By Dwayne Tingley

The Windsor Express are going to pay tribute to the heroes of the Windsor-Essex Region.

The National Basketball League of Canada franchise will hold its annual Heroes Night on Friday, Feb. 21, when the Express host the rival London Lightning. Game time is 7 p.m. at the WFCU Centre.

The Express will honour Windsor's first responders, including, police, fire, military, paramedics and many others. First Responders will receive a discounted $15 ticket when they present their ID at the WFCU box office.

"This is one of our favourite games of the season," said Express general manager Erin Basterfield.

"We have an exciting pre-game ceremony planned," she added. "All we can say is that the fans will be surprised. There will be an honour guard while military and fire vehicles will be displayed outside the arena.

"From the Windsor Express organization, it is important that we recognize the men and women who work hard to protect the residents of the Windsor-Essex Community."

The Lightning enter the game in first place in the Central Division with a 12-6 record.

The Express, who have bolstered their roster with some key player additions recently, are in third place with an eye on the second playoff spot in the division with a 7-9 record.