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December 4, 2024
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Sea Bears have released the team’s 2025 schedule. During the regular season, the Winnipeg Sea Bears will play all Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) teams at least once both at home and away. The first 24-game season in league history will see the Sea Bears play 12 home and 12 away games in total, up from a total of 20 games in 2024, and beginning with the team's home and season opener Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. against the Edmonton Stingers at Canada Life Centre. As the host club for the CEBL's 2025 Championship Weekend (CW25) - which will run from August 21-24 next summer - the Sea Bears are guaranteed to play in the Western Conference Final on Friday, August 22, and fans in Winnipeg will also witness the 2025 CEBL Championship Final and crowning of the league's champion on August 24. Both games will also take place at Canada Life Centre. “We’re thrilled to bring Canada’s premier basketball event to Winnipeg, especially after last year’s incredible show of support from our fans,” said Jason Smith, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears.“Their passion and dedication truly embody the spirit of our city’s sports community, and they are the driving force behind the Sea Bears having this amazing opportunity.” CW25 will feature the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, the CEBL Championship Game, the Commissioner’s Luncheon, a free outdoor street festival and the CEBL Player Awards. Expect more CW25 events and entertainment details in the near future. The Sea Bears will start the season with two home games — the second one against their 2024 playoff rival, the Calgary Surge, on Saturday, May 23. The team’s first away game will be another matchup with Calgary on May 25. They will circle back to end their season in Edmonton on August 10, the latest they’ve played during the regular season. The Sea Bears will bring back the 2:00 p.m. Father’s Day game at home on June 15 and will play as part of a Canada Day Tripleheader at 2 p.m. on July 1 in Ottawa. Season tickets and flex packs for the 2025 season are available now. Single game tickets will go on sale in the spring. All games, including playoffs, will be live streamed on the Winnipeg Sea Bears app as well on CEBL+ and on CEBL Mobile, the official app of the CEBL. A schedule of nationally televised games will be released at a later date.
November 21, 2024
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our team captain and leader, Chad Posthumus on November 20, 2024.   Stricken by a brain aneurysm on November 9th and then by complications arising from corrective surgery, Chad fought hard but was unable to recover.  Chad was and will always remain the face of our team.   After a long, successful career playing abroad and for Team Canada, Chad was so excited to finally play professional basketball in his hometown, and he gave so much of his time and energy to both the team and our community. For that, we are eternally grateful.   Chad’s family and his partner, Meagan, need time to absorb this huge loss. To support them and grieve together as a community, we’ve set up an online Book of Condolences that you can access her e.  With Chad, we’ve won, lost and experienced joy TOGETHER, and now we must come TOGETHER again in grief, and mourn his loss. We know that this news and the emotions associated with such a huge loss is very difficult to process. We’ve gathered some resource materials that are available on our website, should you feel you need support.   The Posthumus family has asked that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation . More ways to honour Chad’s memory will be announced in due course.  We thank all of you for your support. Memorial service details will follow.   Add to the Book of Condolences  RESOURCES   Suggestions for communicating loss with younger children The death of a public figure can significantly affect children, as well as adults. This could be their first experience of death, and they might not really understand it, or maybe they have been bereaved and this brings up those difficult feelings again. After the death of an athlete, the news and social media will be talking about it, so it’s important to know how to talk to a child or young person you’re supporting. Use clear, age-appropriate language Although it’s tempting to use terms like ‘gone to sleep’, ‘passed away’ or ‘lost’, this can be confusing to children who often take things literally. If they’ve gone to sleep, why can’t we wake them up? If they’re lost, why can’t we find them? Although using words like ‘dead’, ‘died’ and ‘death’ might feel blunt and harsh, these words make it easier for children to understand the finality of death. How to explain what death is This might be a child or young person’s first experience of death and, if they are younger, they might not fully understand what death actually means. This can be confusing and frightening for them. When someone dies, their body has stopped working and they can’t be brought back to life. They are no longer able to do the things they could when they were alive, such as move or talk. When someone dies, their heart stops beating, they stop breathing, their brain stops thinking. Be honest Without clear information, children might ‘fill the gaps’ themselves to try and understand what is happening. If you’re able, it’s better to be open, honest and direct when talking about death. There will also be lots of information available to them elsewhere – on TV, online, overhearing conversations and playground talk. This can mean that children imagine all sorts of things about a death, which are often worse that the reality. Let them know their feelings are normal Whatever the child or young person is feeling, whether it’s anger, sadness, guilt, worry, confusion and more – these are all valid, normal reactions after learning about the death of someone. They may not be upset because they didn’t really have a connection to the athlete, and that’s fine. However, if they are upset, it would be unhelpful to say something like, ‘you didn’t know them so you can’t be sad’, and, instead, reassure them that it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling because their connection is real to them. Share your own experiences of grief. In some cases, you may also be experiencing a deep sense of loss about the athlete that has passed, or you may be able to draw from other times in your life you’ve felt grief. Don’t be afraid to share how you are feeling, while being mindful not to overpower the conversation. While our focus is on helping youth to process their own thoughts and emotions, your empathy and lessons you’ve learned can let youth know that these feelings are normal. When talking with youth about how they are feeling about an athletes death, here are some questions you can ask: • How are you feeling about this? • What are some ways that they inspired you? • Have you had someone you cared about pass away? What were some things that made you feel better then? • How can you apply lessons you’ve learned from their life to yours? • How can you support your friends who are also sad about this? • What can I do to support you? Also recognize that youth may not be ready to talk about their emotions right away. In that case, assure them that you are there for them when they are ready, and ask what you can do to support them in the meantime. For older youth The world can feel particularly heavy when a beloved athlete passes away. While they may not have known you personally, the connection we feel to these figures can be intense and meaningful. Here are some ways for teens to cope with the grief that can come from such a loss. 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s perfectly normal to feel sad, angry, or even confused when a famous person dies. Acknowledge these feelings instead of pushing them aside. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way. Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing your emotions; write about what this person meant to you and how their work influenced your life. 2. Talk About It Share your feelings with friends, family, or even online communities who understand your grief. Talking about your emotions can help you feel less isolated. You might find that others share your love for the celebrity and can relate to your feelings of loss. 3. Celebrate Their Legacy Find ways to honour the memory of the person who has passed. This could be through practicing, working to learn a new skill, or engaging with their work in other ways. Creating a tribute, such as a scrapbook or a dedicated social media post, can also serve as a meaningful outlet for your feelings. 4. Seek Comfort in Community Sometimes, talking to others who also are impacted can provide a sense of belonging. These communities often share stories, memories, and tributes that can help you feel connected during a time of mourning. You might also find comfort in attending memorials or tribute events if they’re available. 5. Engage in Activities That Bring You Joy While it’s important to grieve, don’t forget to engage in activities that bring you happiness. Whether it’s spending time with friends, engaging in a hobby, or enjoying nature, these moments can help balance the sadness and remind you that joy still exists. 6. Limit Exposure to Negativity In the wake of an athlete’s death, social media can be a mixed bag. While some conversations can be uplifting, others may be filled with negativity or controversy. If you find that certain discussions or posts are upsetting you, consider taking a break from social media or curating your feed to focus on positive and supportive content. 7. Practice Self-Care During times of grief, it’s essential to take care of yourself. Prioritize sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in physical activity. Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises to help centre your emotions. 8. Reach Out for Support If you find that your feelings of grief are overwhelming and interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. School counsellors, therapists, or support groups can provide guidance and tools to help you navigate your emotions. Conclusion Coping with the death of a famous person can be a unique and profound experience, especially for teens who may be exploring their identities and passions. Remember, it’s okay to grieve and to seek support. Allow yourself the space to honour your feelings and celebrate the legacy of those who have inspired you. In time, you’ll find ways to carry their memory forward, keeping their spirit alive in your heart. PHONE, TEXT, CHAT 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Phone Hours: 24/7 call 9-8-8 Text Hours: 24/7 text 9-8-8 Website: https://988.ca/ Kids Help Phone Text Services: Text "CONNECT" to 686868 (also serving adults)
Chat Services: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/ Youthspace.ca (NEED2 Suicide Prevention, Education and Support) Youth Text (6pm-12am PT): (778) 783-0177 Youth Chat (6pm-12am PT): www.youthspace.ca Crisis Services Canada Toll Free (24/7): 1 (833) 456-4566 Text support (4pm-12am ET daily): 45645 Canadian Crisis Hotline 1 (888) 353-2273 
By Aaron Gogishvili October 29, 2024
WINNIPEG - The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) has announced that Jason Smith, President of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, has been named the 2024 CEBL Executive of the Year. Smith also won the award in 2023 and becomes the second CEBL executive to earn the distinction in back-to-back years (Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits – 2021, 2022 ). EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR Awarded to a team executive who best lives the values of the CEBL by leading with integrity and good governance, fosters a positive organizational culture, leads a franchise that has demonstrated success on the basketball court, in the community and with the overall performance and development of their club’s business during the past year, demonstrates a long-term vision to grow their franchise in its market, and contributes to the success of the league beyond their own club while being an inspiration and valued colleague to peers around the CEBL. Under Jason Smith’s tutelage, the Winnipeg Sea Bears have set the standard for attendance in the CEBL since the team’s inaugural season in 2023. They set a single-season league attendance record by welcoming 86,275 fans at Canada Life Centre this summer (10 regular season games), shattering their own league record of 65,609 set in 2023 (11 games: 10 regular season, 1 playoff). The Sea Bears have also hosted four of the top five attended single games in CEBL history, including the league’s playoff record of 10,580 fans on August 4, 2023 against the Edmonton Stingers in the Play-In round. Their franchise record of 11,051 fans on July 23, 2024 against the Calgary Surge is the CEBL’s second-highest attended game of any sort in league history. "I am truly honored to receive this award. Once again, our fans showed up all season long, bringing incredible energy and community to every game. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support, and we can’t wait to carry this momentum into 2025!" said Smith. Smith also led the charge on the team securing hosting rights for 2025 Championship Weekend which will bring the CEBL’s marquee event and Canada’s largest annual basketball celebration to Winnipeg next summer. "We are so excited to bring Canada's largest basketball festival to Winnipeg next summer. This gives us a chance to celebrate Sea Bears Nation and the incredible basketball community in this city and province." In just two years time, the Sea Bears have entrenched themselves in the Winnipeg community and have made a significant impact. Highlights from 2024 include the club hosting 15 free youth basketball camps, some open to the public and others specifically delivered to children in underserved areas of the city. They also completed two court refurbishments with community partner Buckets & Borders in areas of need in the city. In addition, the club hosted an Indigenous People's Day Basketball Celebration camp where youth were invited to play on the Sea Bears court at Canada Life Centre with Indigenous coaches who helped teach skills to kids who may not have had the opportunity otherwise. The CEBL has now revealed three of its four annual Business Award winners this year, with the Vancouver Bandits capturing the Digital Excellence Award and Community Champion honours last week. The league’s 2024 Franchise of the Year recipient will be announced tomorrow (October 30). The 2024 CEBL Business Awards consist of four awards given in recognition of accomplishments at both the team and executive level. They have now revealed three of its four annual Business Award winners this year, with the Vancouver Bandits capturing the Digital Excellence Award and Community Champion honours last week. The league’s 2024 Franchise of the Year recipient will be announced tomorrow (October 30). Award winners were voted on by different variations of groups comprised of league and team executives, including but not limited to the CEBL’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, and all 10 team presidents. ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule that culminates in Championship Weekend (CW). Winnipeg will host CW in August of 2025. The Sea Bears bring a mixture of players from the NBA, G-League, top international pro leagues and U SPORTS to their roster, which is created annually each Spring. From the team’s inception, it has been committed to developing the sport of basketball in Manitoba. The Sea Bears are proud members of the community and work to create and support initiatives that uplift Manitobans within and outside of sport. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook . About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Social Media: Facebook: /wpgseabears Twitter: @wpgseabears Instagram: wpgseabears
September 12, 2024
WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Sea Bears and Travel Manitoba will see a lucky family off to Churchill in November. Ati van Buuran and Kristie Fuchs were the winners of the team’s ‘See the Bears’ contest this season. The contest ran in-arena at each game, granting attending fans the chance to enter to win the dream trip, valued at over $17,600. "We're thrilled to have won this incredible trip! The chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat and explore the beauty and wildlife of Churchill feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you to the Sea Bears for not only a great experience watching the team this summer but also for a trip we will never forget," said the couple. Thanks to Travel Manitoba and Heartland International Travel, van Buuran, Fuchs and two guests will now get the chance to see the team’s namesake polar bear in person with a round trip to Churchill, a full-day Tundra Buggy Adventure, a full-day Coastal Roads & Hidden Trails Wildlife tour, a Nights Under Lights yurt experience, accommodation and meals. The Sea Bears are now gearing up for next season, when they host Championship Weekend 2025. The team has partnered with the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg to host the weekend-long basketball festival surrounding the league’s final and semifinal games. 2025 season tickets are available at an early bird rate until Sunday, Sept. 15. For more information, visit seabears.ca . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule that culminates in Championship Weekend (CW). Winnipeg will host CW in August of 2025. The Sea Bears bring a mixture of players from the NBA, G-League, top international pro leagues and U SPORTS to their roster, which is created annually each Spring. From the team’s inception, it has been committed to developing the sport of basketball in Manitoba. The Sea Bears are proud members of the community and work to create and support initiatives that uplift Manitobans within and outside of sport. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook . About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Social Media: Facebook: /wpgseabears Twitter: @wpgseabears Instagram: wpgseabears
September 4, 2024
WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have retained the first right to negotiate with five members of its 2024 team for the 2025 season. In the CEBL, all players are on single-season contracts, which means every club must sign its full roster each Spring. Free agency for the 2025 season begins Feb. 1. Each club is granted the right to negotiate with players on their protected list from now until Mar. 1 without interference from other CEBL teams. Any player left unsigned after that deadline will become a free agent and gain the ability to sign with any CEBL club on Mar. 2. The Sea Bears protected list consists of: · Emmanuel Akot · Mason Bourcier · Alex Campbell · Stephane Ingo · Chad Posthumus Akot averaged 11.3 points in 22.8 minutes of action for his hometown Sea Bears this past season. He shot an extremely efficient 55 per cent from the field and 42.1 per cent from deep. The 6-8 forward did it all, showing up big on the glass while distributing the ball and making high-energy plays on both ends of the floor. Akot also led the team in assists to turnovers. After suffering a groin injury in the latter half of the season, Akot returned for the team’s Aug. 2 playoff game in Calgary, tying his season-high of 23 points he first notched June 22 vs. Saskatchewan. For Akot’s full season stats, please click here . Bourcier captured the hearts of Winnipeg faithful with his hustle, never-say-die attitude and defensive grit. The fourth-year CEBL player is coming off his first as a professional after three seasons as a U SPORTS developmental player. The point guard averaged 2.8 assists and 5.2 points, shooting more effectively than he had in his previous three CEBL stints. Bourcier’s season high of 13 points came twice: once on June 6 at Niagara then again July 5 at Montreal. Bourcier made his first start with the Sea Bears on June 19 at Canada Life Centre, when he played a pivotal role in Target Time to lead a comeback victory. For Bourcier’s full season stats, please click here . Campbell, a season-long starter for the Sea Bears, brought veteran composure and reliable defence to the line-up. Campbell surpassed several CEBL milestones, including the first Canadian to reach 1,000 career CEBL points, which he did in incredible fashion to secure the victory in Winnipeg’s next-basket-wins home opener on May 24. He also became the first player to knock down 200 three-pointers. Campbell averaged 6.2 points in 23.9 minutes this past season. For his full season stats, please click here . Ingo joined the team late this past season after the departure of Shane Osayande. Ingo stepped into his role right away, more than doubling his playing time and offensive output from his previous season with the Sea Bears. In his six games with Winnipeg in 2024, he averaged 5.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 17.5 minutes. He also led the team in rebounds for two of those six contests. For his full season stats, please click here . Posthumus, another veteran of the CEBL and hometown favourite, had one of his most efficient CEBL seasons this past year, posting a team-leading 63.9 field goal percentage as he logged 10.3 minutes and 5.6 points per game. The 6-11 centre put up a season-high 17 on June 5 in Brampton. He also achieved two major CEBL milestones after surpassing the 500-mark in both points and rebounds. For his full season stats, please click here . “We have a lot to look forward to next summer, including hosting Championship Weekend here in Winnipeg and the expanded regular season. Managing the roster movement that comes as part of the league, it's important to us that we have continuity in our roster. We are excited to protect these five players. We believe they can provide a solid core and needed continuity for us as we build for a special summer ahead. We are so thankful for the tremendous fan support from Sea Bears nation and we are aiming to make summer 2025 the stuff dreams are made of in Winnipeg,” said Sea Bears head coach and general manager, Mike Taylor. Both the players and the club must agree to having a player placed on the team’s protected list. The Sea Bears will have an automatic bye to the Western Conference Final next season as the host team of Championship Weekend 2025. The team has partnered with the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg to host the weekend-long basketball festival surrounding the league’s final and semifinal games. Season tickets for 2025 are available at an early bird rate now until Sept. 15. For more information, visit seabears.ca . ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 24-game regular season schedule that culminates in Championship Weekend (CW). Winnipeg will host CW in August of 2025. The Sea Bears bring a mixture of players from the NBA, G-League, top international pro leagues and U SPORTS to their roster, which is created annually each Spring. From the team’s inception, it has been committed to developing the sport of basketball in Manitoba. The Sea Bears are proud members of the community and work to create and support initiatives that uplift Manitobans within and outside of sport. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook . About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Social Media: Facebook: /wpgseabears Twitter: @wpgseabears Instagram: wpgseabears
By Cameron Johnson August 29, 2024
WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have partnered with the True North Youth Foundation to operate the 50/50 at home games. Full proceeds of the Cambrian Credit Union 50/50 program will benefit Buckets and Borders and Project 11. The Sea Bears give their sincerest thanks to their fans for supporting the draw, which will serve thousands of local youth through the funds raised. Seventy percent of the proceeds helped fund the Mayfair Project, a collaboration between the Sea Bears, Buckets and Borders and Payworks to restore the outdoor court space at the corner of Donald St. and River Ave. The initiative included the addition of an entirely new court alongside a refurbishment of the space’s existing court with new backboards, stanchions and rims. The finished product was unveiled in a community celebration event early last month. “The Sea Bears have become a great partner of Buckets & Borders and share a collective interest in our mandate to improve communities and bring people together,” said Buckets and Borders CEO and co-founder Justin Lee. “The Mayfair project continues to grow basketball across Manitoba, and we couldn’t have done that without the support of the Sea Bears.” Alongside the contributions from the 50/50 proceeds, the restoration was supported by funding from the Province of Manitoba for the Sea Bears’ hosting of CEBL Championship Weekend next season. The remaining funds will support Project 11, an initiative established by the True North Youth Foundation in honour of Rick Rypien, a former Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose player. Having experienced mental health challenges for much of his life before his passing in 2011, Rypien was an advocate for accessible mental health education and support for youth. Since its inception in 2012, Project 11 has grown to offer free in-classroom mental health programming to kids from grades K-12 in both English and French. “I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Winnipeg Sea Bears and their incredible fans for their generous support of the Cambrian Credit Union 50/50 program. The funds raised are making a significant impact in our community by helping thousands of local youth thrive through the power of sports and mental health education," said Dwayne Green, executive director of the True North Youth Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be able to support the amazing work done by both Buckets & Borders and Project 11, who make foundational differences in the lives of Winnipeg youth. We’d like to thank our incredible fans for supporting the 50/50 all season long,” said Jason Smith, president of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. The Sea Bears would also like to extend a thank-you to Cambrian Credit Union for their support of the 50/50 program since day one. The Sea Bears will now turn their focus to next season as the host team of Championship Weekend 2025. The team has partnered with the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg to host the weekend-long basketball festival surrounding the league’s final and semifinal games. 2025 season tickets are available at an early bird rate now! For more information, visit seabears.ca/tickets. For regular content and updates, follow @wpgseabears on all social channels. ### About the Winnipeg Sea Bears The Winnipeg Sea Bears joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as an expansion franchise in 2023. The city's only professional basketball team plays out of Canada Life Centre from May to August in a 20-game regular season schedule. Winnipeg businessman and lawyer David Asper is the organization's owner and chairman. More information on the Sea Bears can be found at seabears.ca and @wpgseabears on Instagram , X , TikTok , LinkedIn & Facebook . About the CEBL A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Social Media: Facebook: /wpgseabears Twitter: @wpgseabears Instagram: wpgseabears
August 8, 2024
WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have surpassed the league's single-season attendance record, their own mark set in 2023. In 10 regular season games in 2024, the Sea Bears saw a total of 86,275 fans attend Canada Life Centre. The team's previous mark, then a CEBL record, was 55,029 in its 10 regular season games in 2023. The team reached 65,609 total fans that year after its playoff game on August 4, 2023. The team also set a new single-game franchise record in its final match of the 2024 regular season with 11,051, besting the previous mark of 10,580 set in the team's playoff game in 2023. “We never cease to be amazed by the passion and energy of our incredible fan base. Sea Bears Nation is the foundation of all that we do and we cannot wait to see them back at Canada Life Centre in May of 2025," said Winnipeg Sea Bears president Jason Smith. The Calgary Surge overtook the Sea Bears' single-game attendance record in their home opener this year when 12,327 fans filled Scotiabank Saddledome on May 21. Before the Sea Bears joined the league in 2023, the previous CEBL single-game attendance record stood at 4,404, a mark owned by the Vancouver Bandits. The league's average regular season attendance (for a single game) this year was 3259. ###
August 7, 2024
WINNIPEG - The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced its complete roster of award-winners and all-stars, including Winnipeg's Justin Wright-Foreman , who has been named to the first team roster. Wright-Foreman earns his second consecutive first team all star nod after leading the CEBL in scoring in back-to-back seasons. The Brooklyn, N.Y. product is the only player to rank among the league’s top five in both points (26.3 per game) and assists (6.2 per game), good for first and third on the regular season, respectively. On June 27 against Niagara, he broke the league’s single-game assist record with 16 dimes against only two turnovers, guiding the Sea Bears’ offence to a convincing victory over the River Lions. Wright-Foreman was also named a finalist for MVP, ultimately conceding the award to Tazé Moore, a 2024 Portland Trail Blazer who’s averaged 17.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game for the West-leading Vancouver Bandits. Award nominees and winners are determined by votes cast by the league’s head coaches, general managers, assistant coaches, select league broadcasters and internal media personnel. Team representatives are prohibited from voting for a player or head coach from their own team. The 2024 All-CEBL First, Second, and All-Canadian Teams are as follows: All CEBL First Team: Tazé Moore (Vancouver Bandits), Justin Wright-Foreman (Winnipeg Sea Bears), Cat Barber (Scarborough Shooting Stars), Khalil Ahmad (Niagara River Lions), Nick Ward (Vancouver Bandits) All CEBL Second Team: Jahvon Blair (Niagara River Lions), Koby McEwen (Vancouver Bandits), Teddy Allen (Saskatchewan Rattlers), Jalen Harris (Saskatchewan Rattlers), Chris Smith (Montréal Alliance) CEBL All-Canadian Team: Jahvon Blair (Niagara River Lions), Koby McEwen (Vancouver Bandits), Sean Miller-Moore (Calgary Surge), Mathieu Kamba (Calgary Surge), Brody Clarke (Edmonton Stingers) All award winners were announced at the CEBL's awards banquet, which takes place as a part of Championship Weekend in Montreal this weekend. Winnipeg, in collaboration with the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg, has won the bid to host Championship Weekend in 2025. Tickets for this historic event are now on sale as part of a season ticket bundle and will go on individual sale closer to next summer. For more information on Championship Weekend 2025, click here. ###
August 3, 2024
By Zulfi Sheikh, CEBL
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