the Surge! Last year was special even though we fell short of our championship goal," Otieno stated. "I'm excited to run it back this season with a reloaded team and a great staff. We appreciate the continued support of our fans and look forward to seeing them this summer!"
New Addition Sidney Dobner
Sidney Dobner joins the Calgary Surge with an impressive background in the NBA and NBA G League systems. Her most recent role was with the Stockton Kings, and she previously worked within the Milwaukee Bucks organization. Dobner advanced from player development and video roles with the Wisconsin Herd to become the first female assistant coach in Milwaukee Bucks history in 2023.
She contributed to the franchise's 2021 NBA Championship-winning season in a developmental capacity. Dobner has also been involved in NBA Summer League and pre-draft environments, specializing in film breakdown, scouting, and player development.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge and be part of a group that's hungry to compete," said Dobner. "It's special to be back in Canada, and I'm looking forward to bringing energy, attention to detail, and a winning mindset as we build something special this season."
Veteran Coach David DeAveiro
David DeAveiro brings over two decades of extensive coaching experience across U SPORTS, Canada Basketball, and the CEBL. Currently serving as the head coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold, DeAveiro has previously led both the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and McGill University, amassing over 400 career wins.
His tenure includes multiple conference championships and eight U SPORTS Final 8 appearances. At McGill, he captured five RSEQ titles, and at the University of Ottawa, he set the program's all-time wins record. Internationally, DeAveiro has coached with Canada Basketball at various FIBA events and held multiple roles in the CEBL with the Ottawa BlackJacks. In 2025, he achieved his 500th U SPORTS career win, ranking among the winningest coaches in Canadian university basketball history.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to join the Surge coaching staff and help bring a championship to the city of Calgary," DeAveiro expressed.
Building a Championship-Caliber Staff
The Calgary Surge continues to prioritize assembling a coaching staff that embodies the organization's core values of community, development, and competitive excellence. With a blend of continuity from returning coach Kenny Otieno and new leadership from Sidney Dobner and David DeAveiro, the 2026 staff is strategically positioned to support the team's pursuit of a CEBL championship. This enhanced coaching lineup underscores the Surge's dedication to fostering a winning culture and elevating their performance in the upcoming season.
