WINNIPEG SEA BEARS REACH CEBL FINALS FOR FIRST TIME IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

This is a best-of-three series and the team that wins two games first takes home the championship. Brampton, finishing with the lower record in the regular season at 11-13, hosts Game 1 on Wednesday, August 12. The Sea Bears then bring it back to Winnipeg, where they earned the right to host the final two games. Game 2 is at Canada Life Centre on August 15 at 2:30pm. If a deciding Game 3 is needed, Winnipeg hosts again on August 16 at 2:30pm. Two home games in front of Sea Bears Nation and we need you there. 

Brampton went 2-0 against Winnipeg in the regular season and holds a 4-3 all-time edge in the head-to-head matchup. Both losses were tight, a 4-point defeat on May 25 and a 2-point loss on July 25. They are not to be taken lightly, but this series is far from settled. The Sea Bears won the West the hard way — shorthanded, battle-tested, with the whole roster stepping up when it counted most. Head coach Mike Raimbault preached depth from day one, and this team has delivered at every turn.

For Winnipeg's own Simon Hildebrandt, being in the finals means everything.

"Since day one we've talked about what we've got to do to make the finals," said Hildebrandt. "We've battled a lot of adversity this year, but it's been our goal from the start."

"The team has done a great job of playing together and staying connected possession by possession," Raimbault added. "Lots of people have had opportunities to step up and have risen to the occasion. We are looking forward to our next challenge as a group."

Brampton is co-owned by Leonard Asper, brother of Sea Bears owner David Asper, adding another layer to an already compelling Finals matchup.

Watch game 1 at 6:00PM CT live on TSN, CBC and stream on CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca, TSN+, CBC YouTube, CEBL YouTube and CEBL+.

The experience at Canada Life Centre will be one to remember. On August 15, TJ Pepper takes the stage at halftime. The first 5,000 fans through the doors on both August 15 and August 16 will receive a rally towel. Come early, come loud, and come ready.

Sea Bears Nation — this team has fought all season for this moment and now they need you. You are the sixth player. The Den is our home court advantage. Join the hunt. Get your tickets, pack the building, and help bring a championship home to Winnipeg. This has never been done before. Let's make history together. GET YOUR TICKETS →