The Winnipeg Sea Bears have made history by becoming the champions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) for the first time since their inception. This momentous victory was achieved on Saturday, August 6, 2026, at the Canada Life Centre, where they clashed with the Brampton Honey Badgers, securing a decisive 98-84 win.
In a significant development for the Sea Bears, the team competed without their star forward Teddy Allen, who was sidelined due to an injury. Despite this setback, the Manitoba-based squad showcased strong teamwork and resilience throughout the game. The matchup was originally designed to be a three-game series concluding the following Sunday. However, complications arose when the first game, held at Brampton's CAA Centre on August 3, was suspended early because of condensation on the court and ultimately canceled.
The league, after consulting with both participating teams, decided against pursuing the three-game format given the schedule constraints. Hence, the CEBL opted to revert to the single-elimination style that had been in place from 2019 to 2025 for determining the champion. This decision paved the way for the Sea Bears to clinch their historic title in a single decisive match.
Highlighting the Sea Bears' performance, Xavier Moon emerged as a standout player, leading the team with an impressive 29 points and securing seven rebounds. Another key contributor was Simon Hildebrandt, who added 24 points along with six rebounds. Their collaborative effort was significant in maintaining a strong lead throughout the game.
On the opposing side, the Honey Badgers remained competitive, with Sean East II leading their efforts by scoring 27 points and providing five assists. Trentyn Flowers contributed as well by scoring 20 points. The Honey Badgers found themselves trailing at crucial points in the game, including a halftime score of 46-42 and a further deficit of 73-60 heading into the final quarter.
The journey to the finals showcased the skill and determination of both teams. The Sea Bears, who finished in second place in the Western Conference, successfully navigated the playoffs by defeating the Saskatoon Mamba and the Vancouver Bandits. Conversely, the Honey Badgers, who also secured the second position in the Eastern Conference, progressed to the finals after overcoming the Ottawa BlackJacks and the Niagara River Lions.
This championship victory marks a significant milestone for the Winnipeg Sea Bears, establishing them firmly in the record books of the CEBL. Their resilience, particularly in the absence of Teddy Allen, and the exceptional performances by players like Xavier Moon and Simon Hildebrandt underline the team's potential as they build for future seasons.
