An upset in Canadian basketball will change how this year’s champions are decided. The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) said only one official championship game will be played after issues on the Brampton Honey Badgers’ home court Wednesday forced the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Badgers off. “The decision was made by the League in consultation with both clubs,” a CEBL statement said. “With the best-of-three series unable to be completed within the scheduled window, a one-game championship was determined to be the fairest and most practical path to crowning a champion.” That game will be played Saturday in Winnipeg at Canada Life Centre. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. The Winnipeg Sea Bears said it will be sharing details regarding additional tickets to that game. TSN and TSN+ will broadcast the championship game. Game 1 cancelled due to safety concerns Instead of squeaking sneakers and roaring fans, the court that hosted this season’s first of three CEBL championship games is quietening. Despite already tipping off, the Winnipeg Sea Bears and Brampton Honey Badgers will not be finishing the game, forcing excited fans to head home. The Canadian Elite Basketball League cited condensation on the court. That condensation was evident after some players, including Sea Bears Point Guard Xavier Moon, slipped, and a mop appeared to be on standby near the Badger’s net. “The decision was made in consultation with both clubs, game officials and venue staff,” a statement from the Sea Bears said. “The safety of our players, officials and fans is the League’s first priority.” It would have been the first time since the league’s 2019 inaugural season a best-of-three series determined the top team. Brampton’s CAA Centre Sports and Entertainment Complex doubles as an ice arena. This means further underneath the basketball court’s wood planks is a barrier separating the surfaces. This is a developing story and will be updated.
