An eruption of applause filled the Canada Life Centre on Saturday night when Simon Hildebrandt, a resident of Winnipeg, nailed a remarkable three-pointer. Hildebrandt’s shot secured the Winnipeg Sea Bears their inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League title. The victory was celebrated with confetti showers and the anthem “We Are the Champions” resonating through the speakers, marking their 98-84 triumph.
Following the game, Hildebrandt described the moment as “extremely impromptu,” recounting how his mind went blank before the celebrations began. This season marked Winnipeg’s fourth in the CEBL since its inception in 2026.
In a poignant twist, Hildebrandt’s game-winning heroics mirrored those of the late Chad Posthumus, another Winnipeg native who sank the winning basket in the team’s debut game in 2023. Reflecting on Posthumus’s legacy, Hildebrandt acknowledged the significance of being likened to him and scoring the decisive shot in the championship.
Sea Bears’ head coach Mike Raimbault, also the coach of the University of Winnipeg men’s basketball team, shared a touching moment with Posthumus’s parents during the post-game jubilation. Raimbault expressed that it was fitting for Hildebrandt to clinch the game-winning basket, believing that if Posthumus could choose, he would have selected Simon for the honor.
In a remarkable turnaround, the Sea Bears, who had never won a playoff game before, clinched the league title. Guard Xavier Moon shone in the final game, scoring a game-high 29 points and earning the finals MVP accolade. Moon’s stellar performance was even more significant due to the absence of key players like Teddy Allen, who was sidelined after an assault incident at a local nightclub in August.
Despite setbacks, including player departures, the Sea Bears navigated through the playoffs, defeating formidable opponents to secure their championship victory. The league’s first-ever best-of-three series was swiftly condensed into a single decisive game due to unforeseen circumstances.
The historic win was not only a sporting achievement but also a record-breaking moment for the Sea Bears as they attracted a record attendance of 12,519 fans at the Canada Life Centre, surpassing the previous league record. Owner David Asper expressed pride in the team’s success, attributing it to the community’s unwavering support.
Looking ahead, Hildebrandt aims to inspire young basketball enthusiasts in Winnipeg by showcasing that with dedication and perseverance, achieving success on a national stage is within reach. The Sea Bears’ triumph serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in the Manitoba capital.
