Stingers defeat Rattlers for second time in three days

July 10, 2021

By Matthew Winick

The Edmonton Stingers (5-0) used an outstanding second quarter to pull away and defeat the Saskatchewan Rattlers (0-6) 87-56 on Saturday afternoon at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. With the win, Edmonton pushed its lengthy win streak to an impressive 12 games dating back to last year’s Summer Series championship run.

The Stingers began the second on a 17-0 spurt, and wound-up finishing with a 29-5 advantage in the frame. It turned a one-point deficit into a 23-point halftime lead and allowed Edmonton to coast to the finish line.

“We try to just focus on one practice, one game, and one possession at a time,” said Stingers’ head coach Jermaine Small after the win, “It’s breeding success and we’re very fortunate to be where we are.”

Jordan Baker led the way for the Stingers with a season high 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Known as a steady presence on the court, Baker paced his team throughout the game and finished with his first double-double of the season.

“The biggest thing for us is we’re a group of unselfish guys,” said Baker, “Nobody’s looking to go get 20 points. If the ball ends up in your hands, we trust you to make a play.”

Marlon Johnson was also a standout for Edmonton, scoring 19 points including the Elam Ending game-winning three-pointer, and adding 11 rebounds of his own. With both Baker and Johnson dominating the interior, the Stingers can run efficient, high-quality offence. Naturally, they doubled-up the Rattlers in paint points, 44-22.

The loss for the Rattlers marked the team’s first game with interim head coach Conor Dow leading the charge. Dow, a former G League assistant, takes over after previous head man Chad Jacobson stepped down from his position on Friday.

“Coach Chad (Jacobson) was very generous with giving me a big voice on this team,” said Dow about his new position, “The guys are respecting what we’re saying, they’re trying to do what we ask of them. We just have to execute for a full 40 minutes and not just in spurts.”

Despite the staff change, the results stayed mostly similar for Saskatchewan. The CEBL’s last-place scoring offence only mustered 56 points, the lowest total of any team in CEBL history.

The Rattlers were paced by D’Andre Bernard and Devonte Bandoo, dropping 12 points apiece. It was an overall struggle to put the ball in the hoop, with Saskatchewan shooting just 32% from the floor and 26% from beyond the arc.

“One positive is we got a heck of a lot more open looks than we had previously,” said Dow, “It’s just about knocking down those shots and continuing to make the extra pass when the shots aren’t falling.”

While the Rattlers would love to get away from the dominant Stingers bunch, that reality will not be the case. The two squads are set to face off for a third straight time on Monday at 9:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m local time, once again at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

For Saskatchewan, Monday’s game allows the team a third chance to show it can compete with the Stingers, looking to improve on the 36-point average margin of defeat through the first two games of the regular season series.

On Edmonton’s side, it will look to finish off the Rattlers and remain undefeated as it continues to march through a long road trip.

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

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CEBL Announces Partnership with CDIC

May 12, 2025

Partner branding to appear on all league referee jerseys this summer The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the renewal of its national partnership with the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), building upon their Championship Weekend partnership from the 2024 season. As Canada’s federal Crown corporation that protects deposits in the event of member institution failure, CDIC is aligning the core of its partnership with the CEBL’s referees by becoming the first national partner to brand the CEBL’s referee jerseys for the duration of a CEBL season. Additionally, CDIC and the CEBL are developing a dedicated social campaign that will recognize the CEBL’s top defender each week during the 2025 season. “We’re proud to renew and expand our partnership with an organization that prioritizes the best interests of our communities,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. “Our partnership will engage fans in ways that celebrate financial protection for Canadians, both on and off the court.” The CDIC has been a long-standing staple of the Canadian financial industry since 1967, contributing to the stability of the financial system in Canada by insuring deposits at member institutions against failure up to $100,000 – per institution, per category. “CDIC is happy to renew its partnership with the CEBL for the upcoming season,” said Tamara Mason, Head of Communications at CDIC. “We are committed to raising awareness of deposit protection among Canadians as research shows that awareness contributes to overall confidence in—and the stability of—the Canadian financial system.” The seventh season of the CEBL tips off May 11 with a total of 120 regular season games in the 2025 campaign , leading to playoffs that begin August 14. Championship Weekend , which features the league’s top four teams during the regular season vying for the league title, will be held at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, August 22-24.

CEBL Announces Partnership with Tonybet

May 12, 2025

Ontario licensed and regulated Sportsbook to power all CEBL+ streaming broadcasts during 2025 season The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Saturday a groundbreaking partnership with Tonybet, which will see the Ontario licensed and regulated sportsbook become the Official Online Sportsbook of the CEBL. As part of this landmark partnership, Tonybet has posted odds for the CEBL season opener at tonybet.ca . The first game of the CEBL’s seventh season features the Battle of Alberta as the Calgary Surge take on the Edmonton Stingers at 4 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 11 at Edmonton Expo Centre. Fans can watch the season-opening tip-off – and every CEBL regular season, playoff, and Championship Weekend game – live and free, thanks to Tonybet. CEBL+ will now be powered by Tonybet for the 2025 season, delivering free streaming access to Canadians for all 127 broadcasts throughout the year. With 15 years in the market, Tonybet has established itself as one of the most trusted sportsbooks worldwide, committed to providing a safe, fair, and reliable betting experience for its players. “Tonybet is a respected leader in the online sports betting space and a welcome addition to the CEBL’s sponsorship family,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. “A main part of their commitment is providing free access to our existing and new fans to all 127 games this season on CEBL+, strengthening the league’s visibility and accessibility to basketball fans all across the country.” Tonybet will also be delivering fans an immersive digital experience through the lens of some of Canada’s most recognizable social figures. They will be dropping social and digital content throughout the season, including the CEBL’s weekly digital sportsbook content series, Pick n’ Roll. “Enabled by this partnership, we intend to bring an unparalleled streaming experience for free. Being a big fan myself, basketball is, easily, a very hype sport, and we’re happy that our partnership with CEBL brings it closer to every fan living in Canada,” said Dmitry Arabuli, CEO of Tonybet.

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.”