An explosion of joy erupted at Canada Life Centre on Saturday evening when Simon Hildebrandt, a resident of Winnipeg, made a game-changing three-pointer. This shot secured the Winnipeg Sea Bears their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship. The victory was celebrated with confetti filling the air and Queen’s “We Are The Champions” echoing through the speakers, marking a triumphant 98-84 win.
Reflecting on the unforgettable moment, Hildebrandt described it as a spontaneous experience where his mind went blank before the celebration began. This victory came in the 2026 season, the fourth for Winnipeg in the CEBL.
The historical significance of the win was not lost on Hildebrandt, who acknowledged the importance of Chad Posthumus, a fellow Winnipegger who had scored the game-winning basket in the team’s debut game in 2023. Posthumus, though no longer with the team, held a special place in the hearts of many associated with the organization.
Head coach Mike Raimbault shared a poignant moment with Posthumus’s parents during the postgame festivities, highlighting the emotional connection that united the team. The Sea Bears’ journey from zero playoff wins to clinching the league title was a testament to their resilience and determination.
Despite facing challenges like player injuries and departures, the Sea Bears persevered through the playoffs, defeating formidable opponents on their path to glory. The championship game against the Brampton Honey Badgers was originally planned as a best-of-three series but was condensed into a single decisive game due to court conditions.
Guard Xavier Moon, who led the Sea Bears with 29 points in the final, was named the CEBL’s finals MVP. Moon emphasized the significance of winning the title in a city that had never seen a playoff victory before, underscoring the team’s historic achievement.
In addition to their on-court success, the Sea Bears set a new single-game attendance record with 12,519 fans flocking to the Canada Life Centre for the championship game. The overwhelming support from the community reflected the team’s hard work and dedication.
Looking ahead, Hildebrandt expressed hope that young basketball players in Winnipeg would be inspired by the Sea Bears’ triumph, showing that with perseverance and dedication, dreams can be realized even from a city like Winnipeg.
