Winnipeg – The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) are excited to announce that the upper bowl at Canada Life Centre will officially open for the 2025 home opener on May 16. The club is excited to welcome fans back for another season of exciting basketball in the city. The home opener will see fans packed into the stadium for the first time in 2025. “We are incredibly grateful to the people of Winnipeg and Manitoba for their overwhelming support as we prepare to kickoff our 2025 season,” said Jason Smith, the team’s President. “Opening the upper deck is a true testament to how this city has embraced the Sea Bears. The energy in the building last year was unmatched, and we can’t wait to build on that as we tip off an exciting new season. With the addition of Championship Weekend in August, this is going to be a special year, and we’re so proud to share it with our fans and our community.” The team has announced Juno award winning artist, Maestro Fresh Wes as the halftime entertainment. He is the first Black Canadian artist to have a single or album reach gold and platinum status in Canada as well as the first to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Fans in attendance can expect to receive a commemorative gift and be present for a ceremony to honour and celebrate the Sea Bears' late captain, Chad Posthumus. 

Brendan Amoyaw is no stranger to hard work. As one of the newest members of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, the rising basketball star is embracing the challenge of professional play — while completing a health sciences degree and continuing his passion for community outreach. “It’s a dream come true to be back in Winnipeg,” said Amoyaw. “The city’s thriving for CEBL right now, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.” For Amoyaw, though, success is about more than just points on the scoreboard. While navigating his first pro season, Amoyaw is also completing a degree in health sciences at McMaster University — a path he hopes will one day lead to medical school. Drawn to the connection between science and athletic performance, he has contributed to research at both the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the McMaster Sports Medicine Research Group. Juggling a full academic course load with the demands of basketball is tough, but Amoyaw has developed a system that works. “Google Calendar is my best friend,” he said with a laugh. “I break my day into blocks — practice, studying, and maybe a community outreach event. I try to be proactive and stay ahead, especially during busy times in the season.” That discipline, he said, is transferable. “The same mindset I bring to basketball — being serious, being prepared, and studying my plays — keeps me accountable.” While Amoyaw’s stats on the court are impressive, it’s his impact off the hardwood that truly sets him apart. As a workshop director for McMaster’s Black Student-Athlete Council, Amoyaw leads initiatives to support Black youth in sport and education. He also serves as an outreach executive with the Black BHSc Association, helping to recruit and support Black students in health sciences. “These groups mean a lot to me,” he said. “In high school and university, I was often the only Black person in the room. It pushed me to try and change that — to create spaces that are more inclusive.” Amoyaw’s leadership has already reached far beyond campus. During the pandemic, he co-founded Project Excel and partnered with Rising Stars to create a basketball mentorship camp, aiming to uplift young athletes in the community. “It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” he said. “Seeing kids gain confidence, watching the community come together — it reminded me that basketball is a powerful tool for change.” That belief aligns well with the Sea Bears’ community-driven mission, and Amoyaw is eager to lend his voice to the team’s outreach efforts. “I think athletes have a platform, and we can use that to advocate for social justice and highlight what our communities need,” he said. “I’m excited to be part of that here in Winnipeg.” “Brendan is an impressive young man. He is intelligent, goal-oriented and hard-working in both his basketball and his education,” said head coach and general manager Mike Taylor. “Basketball is important and we love the game, but it's important for players to prepare for the next step in life after the ball stops bouncing in their careers. Brendan is an excellent example of a young man preparing himself for success in the future as he pursues medicine. We are really excited to work with him this summer.” Amoyaw says he’s inspired by his parents’ and grandparents’ tireless work ethic, as well as mentors like Amir Ali — a University of Manitoba alum who successfully balanced basketball and medicine. Even in rare moments of downtime, Amoyaw keeps his circle close. “I love calling my siblings, watching anime — Attack on Titan is probably my favourite — and catching March Madness,” he said. As for what success looks like? “It’s not just about stats anymore,” he said. “It’s about enjoying the process, being healthy, appreciating every day. On and off the court, I want to leave things better than I found them.” Long-term, Amoyaw hopes to continue playing professionally and eventually build a community organization that tackles systemic issues and uplifts the city he calls home. “My goal is to help people, however I can,” he said. “Whether that’s through basketball, medicine or mentorship, I just want to make a difference.” With a powerful combination of talent, heart and vision, Brendan Amoyaw is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in wins — but in the lives you impact along the way.

Chad Posthumus left his mark on every court he stepped on. He played around the world, captured the inaugural CEBL Championship and proudly represented both Winnipeg and Canada at the highest level. The Sea Bears captain undoubtedly had countless triumphs still ahead of him when he tragically and unexpectedly passed away this past fall. But Chad’s life was never defined by anything he achieved on a basketball court. It was his spirit of kindness, energy and deep devotion to others that transformed the lives of everyone he touched and made him a true hero to his hometown. Chad’s spirit of service was recognized last month with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour reserved for Canadians who have made significant contributions to their country, region or community. His parents, Charles and Diana, were invited to a ceremony at Ralph Connor House on March 22 to accept the medal on behalf of their son. Raquel Dancho, MP for Kildonan – St. Paul, represented the federal government to present the award. For his parents, it was a bittersweet opportunity to reflect on what an incredible impact Chad made on the community he grew up in. “It really felt like a follow-up to all the work he had been doing in Winnipeg,” said Chad’s mother, Diana. “He embraced being back in the city, and he just always had that kind heart. That’s probably what made us most proud.” The River East Collegiate graduate made history as the Sea Bears’ first-ever signing ahead of the team’s inaugural 2023 season. A captain and day-one starter for his new hometown team, Chad’s commanding interior presence anchored Winnipeg in their first campaign. But as much of a force as he was on the court, the way he transformed his community was what truly set him apart. Chad always brought his smiling presence to represent the Sea Bears at local events like Pride Week, the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival and community initiatives like Buckets and Borders’ refurbishments of the St. John’s Park and Mayfair Recreation Centre courts. He coached free basketball camps through Sea Bears Summer Series and spoke to K-12 youth about mental health through Project 11. Chad always took the extra time to sign an autograph, give a hug, or lift a child up to hang off the rim. “He loved doing the camps with the kids, and I got to do a lot of those events with him,” Charles said. “I think a lot of the time he’d have more fun than they did,” he laughed with misty eyes. His involvement with the Manitoba basketball community went far deeper than his affiliation with the Sea Bears. In his spare time, Chad often pitched in as a guest coach for Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association teams. He was a dedicated volunteer at local events like Hoopfest, Pros vs. Joes and Hoops from the Heart, lending a helping hand to various local programs and charities. Chad also worked closely with KidSport, helping to facilitate free camps for underserved youth. “It was never about getting paid for anything. It was always about giving back,” said Diana. “He always quietly supported local grassroots basketball,” she continued. “He went to a bunch of high school games, he’d go to the provincial finals, he’d go to the Duckworth Challenge game between the Bisons and the Wesmen … that would be a date night for Chad and I,” she smiled. Chad’s influence extended past the basketball court, too. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age seven, he remained a lifelong health advocate for those living with the condition. He took part in a Diabetes Canada mentorship program that matched him with younger children who had been recently diagnosed. Even at that young age, Chad’s optimism and spirit helped inspire others to reach their full potential. “He never sat still as a child, and that didn’t change, even after his diagnosis,” Diana remembered. “He’d show those other kids, ‘Hey, I do all these things, and it shouldn’t hold you back, either.’” That passion for supporting health and fitness was reflected in even Chad’s daily interactions. His parents say they’ve received dozens of messages from their son’s fellow gymgoers who, though initially strangers, were mentored by Chad throughout their fitness journeys. “He believed in getting people active and getting individuals to reach their health goals. He’d get these people’s numbers and text them, asking, ‘Were you at the gym today? What did you do?’” Chad’s love of supporting others reached far beyond fitness. He did everything he could to help people, even those he didn’t know, in their professional pursuits, too. “He was an entrepreneur,” described Diana. “He loved supporting new businesses, whether they were friends or not. He had such a big following on social media, and he was always happy to give them a shout-out, even when there was no gain for him.” The pair estimate they’ve received over 2,000 messages explaining the impact their son had on his friends, former teammates and even complete strangers whose lives he touched through his kindness. One story that particularly stood out came from a friend who Chad had inspired to follow his dream of becoming a DJ. They shared with the Posthumus family: “I would’ve given up on my dream, but Chad pushed me. He told me, ‘If that’s your dream, you need to chase it.’ He helped me book my very first gigs.” “He taught people how to chase their dreams, but he assisted them in chasing their dreams,” noted Diana. One former teammate wrote to the family: “Chad was like a brother to me. You guys raised a man who was kind and loving for everyone.”  “He helped a lot of people,” Charles reflected. The communities that Chad touched have come together to honor his memory in powerful ways. In November, Canada’s senior men’s national team honored their teammate with a “CP” jersey patch during the team’s FIBA AmeriCup qualifying games. Locally, the WMBA announced that their annual community basketball celebration will now be known as the Posthumus Family Hoopfest, a lasting tribute to Chad’s influence and impact at the grassroots level of the sport. Basketball Manitoba has also established the Chad Posthumus Award, an annual scholarship recognizing two Grade 12 basketball players in Manitoba who embody Chad’s legacy through on-court excellence, resiliency, academic dedication and kindness to others. More than anything, his parents say, Chad’s life was defined by his zest for living and unwavering commitment to making each day count. “He would say, ‘Don’t wait to do tomorrow what you can do today,’” Diana said. “When he first was going to go to UBC, I was like, ‘You’re a Type 1 diabetic — you need to stay home so I can watch you!’ And he said, ‘Mom, you’ve got to spread your wings and fly. You’re not going to grow if you stay in one place. You’ve got to reach out and live your life to its fullest.’” “He did 33 years of that,” she added softly. Charles described Chad’s spirit simply: “Give a person a smile – what’s the worst thing that’s going to happen? They’re probably going to smile back.” For the larger than life seven-foot presence he was, Chad was never too big for anyone. He had a rare gift for making everyone around him feel seen and valued. “One thing that everyone who’s ever met him will say is that once you were a friend with Chad, that lasted a lifetime.” From his unwavering community service to the countless lives he touched through his kindness, a medal can’t represent a fraction of what Chad Posthumus did for those lucky enough to have met him. And above all, Winnipeg has a forever friend in number 33.

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears have added three promising talents to their roster, selecting Geoffrey James (University of Victoria) fifth overall, Mason Kraus (University of Manitoba) 16th overall, and Brendan Amoyaw (McMaster University) 25th overall in the 2025 CEBL Draft. With these selections, the Sea Bears continue to invest in young, high-potential players who bring skill, versatility and local ties to Winnipeg ahead of the 2025 season. "Being drafted by the Sea Bears is an honour and a great privilege," said first-round pick Geoffrey James. "Winnipeg has a phenomenal fan base and coaching staff, and I look forward to bringing my defensive talents in an effort to bring home a championship." James, who played three seasons at the University of Alberta before transferring to Victoria and winning a national championship, has had a standout career in Canada West. He earned a Second Team All-Star selection in 2022, averaging 13.4 points per game in 25 games, and made a significant impact from beyond the arc. "Geoffrey joins us after a national championship season with the University of Victoria. He’s a proven CEBL player, having been a rotational piece for the Edmonton Stingers," said Sea Bears Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor. "We’re really looking forward to having him in a Sea Bears uniform this summer." With their second-round pick (16th overall), the Sea Bears selected local product Mason Kraus from the University of Manitoba. Coming off a dominant season with the Bisons, Kraus averaged 19.1 points per game and broke the Bisons' record for career steals (215). "Mason is coming off a fantastic season where he was named a First Team All-Star in Canada West. He’s an excellent scorer and playmaker, and we’re excited to see him continue to play in front of his family and friends in his hometown," said Taylor. Kraus brings CEBL experience, having spent last summer with the Sea Bears as a practice roster player. "I’m super excited to join such a highly established and respected team in the CEBL. I’m thankful to Coach Taylor and the Sea Bears for believing in me. I can’t wait to get to work," said Kraus. With their final pick (25th overall), the Sea Bears selected another Winnipeg product, Brendan Amoyaw, a six-foot-nine forward from McMaster University. "Brendan is a young and athletic big man looking to take the next step. He’s a high-character, intelligent player, and we’re really excited to have him join our team," said Taylor. Amoyaw made his presence felt in the paint this past season, averaging 8.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He previously represented Canada at the FIBA U18 Men’s Americas Championship in 2022. "I’m excited to compete at the next level, and I’m honoured to be joining this organization," said Amoyaw. "I’d like to thank Coach Taylor for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started." "We’re thrilled to welcome Geoffrey, Mason and Brendan to the Sea Bears family," said Taylor. "Each of these players brings a unique skill set that will complement our team’s identity, and we’re excited to see how they develop in our system." The Sea Bears open the 2025 season at home on May 16 at Canada Life Centre. Tickets are on sale now.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League announced Thursday they have signed center Solomon Young for the 2025 season. Young, a six-foot-eight, 242-pound center, brings size, strength and athleticism to the Sea Bears’ frontcourt. The versatile big man has three years of professional experience, having played in the NBA G League as well as overseas in Belgium, Italy and Germany. He spent the 2024-25 season with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League, where he averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 21.7 minutes per game over 24 games. Young scored a season-high 27 points against the San Diego Clippers and grabbed a season-best 13 rebounds against Salt Lake City. Young has developed into a reliable perimeter threat, shooting over 40 per cent from three-point range in his last two seasons. Before turning pro, Young played five years at Iowa State University, appearing in 114 games and averaging 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 22 minutes per game. He ranks 12th in blocks in program history with 87 and was named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team in 2021. “Solomon Young can be an impactful presence in the CEBL. He plays physically, rebounds very well and can stretch the defense shooting threes” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Taylor. “He will fit nicely into our frontcourt with our other bigs, Simi and Jaylin, because of his versatility playing forward and center positions. We look forward to welcoming Solomon to Winnipeg.” Young was teammates with current Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during his time with the Cyclones. Originally from Sacramento, Calif., Young played high school basketball at Sacramento High, where he led his team to a school-record 30-2 season in his senior year. He averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game, earning Sacramento Bee Player of the Year honours. “I’m really excited to get to Winnipeg and meet everyone,” said Young. “I’ve only heard great things about this team and the fans. Let’s make this a great season.” Young joins a talented Sea Bears roster as the team prepares for the upcoming 2025 CEBL season. Sea Bears basketball is back on May 16 at Canada Life Centre . Don’t miss out and secure your tickets now!