An eruption of cheers filled Canada Life Centre on Saturday evening as Simon Hildebrandt, a resident of Winnipeg, made a remarkable three-point shot. This shot secured the Winnipeg Sea Bears their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship. The stadium was filled with confetti as Queen’s “We Are the Champions” blared through the speakers, marking the team’s 98-84 victory celebration.
Reflecting on his winning shot, Hildebrandt described the moment as spontaneous and surreal, with a rush of emotions following the victory. This triumph marked the fourth season of the CEBL for Winnipeg in 2026.
Notably, the late Chad Posthumus, another Winnipeg native, scored the game-winning basket in the team’s debut game in 2023. Hildebrandt acknowledged Posthumus’s significance to the organization and the city, underscoring the sentimental value of his own game-winning shot in the championship.
Coach Mike Raimbault, who also coaches the University of Winnipeg men’s basketball team, shared a heartfelt moment with Posthumus’s parents during the postgame celebrations. Raimbault expressed that it was only fitting for Hildebrandt to deliver the winning shot, considering Posthumus’s legacy with the team.
Xavier Moon, a guard for the Sea Bears, stood out in Saturday’s game, scoring 29 points and earning the title of the CEBL Finals MVP. Moon’s stellar performance was crucial, especially with the team facing challenges such as the absence of key players like Teddy Allen due to an incident at a Winnipeg nightclub.
Despite setbacks, including the departure of Emmanuel Akot and Jeremiah Tilmon Jr. for overseas opportunities, the Sea Bears persevered through the playoffs, culminating in their championship victory. The series against the Brampton Honey Badgers transitioned into a single-game showdown due to court conditions, ultimately leading to the Sea Bears’ triumph.
Moon, who had previously secured a CEBL gold with the Edmonton Stingers, emphasized the significance of winning the championship in a city that had never experienced playoff success before, adding emotional depth to the victory.
Moreover, the Sea Bears set a new record for single-game attendance, attracting 12,519 fans to the Canada Life Centre on that memorable Saturday afternoon. This milestone highlighted the growing support for the team and the sport in Winnipeg.
Hildebrandt expressed hope that young basketball enthusiasts in Winnipeg drew inspiration from the team’s victory, showcasing the potential for local talent to shine on a national stage. The historic win not only celebrated the Sea Bears’ achievement but also emphasized the resilience and talent within the Manitoba basketball community.