An outburst of joy filled the Canada Life Centre on Saturday evening when Simon Hildebrandt, a resident of Winnipeg, made a remarkable shot. Hildebrandt’s three-point shot secured the Winnipeg Sea Bears their first-ever victory in the Canadian Elite Basketball League championship. Confetti filled the air, and Queen’s “We Are the Champions” blared through the speakers as fans and players rejoiced in the 98-84 triumph.
Reflecting on the moment, Hildebrandt described it as unexpected, mentioning that his mind went blank before the celebrations began. This season marked Winnipeg’s fourth in the CEBL since its inception in 2026.
In the team’s debut game in 2023, the late Chad Posthumus, also from Winnipeg, scored the game-winning basket. Hildebrandt acknowledged Posthumus’ significance to the organization and the city, emphasizing the honor of being able to emulate his feat by scoring the decisive basket in the championship game.
Head coach Mike Raimbault, who also leads the University of Winnipeg’s men’s basketball team, shared a touching moment with Posthumus’s parents during the postgame festivities. Raimbault expressed his belief that if Posthumus were present, he would have chosen Hildebrandt to make the game-winning shot.
Despite facing challenges due to key players being unavailable, the Sea Bears, led by standout guard Xavier Moon, clinched the victory. Moon, who tallied 29 points in the final match, was named the CEBL’s finals MVP. He emphasized the significance of winning the title in a city that had never seen a playoff victory before.
The Sea Bears overcame adversity during the playoffs, including a player being assaulted and others leaving for overseas opportunities. Despite these setbacks, the team’s determination propelled them to success, culminating in the championship win.
The Sea Bears’ triumph was not only on the court but also in the stands, breaking a single-game attendance record with 12,519 fans in attendance. The enthusiastic support from the community was highlighted by team chair and owner David Asper, underscoring the validation of their hard work through the overwhelming turnout.
As celebrations ensued, Hildebrandt expressed hope that young basketball enthusiasts in Winnipeg would be inspired by the team’s achievement, showcasing the possibilities available to aspiring athletes in the region.
The victorious moment was captured in a celebratory video, showcasing the Sea Bears’ jubilation following their historic championship win at the Canada Life Centre.