An eruption of cheers filled Canada Life Centre on Saturday evening when Simon Hildebrandt, a native of Winnipeg, made a remarkable three-pointer. This shot secured the Winnipeg Sea Bears their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League championship. Amid the confetti shower and the playing of Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” jubilant fans and players celebrated the 98-84 victory.
Reflecting on the moment, Hildebrandt described it as unexpectedly surreal, with a sudden rush of emotions and a subsequent outburst of celebration. This triumph marked Winnipeg’s fourth season in the CEBL since its inception in 2026.
In a poignant nod to the team’s history, Hildebrandt acknowledged the significance of following in the footsteps of the late Chad Posthumus, another Winnipegger who had scored the game-winning basket in the team’s debut game back in 2023. Paying tribute to Posthumus’s contribution to the team, Hildebrandt emphasized the special significance of hitting the final game-winning shot on that memorable night.
The head coach of the Sea Bears, Mike Raimbault, shared a touching moment with Posthumus’s parents during the postgame celebrations, underscoring the profound impact that Posthumus had on the team and the city. Raimbault expressed that if Posthumus could have chosen someone to make the game-winning shot, it would have been Simon Hildebrandt.
Despite facing challenges with key players departing and injuries affecting the team, the Sea Bears, led by guard Xavier Moon, persevered through the playoffs with victories over formidable opponents to clinch the championship. Moon’s stellar performance, scoring 29 points in the final game, earned him the title of CEBL finals MVP.
The championship victory was made even sweeter by setting a new single-game attendance record of 12,519 fans at the Canada Life Centre. Sea Bears owner David Asper expressed his joy in seeing the community come together to support the team and emphasized the validation of their hard work through the enthusiastic fan turnout.
In a heartfelt moment, Hildebrandt highlighted the inspiration this victory could provide to aspiring basketball players in Winnipeg, showcasing that with dedication and perseverance, dreams can be realized even from humble beginnings.
The Sea Bears’ journey from playoff underdogs to league champions not only resonated with fans but also left a lasting legacy of resilience and triumph in the world of Canadian basketball.
