Time and time again, Winnipeg has flexed its versatility as a sports city. Hockey, curling, football (and fútbol) — you name it.
On May 27, 2023, Peg City did it again. An impressive 7,303 fans packed a sold-out Canada Life Centre during the inaugural Winnipeg Sea Bears basketball game, proving Winnipeg is, in fact, a basketball city.
The Sea Bears did not disappoint in their first matchup, securing the city's first franchise win against the Vancouver Bandits — but they didn't stop there. The club holds an impressive 4-2 record, currently in a three-way tie for 2nd in the CEBL.
It's no wonder the captivating Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team has taken the city by storm, injecting an exciting blend of athleticism, community, spirit and family fun into Winnipeg's vibrant sports scene.
Here's everything you need to know about the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
What is a Sea Bear?
The Sea Bear is a fitting moniker for a club playing in the city that has claimed the title of Canada's "True North," not only as a reference to the mighty Polar Bears of Northern Manitoba — whose Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means "Sea Bear." but also as an ode to the Dene people who, for thousands of years, have stewarded Treaty 10 lands with unmatched tenacity, ferocity, and resilience.
Sea Bear is a reflection of all things Winnipeg, and Manitoba, from Qaumajuq – the world's most extensive gallery of Inuit and Dene art to the Assiniboine Park Zoo's world-renowned Journey to Churchill exhibit, which is a leader in polar bear conservation.
Who is the mascot?
Churchill is the official mascot of the Winnipeg Sea Bears. Fans who attended the Sea Bears' inaugural game witnessed our city's newest mascot descend from the rafters at Canada Life Centre to a roaring and record-breaking crowd.
The name resulted from a social media contest the club ran to get the best name possible. Winnipeg did not disappoint.
In a league of their own
The Winnipeg Sea Bears are part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), which features ten teams in six provinces, making it Canada's largest professional sports league. The CEBL also boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any Canadian league, with an astounding 71 per cent of its rosters being Canadian.
The CEBL season runs May through August, and players bring experience from national and international markets like the NBA, BBA, the Canadian National team, and NCAA.
Who's on the squad?
Here are a few of our favourites so far!
First, we have Teddy Allen at guard, better known as Teddy Buckets. Allen is a West Virginia product with a knack for getting buckets inside and out. He is currently second in scoring in the entire CEBL and tied the league record with 42 points against the Scarborough Shooting Stars in their most recent matchup.
Next, we have Jelani Watson-Gayle (JWG), an English guard from London, who joins the Sea Bears after a successful season with the Bristol Flyers and the British Men's National team. JWG can't miss from deep and is one of the most clutch players in the CELB, winning it for the Sea Bears on more than one occasion with his clutch free throws.
Last but by no means least, Winnipeg's very own Chad Posthumus, who plays centre. Posthumus is the epitome of the phrase "ball is life." After leading River East Collegiate to third place finish in the AAA Winnipeg High School Championships, Posthumus had 23 college offers. After a successful run at UBC, Posthumus had short stints with NBA teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls. Posthumus is a locker room leader who embodies all the characteristics of a Sea Bear: tenacity, ferocity, and resilience.
To learn more about the incredible roster, visit seabears.ca.
What happened to the game clock?
If you've watched a CEBL game after 2021, you've probably noticed the clock shut off in the fourth quarter — don't fret. You see, the CEBL adopted the Elam Ending or Target Score system for their games to ensure optimal excitement at all times.
The clock is turned off after the first play stoppage in the game's final four minutes. The game ends when one team reaches the target score, equal to the leading team's point total plus nine.
The Elam ending helps maintain the normal flow of a game. It eliminates deliberate fouling and rushed possessions by the trailing team or stalling on offence by the leading team — meaning the game is in full throttle when it matters most.
Where do they play?
The Winnipeg Sea Bears share a home with the Winnipeg Jets and play at Canada Life Centre at 300 Portage Ave. Here are some directions , accessibility information, parking and transit information.
Where is the pregame fun?
Nothing excites Winnipeg like summer weather, so the best way to take advantage of that sunshine is to head to the outdoor Plaza at True North Square for the "We Got Next" Tip-Off Parties before most home games.
The Winnipeg Sea Bears have partnered with Hargrave Street Market, Academy Hospitality and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ to help contribute to a vibrant and inclusive downtown. These parties are FREE of charge and feature DJs, local vendors and family-friendly games.
Each event will begin 2.5 hours before tip-off and end half an hour before the scheduled game. You'll want to take advantage of that time because the Sea Bears have partnered with 6 Degrees Photo Booth, who have set up shop on the main concourse loaded with props and instant digital photos. You'll be able to spot them as they'll have a lineup of people waiting to get their custom gif or photograph taken. These booths are fun for fans of all ages.
Where can I watch Sea Bears games live?
If you can't make it to Canada Life Centre, don't stress. TSN is the official broadcast partner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), meaning all 107 CEBL games will be broadcasted on TSN's all-new direct-to-consumer streaming platform, TSN+. Not only that, TSN will broadcast 10 CEBL games, including two Winnipeg Sea Bears games, the next one being their matchup against their Prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Rattlers, on July 11 at 8 p.m. ET at Canada Life Centre.
The league also offers free streaming of all CEBL games, bonus highlights, and behind-the-scenes content on their streaming service, CEBL+. You can sign up for CEBL+ here.
For the full schedule of games and ticket availability, head to seabears.ca.
Where can I buy merch?
A new team means new swag for Winnipeggers! Right now, you can don the Sea Bears colours by visiting the Sea Bears Shop Online or one of the following local spots: CNTRBND (Located in True North Square, 223 Carlton St #110) and Two Rivers at The Forks Trading Company (Main floor, 1 Forks Market Road).
