The Winnipeg Sea Bears defeated the Edmonton Stingers 77-75 [1] during the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season opener on Saturday, May 9, 2026 [2].
The victory establishes early momentum for the Sea Bears in the new season and highlights the impact of the league's unique scoring format on high-stakes finishes.
The game took place in Edmonton, Alberta, where the Stingers served as the host venue [3]. Winnipeg managed to overcome the home team in a tight contest that came down to the final possessions. Teddy Allen led the scoring for the Sea Bears, recording a game-high 24 points [4].
The outcome was decided under the CEBL's Elam Ending format, which replaces a traditional game clock with a target score. In this matchup, the target score was set at 77 points [5]. The game concluded when Winnipeg reached that mark, clinching the win through clutch free throws by Mason Kraus [6].
Kraus, a homegrown guard, provided a critical spark for the Sea Bears during the closing moments of the game [7]. His ability to convert from the charity stripe ensured that Edmonton could not mount a final comeback attempt to tie or win the game.
This opening match marks the start of the CEBL season, bringing professional basketball back to Canadian cities with a high-powered style of play. The Sea Bears' ability to execute under the pressure of the target score suggests a strong level of composure for the roster moving forward into the rest of the schedule.
“The Winnipeg Sea Bears defeated the Edmonton Stingers 77-75”
The use of the Elam Ending ensures that every CEBL game ends on a game-winning shot or play rather than a draining clock, increasing the dramatic tension for spectators. By winning a close road game in the opener, the Sea Bears have demonstrated both individual scoring depth through Teddy Allen and mental toughness in the target-score format.
