Surge Outlast River Lions, Cap Regular Season with Four Straight Wins

The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday three more names to join Head Coach Alex Cerda on the coaching staff this upcoming season. Canadian Mike Girling will step in as associate head coach. Girling has been coaching high-level basketball since 2019, beginning as a lead assistant for the University of Waterloo men’s basketball program. He then transitioned to coaching women’s basketball, doing so from 2022-2025 at the University of Guelph. With seven years of experience in the CEBL, including with the Honey Badgers during the Basketball Champions League Americas tournament in 2022, the Guelph Nighthawks and most recently the Calgary Surge (2022-2025), Girling is poised to step in and make a big impact this season. "I’m excited to bring together a staff that reflects toughness, experience, and a shared vision for winning,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. “Mike Girling, Tyson Campbell and Olu Ashaolu each bring something unique to the table, and together, I believe we’ve built a group that will challenge our players, support each other, and represent our program the right way every day." Next to Cerda and Girling will be Tyson Campbell and Olu Ashaolu coming on as assistant coaches. Campbell has been coaching in Georgia since 2020, including currently leading the helm as head coach at Fulton Science Academy in Alpharetta. Campbell was a key member of the Surge’s coaching staff in 2025, alongside Girling and Honey Badgers Assistant General Manager John Ross. Ashaolu joins the Honey Badgers by way of the Mexico City Capitanes (NBA G League) where he currently serves as an assistant coach. The Toronto-native has over 20 years of high-level basketball experience as a player and coach, including representing the Canada Men’s National Team and playing three seasons in the CEBL from 2020-2022 (Fraser Valley, Niagara, and Guelph). “Our coaching staff is extremely talented, driven, and knowledgeable, with a wealth of CEBL experience,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “Their experience in the league and ability to connect with players will strongly complement Coach Cerda’s vision for our team. I’m confident that our organization and players will benefit greatly from their expertise.” While many of the pieces the Honey Badgers acquired this offseason are new to the organization, many have lots of experience together in the past through their time in the CEBL, NBA G League, and NBA Summer League. “I could not be more excited about the coaching staff we’ve been able to put together,” said Honey Badgers Assistant General Manager John Ross. “You’re not going to find three better people than Mike, Tyson, and Olu. They each bring a high level of energy, character, and basketball IQ to the table. To have these three on the staff with Coach Cerda, it’s going to be an exciting and special summer in Brampton!” The Honey Badgers have now rolled out the leaders behind their coaching staff, as well as five players ahead of their season/home opener on May 15 at the CAA Centre. With CEBL Signing Day around the corner, fans can expect some more announcements in the near future. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca .

The Niagara River Lions are proud to announce details of the2026 Mesh Refresh Tour, a community-focused basketball initiative visiting neighborhoods across the Niagara Region throughout the month of April. The Mesh Refresh initiative reflects the team's ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant basketball culture, supporting accessible, high- quality playing environments, and encouraging the growth of the game at all levels. Originally launched in 2022 in Thorold and St. Catharines, the Mesh Refresh program has demonstrated the meaningful impact even small upgrades to outdoor courts can have on local communities. As basketball continues to grow - particularly among youth, BIPOC and underrepresented groups, the River Lions remain committed to giving back and enhancing the overall playing experience. In 2026 the initiative will expand to additional municipalities across the region with stops in Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie, Thorold and St. Catharines. Each municipality’s Parks and Recreation Department has played a key role identifying which parks will receive the new Spalding meshes. The 2026 Mesh Refresh Tour brings the game directly to local courts, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to engage with the team and the sport. Led by River Lions Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, each stop will begin mesh replacement, followed by shooting hoops with Coach Kimbal, skill demonstrations, and a chance to view the River Lions championship trophy up close. Community members are encouraged to attend, participate, and experience basketball in their own neighborhoods. Tour Schedule: April 8 – Niagara Falls | Prince Charles Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 13 – Niagara-on-the-Lake | Virgil Sports Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 15 – Fort Erie | Crystal Ridge Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 27 – Thorold | Winterberry Park (6:00pm-7:00pm) April 29 – St. Catharines | St. Patrick’s Park (6:30–7:30 PM) “Reviving the Mesh Refresh program reflects our commitment to reinvesting in the community spaces where basketball thrives,” said Business Operations Manager, Tyler Vincent. “Outdoor courts are often a young player’s first introduction to the game, and by refreshing these spaces and activating them with programming, we aim to create accessible opportunities for youth and families throughout Niagara.” ### About the Niagara River Lions: The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.

The Vancouver Bandits announced Thursday that the club has signed NBA-experienced guard Mychal Mulder for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A 6-foot-3 guard from Windsor, Ont., Mulder appeared in 84 NBA games between 2019 to 2022 for the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. His breakout season in 2020-21 saw him appear in 60 games for the Warriors, where he averaged 5.6 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0.4 assists in 12.8 minutes, including six starts alongside the likes of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. “I am excited to be in Vancouver to play with the Bandits and work with coach Kyle Julius this summer. Playing in a Canadian league is a first for me, and it is an opportunity that I take pride in,” said Mulder. “We are going to have a really good group and a very competitive season; Bandits fans, get ready.” Mulder most recently played for the Washington Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate, Capital City Go-Go, during the 2023-24 season where he appeared in 27 games and averaged 5.2 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 17.3 minutes per game. A product of the University of Kentucky, Mulder played two seasons of NCAA DI basketball from 2015 to 2017. He averaged 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.4 assists in 10.6 minutes through 32 contests for a Wildcats squad that advanced to the Elite Eight at the 2017 NCAA March Madness tournament. “Mychal is an elite Canadian player who has built a career as accomplished as any player to play in our league. He will provide big time experience and leadership to our group,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “He has played with the best players in the world and it is going to be awesome to have him enhance our culture and push our group towards a championship.” Internationally, Mulder has represented Canada at the senior level on two occasions at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers and the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Mulder joins reigning CEBL Canadian Player of the Year Tyrese Samuel as players who have signed with the Bandits for the upcoming 2026 season. The Bandits open the 2026 CEBL season on Thursday, May 14 on the road in Saskatoon before coming home for its Home Opener against the Edmonton Stingers on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre. ### About the Vancouver Bandits: The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre (LEC), while also being committed to growing the game of basketball by fostering meaningful community connections through youth programming, events, and partnerships.

The Winnipeg Sea Bears today signed Winnipeg product Simon Hildebrandt for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, bringing the hometown forward back to Winnipeg for another summer in The Den. “We are excited to welcome Simon back for the summer," said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. "He was an integral part of the team and we can’t wait to get him back on the court. His ability to space the court at his position will be a valuable asset to the team this summer.”  Hildebrandt, a 6-foot-9 forward, has played two seasons with the Sea Bears. He was originally selected first overall by Winnipeg in the 2023 CEBL U SPORTS Draft, becoming the first draft pick in franchise history, and was selected again in the first round in 2024. Hildebrandt won the 2023 and 2024 CEBL U SPORTS Player of the Year (now Developmental Player of the Year) award, which recognizes the top U SPORTS/CCAA player in the professional league. “I’m excited to return home to Winnipeg this summer and compete in front of the best fans in the CEBL, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Hildebrandt. Across two seasons in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, Hildebrandt has appeared in more than 40 games for Winnipeg, averaging 19.5 minutes per game. Hildebrandt began his university career at the University of Manitoba Bisons men's basketball, where he quickly became one of the top players in U SPORTS. As a freshman, he averaged 17 points and 5.2 rebounds per game and was named a U SPORTS All-Canadian. He followed that with a sophomore season where he averaged 16.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, including a career-high 41-point performance against Victoria. He later moved to NCAA Division I, playing at the High Point Panthers men's basketball during the 2024-25 season, where he appeared in 25 games and helped the program reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in its Division I history. He then transferred to the Washington State Cougars men's basketball ahead of the 2025-26 season, where he averaged 14.3 minutes per game and recorded a season-high 19 points, including five three-pointers, in a win over Pepperdine. ###

Les clubs de la LECB dévoileront le 8 avril 2026 les étudiants-athlètes de U SPORTS ou de l’ACSC qu’ils ont recrutés

CEBL clubs will reveal signed U SPORTS or CCAA student-athletes on April 8, 2026

The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of Canadian forward JD Muila. The 6’8” Ottawa, Ontario native is set to make his Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) debut this season after being selected in the 2024 CEBL Draft by the Ottawa BlackJacks, though international commitments did not allow him to play that year. He is currently competing with Nevezis Kedainai in Lithuania’s top division where he is averaging 9.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting over 56 percent from the field. “JD is ready to make a big impact in the CEBL, and we’re very excited to have him join the team,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie on the first new name announced to the 2026 roster. “He brings elite physicality, rebounding ability and defensive prowess, and as a highly mobile 5, he can contribute in many ways offensively. He continues to grow his game each year and we expect another big leap from him this summer.” Prior to his time in Lithuania, Muila put together an impressive run across Europe, including a breakout 2023–24 season with Froya Basket in Norway where he averaged 19.4 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. He also competed in the BNXT League with Den Helder Suns, posting a double-double average of 11.1 points and 11.9 rebounds. Muila graduated from Southern Illinois University where he played two seasons with the Salukis, averaging 3.1 points and 4.1 rebounds after redshirting due to injury. He originally began his collegiate career at Indian Hills Community College ( NJCAA), where he contributed to a dominant 57–10 record across two seasons, including a 30–3 campaign in 2019–20 where he averaged 6.5 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds per game. That season, the team earned a No. 2 seed in the NJCAA Tournament before the competition was canceled. Muila was the first graduate from Canada Topflight Academy ( CTA), an elite preparatory program based out of Ottawa’s Notre Dame High School, to reach NCAA Division I, despite not starting basketball until the age of 16. During his time with CTA, he helped lead the program to back-to-back National Preparatory Association (NPA) national championships. With his combination of size, rebounding ability, and international experience, Muila adds depth and toughness to the River Lions frontcourt. “I’m extremely excited and blessed to have the opportunity to make my CEBL debut with the back to back CEBL champions this year.” said Muila “I look forward to seeing all of the dedicated fans very soon!” ### About the Niagara River Lions: The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.

The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday the signing of Kelowna, BC native Mason Bourcier. The 6’4 Guard joined the Stingers part way through the season following a 3 game stint with the Winnipeg Sea Bears. “I am very excited to return to the Stingers organization!" said Bourcier. “I had an amazing experience last summer and loved the fan base and community support here. I can’t wait to compete for another summer in Edmonton!” Bourcier is returning to the CEBL for his fifth season and first full season with the Stingers. He began his CEBL career as a developmental player with the Fraser Valley Bandits (now Vancouver Bandits) and has since played for the Newfoundland Growlers, Calgary Surge, Winnipeg Sea Bears and, most recently, the Edmonton Stingers. Last year, Bourcier appeared in 19 games, starting 18, and tallied 71 points, 50 rebounds, 28 assists and 15 steals. He recorded a season-high 14 points on Aug. 1 against the Vancouver Bandits. “Mason was a tremendous mid-season addition for us last summer,” said Stingers Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. “He anchored our defense and brought high-level work ethic and professionalism to our locker room. We are excited to see his game grow in his second year with the club, and I am confident Stingers fans will love his hard-nosed approach to the game.” Bourcier will join the Stingers at Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Winnipeg Sea Bears in their home opener. ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to August in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets from coast to coast. The Stingers joined the league in its inaugural season in 2019 and have twice been crowned CEBL Champions. The Stingers play in the 4,000 seat Edmonton Expo Centre. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.

The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday the signing of Quebec City, Quebec native Emmanuel Bandoumel. The 6’4” guard is currently competing overseas in Finland, averaging 22.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game. “I enjoyed playing in the CEBL my very first summer,” said Bandoumel. “I feel like this is a very competitive league which allows you to showcase your game. Edmonton has a great organization and coach so it was a great situation for me to go into. Jordan has a player/coach style which is perfect to evolve in this league where he also excelled.” Emmanuel is returning to the CEBL for his second season. He began his CEBL career with the Saskatchewan Rattlers (now the Saskatchewan Mamba), averaging 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. “Bringing Emmanuel to Edmonton was a priority for us this off-season.” said Stingers Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. “He is a high character individual who can impact the game on both ends of the court, and his energy and passion is infectious. We look forward to seeing him mesh with our group this summer!” Bandoumel will join the Stingers at Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Winnipeg Sea Bears in their home opener. Tickets are available for as low as $20 per seat and can be purchased online , by contacting the Stingers head office via email ( [email protected] ) or phone (1-87STINGERS). ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to August in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets from coast to coast. The Stingers joined the league in its inaugural season in 2019 and have twice been crowned CEBL Champions. The Stingers play in the 4,000 seat Edmonton Expo Centre. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.