Safety concerns due to condensation buildup on the Brampton Honey Badgers basketball court led to the cancellation of Game One in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship series. Excited fans headed home Wednesday night after the match was cancelled shortly after it began. The problem became clear after some players, including Sea Bears Point Guard Xavier Moon, slipped, and a mop appeared to be on standby near the Badgers’ 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.” Brampton’s CAA Centre Sports and Entertainment Complex doubles as an ice arena and the issue could be traced back to a barrier separating the surfaces. Now, instead of three games, the championship will be decided in one game on Saturday, Aug. 15, at The Canada Life Centre at 2:30 p.m. in Winnipeg, according to the CEBL. “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.” TSN and TSN+ will broadcast the championship game. The Sea Bears announced Thursday that the lower bowl at Canada Life Centre has sold out for the championship, prompting the upper bowl to be opened to meet demand. For fans, Wednesday’s cancellation cut short a night many had been looking forward to. Sea Bears fan and designer Ogo Okwumabua organized a watch party that, he said, ultimately lasted just six minutes before the game was called off. “It’s been a crazy year, but now we’re down to just one,” Okwumabua said, adding he’s hoping for a win Saturday. In Selkirk, Man., diehard fan Cameron Flamand is hoping to make it to the game despite a tough week. An electrical fire destroyed his truck and garage this week, taking with it a collection of his handmade Sea Bears beaded merchandise. “I have an extra ticket,” Flamand said, laughing. “If someone wants to come and pick me up—my wife is heading out of town and she needs the vehicle.”
