An eruption of enthusiastic cheers filled Canada Life Centre on Saturday night when Simon Hildebrandt, a native of Winnipeg, made a remarkable shot. The Winnipeg Sea Bears clinched their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship with Hildebrandt’s three-pointer, prompting a cascade of confetti and the playing of Queen’s iconic “We Are the Champions” through the speakers as fans and players rejoiced in the 98-84 victory.
Reflecting on the moment, Hildebrandt described it as unexpected, sharing that his mind went blank before the celebrations began. This triumph marked Winnipeg’s fourth season in the CEBL since their debut in 2023, where the late Chad Posthumus, another Winnipegger, scored the game-winning basket in their first match.
Acknowledging the significance of following in Posthumus’s footsteps, Hildebrandt paid tribute to the impact the former player had on the team and the city. Head coach Mike Raimbault, who also leads the University of Winnipeg’s men’s basketball team, shared a poignant moment with Posthumus’s parents during the postgame festivities.
Xavier Moon, a guard for the Sea Bears, captivated the crowd with his exceptional performance, scoring 29 points in the championship game and earning the title of CEBL finals MVP. Moon, a three-time league MVP, shouldered extra responsibility after teammate Teddy Allen, a finalist for the league’s MVP award, was sidelined due to an assault incident at a Winnipeg nightclub.
Despite the challenges of missing key players, such as Emmanuel Akot and Jeremiah Tilmon Jr., the Sea Bears triumphed over the Saskatchewan Mamba and Vancouver Bandits in the playoffs. The championship series against the Brampton Honey Badgers was initially planned as a best-of-three contest but was condensed to a single decisive game due to court conditions.
Moon, previously a CEBL champion with the Edmonton Stingers, emphasized the significance of winning in a city that had never secured a playoff victory before. The Sea Bears also set a new attendance record with 12,519 fans flocking to downtown Winnipeg, surpassing the league’s previous record.
Hildebrandt expressed hope that young basketball players in Winnipeg would be inspired by the team’s success, showcasing the potential for aspiring athletes to shine on a national stage. The championship win was a testament to the team’s hard work and the unwavering support of their fans, encapsulating a historic moment for the Sea Bears and the city of Winnipeg.