Rattlers Welcome Fans Back to the SaskTel Centre as they take on Stingers

July 12, 2021

By Matthew Winick

The Saskatchewan Rattlers (0-6) and Edmonton Stingers (5-0) third consecutive time on Monday night at 9:30 p.m. ET/7:30 local time.


The Stingers have been dominant over their last two contests, outscoring the Rattlers 188-116 and will look to maintain their undefeated streak against a winless Rattlers team.


After dropping the first game of the 2020 CEBL Summer Series, Edmonton went on to win out the rest of the way, picking up its first league championship as a result. With five straight wins to begin the new campaign, the Stingers now sport an impressive 12-game winning streak dating back to the bubble in St. Catharines, Ontario.

While some games may mean more in the context of this year’s standings, any potential slipup from Edmonton puts its lengthy winning streak on the line.


Step in the right direction


Although a 31-point loss is nothing to celebrate for Saskatchewan, there were elements that new interim head coach Conor Dow positively took away after his first game leading the squad.

Most of the encouraging signs came on the defensive end, where the Rattlers held reigning CEBL Player of the Year Xavier Moon to only 11 points and two assists on 5-10 shooting from the field. Their three-point defense was improved as well, allowing the typically accurate Stingers to shoot only 34% from deep. It was near the rim where the team got burned, getting outscored 44-22 in the paint.


While the offense was far from a focal point – Saskatchewan set a CEBL record for fewest points scored in a game in Saturday’s loss, there were some positives there too. Devonte Bandoo continued his strong season with 15 efficient points, while first-time starter D’Andre Bernard scored 12 points with seven rebounds.


Before the coaching change, Dow was Saskatchewan’s assistant leading the defense, and the results on that side of the ball have held up thus far. Being able to score at a higher level would go a long way towards a marked improvement in game three of the regular season series.


Filling out the rotation


After a dominant start to the 2021 regular season,Stingers’ head coach Jermaine Small looked to give some his role players more game-action in the previous game. Normally sticking to a seven-man rotation for a majority of the team’s minutes, Small gave young U Sports players Kemel Archer and Alex Carson a shot.


Carson, known as a three-point sniper, was a valuable floor spacer in his time on the court. He hit a long ball, but also chipped in on the defensive end, racking up two steals and a block. More remarkably, he was a game-high +26 on the court despite playing under nine minutes of game action.


Archer was also very effective in his almost 14 minutes of court time. His activity and hustle on the floor was extremely evident, as he picked up five offensive rebounds and was constantly in the middle of the action diving for loose balls and giving energy to his team.


While Edmonton doesn’t need players like Carson or Archer to play prominent roles given the amount of top-end talent on the roster, strong performances from the back end of its rotation only make the squad even stronger. Adding depth to the long list of strengths for this Stingers group should worry teams across the CEBL.


All CEBL games will be available for live streaming on the CEBL’s new OTT streaming service CEBL+, cbcsports.ca, the free CBC Gem streaming service, the CBC Sports App for iOS and android devices, and on Twitch.


A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube

Rattlers Set New Franchise Record for Season Ticket Sales

By Brennan Elliott and Graham Forrester • May 9, 2025
The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the franchise has set a new record for season ticket memberships ahead of their home opener against the Vancouver Bandits on May 15 th at SaskTel Centre. The 82 per cent increase of season ticket sales over the 2024 season will continue to climb as enter the 2025 season as fans have the ability to secure season tickets at a prorated price. The Rattlers saw strong growth in 2024 with season ticket sales up 45 per cent, setting a new single game attendance record of 3,500 on June 20 th , and hosting over 25,000 fans throughout the 2024 season at SaskTel Centre. “We are very pleased to see the meteoric growth of the Rattlers,” said Rattlers President, Lee Genier “as we head into the 2025 campaign in what will be our largest season in history.”

CEBL Announces Partnership with Neo Financial

May 7, 2025
Canadian fintech leader commits to cashback program on all CEBL ticket purchases for Neo Mastercard holders The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the renewal of its national partnership with Canadian fintech leader Neo Financial (Neo) as the Official Credit Card of the CEBL. Neo became the first official financial partner in league history in 2024. The partnership between Neo and the CEBL provides Canadian basketball fans with exclusive access to cashback on all ticket purchases made with a Neo Mastercard throughout the upcoming 2025 season. By purchasing tickets through cebl.ca/neo , CEBL fans will receive 15 per cent cashback on their purchase with a Neo credit card, up to $20 off per transaction*. For CEBL fans that don’t currently have a Neo Mastercard, a $25 sign-up bonus will be provided to any fan signing up for a new card, in addition to 15 per cent cashback on their CEBL ticket purchases*. Fans can sign-up for a Neo credit card today at get.neofinancial.com/cebl to secure their $25 sign-up bonus. “Excited to continue our partnership with Neo Financial as they become the Official Credit Card of the CEBL,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. “This next step in our partnership creates another unique opportunity for our fans to engage with a made in Canada brand with services that make it more rewarding than ever to support Canadian basketball.” In addition to the relaunch of the CEBL Cashback Program, Neo will be selecting one lucky CEBL fan and a guest for a VIP basketball experience of a lifetime**. The winner will receive a Grand Prize package containing a VIP trip for two to Championship Weekend in Winnipeg this August, including flights, hotel, game tickets to the Conference Finals and Championship Final, and access to the CEBL Awards and Commissioner’s Luncheon. Each CEBL ticket purchase made with a Neo credit card through cebl.ca/neo will amplify your entries into the Neo Championship Weekend VIP Experience contest. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with the CEBL as the official credit card and preferred payment method,” said Andrew Chau, Co-Founder and CEO at Neo Financial . “This renewed partnership goes beyond sponsorship – it’s about investing in Canada’s future by supporting homegrown athletes and delivering better financial experiences to fans across the country. Together, we’re driving innovation in both sports and finance, helping shape a strong, more connected Canada.” Neo is building the future of financial services for Canadians, offering its customers a modern financial experience, simplifying finances through reimagined credit card products on an easy-to-use platform. To learn more about the CEBL Cashback Program, visit get.neofinancial.com/cebl .

2025 Rattlers Training Camp Roster

By Brennan Elliott • May 7, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that their 2025 Training Camp Roster will get to work starting on Wednesday May 7 th 2025 at Merlis Belsher Place on the University of Saskatchewan campus ahead of their home opener on Thursday May 15 th 2025 when they meet conference-rivals, the Vancouver. The Rattlers announced Friday May 2 nd that the team will travel to Regina to complete two of their nine-days of CEBL Training Camp at the University of Regina campus . The Regina portion of Rattlers Training Camp is proudly presented by Hoop Life, taking place on May 9th and 10th. An opportunity for fans to spectate for free will happen on Saturday May 10th from 1PM until 3PM at the University of Regina gymnasium. The Rattlers welcome media to attend with opportunity for Media Availability with Rattlers players and personnel happening on May 10th from 3PM until 4PM. During the Saskatoon portion of Rattlers Training Camp, media are welcome to attend Media Availability on Thursday May 8 th at 11:45AM, and Tuesday May 13 th at 11:45AM at Merlis Belsher Place.  “We have a relatively short period of time to try to develop some cohesion, so the focus throughout training camp will be giving the players evert opportunity to become familiarized with each other,” said Rattlers General Manager Barry Rawlyk. “We have a number of new faces that we are very excited about, and getting all of them on the same page will be very important. We already have a pretty good idea of what each player is capable of and what role they can fill, so getting each of those parts to work together is what we hope to accomplish.”

For the First Time Ever - Rattlers Are Coming to Regina, SK

By Brennan Elliott and Jordan Klimosko • May 2, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club will be taking the entire Rattlers Training Camp Roster to Regina, Saskatchewan for two of the nine-days of CEBL Training Camp ahead of the Saskatchewan Rattlers home opener on May 15th at SaskTel Centre against the Vancouver Bandits. This will be the first-time that the Rattlers have brought their Training Camp outside of Saskatoon. The Rattlers are the only CEBL franchise that represents an entire province, and they look to highlight the 2025 roster while bringing the talent to new and current fans in the province's capitol. “I am excited to take our training camp on the road to Regina”, said Rattlers Head Coach, Eric Magdanz. “The city of Regina has always been a basketball hotbed and passionately supported the Rattlers. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to meet the fans that continue to support us”. 

NCAA Star and International Player of the Year Signs with Rattlers

By Brennan Elliott • May 2, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Friday that the club has signed 6-foot-4 Takal Molson from Buffalo, New York for the 2025 season. Molson will make his CEBL debut on May 15 th when the Rattlers open their season at SaskTel Centre. “Takal is going to bring some great versatility to our backcourt,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Not only is he able to score from all three levels, he is a very capable playmaker, and even more importantly a willing and able defender. He will have a very good situation to show his abilities as a player here and we expect he will take full advantage of that opportunity.”

Recording Superstar Rebecca Strong To Perform During Rattlers Home Opener

By Brennan Elliott • May 1, 2025
The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that recording superstar Rebecca Strong will be performing at halftime when the Rattlers kick-off the seventh season during their home opener on May 15 th when the team hosts the Vancouver Bandits at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The performance will be the second time that Rebecca Strong has performed at a Saskatchewan Rattlers home game. During the 2024 season the Rattlers were the first professional sports organization to invite the world-renowned artist to perform after her win on the fourth season of Canada’s Got Talent, she performed at SaskTel Centre during the Rattlers First Nations Night celebrating Indigenous culture and communities. Strong, a member of Black Lake Denesuline First Nation was born in Stony Rapids, and grew up in Prince Albert. In early 2024, Strong made noise in her home province of Saskatchewan and around the nation for her incredible voice. Appearing on a national Canadian talent show, she soon become a household name after receiving the highest praise possible from judge, Lilly Singh . To conclude the fourth season of the talent show, Rebecca Strong was named the winner and claiming the top prize of one million dollars.

Mazereeuw Named President of Canadian Elite Basketball League

May 1, 2025
Seasoned sports executive and business leader steps into key role with Canada’s largest pro sports league

Canadian Guard Makes Professional Debut with Rattlers

By Brennan Elliott • April 30, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that the club has signed 6-foot-two guard Elisha Ampofo for the 2025 season. The Milton, Ontario product joined the Winnipeg Sea Bears during the 2024 season for CEBL Training Camp, and continued to train with the team during the season. Ampofo will make his professional debut with the Rattlers after four seasons playing with the University of Brandon Bobcats. “Elisha is a very talented scorer and we are very excited about the potential he brings as a young basketball player,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “Last season he was not really given an opportunity to display his skill set, and so we have brought him to the Rattlers with the idea that if he can unleash some of his potential, he can be a real asset to the team.”

2019 CEBL Champion Rejoins Rattlers for Fifth CEBL Season

By Brennan Elliott • April 30, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that the club has signed 6-foot-7 Shane Osayande for the 2025 season, which is celebrated as his third season with the Rattlers and fifth in the CEBL. The Toronto, Ontario native played 17 games over two seasons with the Saskatchewan Rattlers during the 2019 and 2020 season averaging 8.9 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 40 per cent from the field. Osayande played a key role during the 2019 CEBL Championship final with 14 points, nine rebounds, and one steal in 27 minutes while shooting 45.5 per cent from the field. The Rattlers won the 2019 CEBL Championship with a 94 to 83 win over the Hamilton Honey Badgers. “We are very happy to welcome Shane back to Saskatoon. He is obviously very familiar with the community after having spent time here as a college student-athlete and as a member of the Rattlers,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “His experience and athleticism will prove to be great assets for the team, and we expect him to provide some veteran leadership. Shane is a tough competitor and will certainly be an important catalyst to our success.”

Canadian Big Joins Rattlers, Returning to CEBL for Fourth Season

By Brennan Elliott • April 24, 2025
Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Thursday that the club has re-signed 6-foot-7 Elijah Ifejeh for the 2025 season. The Montreal, Quebec native returns for his fourth season in the CEBL after playing three consecutive seasons with the Montreal Alliance where he ranks fifth all-time for points (301), second all-time for rebounds (207), and holds the all-time record for blocks (30). During the 2023-24 season, Ifejeh joined Manchester Giants in the BBL where he played alongside Cody John. John and Ifejeh will continue their on-court chemistry at the Rattlers homeopener on May 15 th at SaskTel Centre. “We feel that we have added some real grit to our lineup by adding Elijah,” said General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Barry Rawlyk. “In his first couple seasons in the CEBL, he has quickly developed a reputation as a very tough and hardworking competitor. We look forward to him bringing that type of play to our team.”
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