An outburst of joy filled the Canada Life Centre on Saturday night when local hero Simon Hildebrandt made the winning shot for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, securing their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship victory. The crowd erupted into cheers, confetti showered the arena, and Queen’s iconic anthem “We Are the Champions” resonated through the speakers as fans and players exuberantly celebrated the 98-84 triumph.
Reflecting on his game-winning moment, Hildebrandt described it as a surreal experience, mentioning how his mind went blank before the jubilant celebrations began. The 2026 season marked Winnipeg’s fourth campaign in the CEBL, with the team’s journey to victory culminating in this historic championship win.
Notably, the late Chad Posthumus, also a Winnipeg native, had scored the game-winning basket in the team’s first game back in 2023. Following his footsteps, Hildebrandt’s pivotal shot in the championship game paid homage to Posthumus’s legacy and contribution to the Sea Bears and the city of Winnipeg.
Head coach Mike Raimbault, who shares coaching duties at the University of Winnipeg, acknowledged the significance of Posthumus’s impact on the team and city, emphasizing the emotional connection in the postgame celebration.
Xavier Moon, the standout guard for the Sea Bears, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 29 points in the title-clinching game and earning the finals MVP accolade. Moon’s exceptional play was pivotal in the absence of key players, including Teddy Allen, who was sidelined due to an unfortunate incident at a local nightclub.
Despite facing roster challenges, the Sea Bears overcame adversity in the playoffs, culminating in a remarkable championship run. The league’s championship series format was altered to a single-game showdown due to court conditions, resulting in a swift victory for the Sea Bears over the Brampton Honey Badgers.
Moon, a former CEBL champion with the Edmonton Stingers, expressed the profound significance of winning a title in a city that had never before celebrated a playoff victory, underscoring the emotional weight of this achievement.
Apart from the on-court success, the Sea Bears set a new single-game attendance record, drawing 12,519 enthusiastic fans to downtown Winnipeg, surpassing the previous league attendance milestone. Owner David Asper praised the community support and emphasized the team’s dedication and hard work.
Hildebrandt highlighted the inspirational impact of the Sea Bears’ triumph on aspiring basketball players in Winnipeg, showcasing the potential for local talent to shine on a national stage. The championship victory resonated deeply within the community, symbolizing a new era of success for the Sea Bears and the city of Winnipeg.