Led by MVP Tazé Moore, the Vancouver Bandits dominated CEBL awards and had fun doing it
August 8, 2024
Myles Dichter
Tazé Moore, the CEBL’s newly minted MVP, wants you to know he had fun— even despite his constant spats with referees.
“Everybody sees me on a night-to-night basis probably arguing with the refs but I love it man,” Moore said moments after winning the award on Wednesday night in Montreal.
“Overall this league is amazing. It gives guys like me time in the summer to come over, stay in shape and then time to go do what I need to do and also come back and forth as I please because they’re OK with it. It’s just beneficial all around.”
Moore’s Vancouver Bandits, who placed first in the Western Conference at 14-6, collected plenty of hardware as Kyle Julius won Coach of the Year and Koby McEwen, the Toronto native, was named Canadian Player of the Year.
Now armed with individual accolades, the trio will now lead the Bandits during Championship Weekend as the West Final will be contested on Friday at Verdun Auditorium.
“This team has been a lot of fun,” Julius said. “It’s kind of corny, maybe, but no matter what happens this weekend, I’m gonna be sad that we don’t have another practice, we don’t have another road trip. These guys are a lot of fun and they’ve worked really hard for me. I really care about them. It genuinely has been a fun summer.”
It is hard not to have fun when you have a season like the Bandits did, racing out to an early lead and never loosening their grip on top spot in the conference.
Championship Weekend has been in their sights for a while.
Still, all of Moore, McEwen and Julius said this team was special — so much so that Australian import Mitch Creek even convinced a few players to go skydiving recently.
And while Moore did not join, he said most other activities are done as a group.
“Me and Nick [Ward] have gone sturgeon fishing. We play cards every night. … If we got a plane ride the next day, we got nothing to do so we just stay up like kids. We just really act like brothers and teammates, you know what I’m saying? We fight, we argue, but we come back to each other, we love each other and we just show each other that we’re here for one another,” Moore said.
McEwen said it was easy to compile the stats he did – he was second in the league in three-pointers made — while playing next to Moore.
“He can draw all this attention, getting in the paint, and I was just doing the easy work, catching and shooting open shots. He was a big help for me. I know I made his life easier too. So we helped each other a lot,” McEwen said.
Julius said Moore’s MVP nod was a reflection of his individual ability, but also of a team as a whole that seemed to click right from the start of the season.
And while none of them want it to end, and for the team to disband, they at least hope to close things out with the CEBL championship trophy in hand.
“You don’t get teams like this often. It’s gonna be sad, but it’s gonna be a memory that we can make for a lifetime,” McEwen said.
A CEBL celebration
In general, spirits were high as the four teams involved in Championship Weekend — the Bandits, Surge, Montreal Alliance and Niagara River Lions — gathered for a gala event alongside many league and team staffers plus a few extra players in downtown Montreal.
It was a moment for players like Ottawa’s Lloyd Pandi, the Defensive Player of the Year, to reflect on their journey in the league.
“It helped me a lot in terms of building my confidence an gave me a platform to play basketball at a high level,” Pandi, the four year-veteran, said. “You’ve seen the increase in talent throughout the years and just really helped me build my confidence, shape my game and just become a better basketball player.”
Pandi piled up a record 44 steals this season, 14 more than the second-place player. He said it stemmed from his coaches.
“My coaches said they trust me, trust my instincts and go be a rover on the court. So from there on I took flight from that and I was really trying my best to anchor the defence from the perimeter side,” he said.
Winnipeg’s Simon Hildebrandt, the Developmental Player of the Year, was still playing at the University of Manitoba when the CEBL played its inaugural season in 2019.
“And then Winnipeg gets a team and then these last two years [are] the stepping stone that will lead to my professional career. It’s unbelievable how much this is gonna help me,” he said.
Aaryn Rai, the Markham, Ont., native and Niagara River Lions forward who won Sixth Man of the Year, said the league fills a gap that previously existed in Canadian basketball.
“I think it’s an awesome opportunity for a lot of Canadians to play close to home, close to family and friends and have a home in the summer, especially when there’s not much going on,” he said.
The Vancouver Bandits announced Saturday that Trinity Western Spartans alumnus David Mutabazi has re-signed with the club for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season (CEBL). The 6-foot-5 guard joined the Bandits as a Developmental Player during the 2025 season where he was selected 30th overall in the CEBL Draft, appearing in nine games with three starts. Mutabazi made an immediate impact, logging 29 minutes and finishing with a game-high plus-44 as a starter in his professional debut on May 15, 2025 in a 106-65 win against the Saskatchewan Rattlers. “David was a complete surprise last season. His defensive instincts and relentless effort elevated our locker room culture,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “This year, we are counting on David to do even more. He is one of our few returning players and we expect him to bring that toughness, intensity, and now leadership to push us forward.” Mutabazi recently finished a four-year collegiate basketball career at Trinity Western University, where he averaged 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game across 83 games dating back to 2022. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 17 games, placing him in the top five in those categories for the Spartans. Mutabazi will be reunited with fellow TWU product Jack Vandenberg on the Bandits training camp roster, which begins on Tuesday, May 5. Born in Kirinda, Rwanda, Mutabazi recently represented his country at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament. In his international debut, he averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while playing 19.1 minutes per game across three games as its sixth man off the bench. Fans will get their first chance to watch the Bandits’ new-look roster in a charitable preseason game on Saturday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at Envision Financial Court at Langley Events Centre when the club faces the Sikh Warriors from ESPN’s The Basketball Tournament. Preseason tickets are on sale at this link , with proceeds benefitting the Bandits Community Foundation. 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. A full game schedule can be viewed here . Bandits Single Game Tickets and additional 2026 ticket options can be purchased here . All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter. ### 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 Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the signing of American guard Jon Elmore for the upcoming 2026 CEBL season. The Charleston, West Virginia native joins the Surge following an impressive professional journey that includes NBA G League experience with the affiliate teams of the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Sacremento Kings and international play. Most recently, Elmore won an NBA G League Championship with the Stockton Kings in 2025, showcasing his high-level scoring ability and playmaking instincts against elite competition. The 6-foot-3 guard is best known for his standout collegiate career at Marshall University, where he became one of the most decorated players in program history. Elmore finished his NCAA Division I career with over 2,500 points and 800 assists, becoming one of only a handful of players in NCAA history to reach those milestones. During his senior season, he averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, earning All-Conference USA First Team honors. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jon to the Calgary Surge organization,” said Shane James, General Manager of the Calgary Surge. “Jon is an elite competitor with a proven ability to score and create for others. His leadership, experience, and offensive skillset will make an immediate impact on our team as we prepare for the 2026 season.” Following his collegiate career, Elmore has built a strong professional résumé with stops across Europe, where he has consistently been a top offensive performer. Known for his deep shooting range, court vision, and ability to control the tempo, he brings a dynamic presence to the Surge backcourt. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge and compete in the CEBL,” said Elmore. “I’ve heard great things about the league and the fans in Calgary. I’m ready to bring energy, leadership, and a winning mentality to the team and help build something special this season.” In addition to his scoring prowess, Elmore has demonstrated his ability to contribute across all areas of the game, regularly filling the stat sheet with assists, rebounds, and clutch performances throughout his career. The Calgary Surge tip off their 2026 CEBL season this spring. Training camp roster announcements will be shared soon. Single-game tickets for the Calgary Surge’s “OVERDRIVE” season are now available to the general public. Visit calgarysurge.ca/single-game-tickets for more details. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that operates the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and REAL Studios. The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the CanadianElite Basketball League (CEBL). The Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over three seasons, the Surge have made three straight CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023 and 2025, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 6500 deserving kids and families to their games for free. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca .
Les Ottawa BlackJacks de la Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) ont annoncé aujourd’hui la signature du garde Wilson Dubinsky pour la saison 2026. Mesurant 6 pi 3 po, le garde, originaire d’Ottawa, sera de retour à la maison après cinq saisons au niveau universitaire. Il a amorcé sa carrière au Seward County Community College, avant de se joindre à la South Carolina State University dans la NCAA, puis de disputer sa dernière saison à la Marshall University. « Nous sommes heureux d’ajouter Wilson à notre groupe. Il apporte une solide combinaison d’habiletés, de compétitivité et de caractère. Avec la nature de la saison de la CEBL, il est important d’avoir des joueurs capables d’arriver, de s’adapter rapidement et de contribuer immédiatement. Nous croyons qu’il s’intégrera bien à notre culture et qu’il contribuera à renforcer l’équilibre global de notre formation », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks, James Derouin. Lors de la saison 2025-2026 à la Marshall University, Dubinsky a maintenu des moyennes de cinq points et 3,1 rebonds. À sa première saison avec South Carolina State, il a affiché des moyennes de 7,7 points et 1,7 rebond. Au total de ses cinq saisons universitaires, il a maintenu des moyennes de 8,6 points et 2,5 rebonds. Il a également été nommé sur l’équipe d’étoiles du tournoi de la Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) en 2025. Né le 29 juin 2002, le joueur de 23 ans a évolué au niveau secondaire à Orangeville Prep, à Mono, en Ontario. Dubinsky est né à Saint-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines, dans les Caraïbes, mais a grandi à Ottawa. Le produit local sera donc de retour pour porter les couleurs des BlackJacks devant les partisans de sa ville natale. Les billets individuels sont présentement en vente au theblackjacks.ca/tickets. Les abonnements de saison 2026 des BlackJacks sont également disponibles dès maintenant. Pour plus d’information, les partisans sont invités à écrire à [email protected] ou à composer le 613-294-1133. ### À propos des Ottawa BlackJacks Première franchise d’expansion de la Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), les Ottawa BlackJacks sont une équipe professionnelle masculine de basketball évoluant au The Arena at TD Place. Le club vise l’excellence sur et hors du terrain, avec pour mission d’inspirer la fierté communautaire, de favoriser le développement à la base et d’offrir une expérience exceptionnelle aux partisans. Pour en savoir plus, visitez theblackjacks.ca.
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed Guard Wilson Dubinsky for the 2026 Season. The 6 '3 guard, originally from Ottawa, will return home after five seasons at the college level. He began his career at Seward County Community College, before transferring to South Carolina State University in the NCAA and then playing his last season at Marshall University. “We’re excited to add Wilson to our group. He brings a strong combination of skill, competitiveness, and character. With the nature of the CEBL season, it’s important to have players who can come in, adapt quickly, and contribute right away. We believe he’ll fit well with our culture and help strengthen the overall balance of our roster,” said BlackJacks General Manager, James Derouin. In his 2025-26 season at Marshall University, Dubinsky averaged five points and 3.1 rebounds. In his first season with South Carolina State, he averaged 7.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. Across his five seasons in college, he averaged 8.6 points and 2.5 rebounds. He was also a part of the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) All-Tournament Team in 2025. Born on June 29, 2002, the 23-year-old played his high school years at Orangeville Prep in Mono, Ontario. Dubinsky was born in St. Vincent and The Grenadines in the Caribbean, but grew up in Ottawa. The hometown boy will be returning to play for the BlackJacks, in front of the local fans. Single tickets are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets . BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 613-294-1133. ### About the Ottawa BlackJacks The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks are a professional men’s basketball team competing out of The Arena at TD Place. The club is committed to excellence on-and-off the court and aims to inspire community pride, foster grassroots development and deliver an unparalleled fan experience. For more information, visit theblackjacks.ca .
The Saskatoon Mamba of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the team has signed American forward, Jaylin Williams, for the 2026 season. A physical and versatile player, Williams joins the Mamba following his strong 2025 CEBL season with the Winnipeg Sea Bears. The son of Georgia returns to the CEBL after most recently playing with the Stockton Kings (Sacramento Kings affiliate) in the NBA G League, where he helped lead the Kings to a Finals appearance. During the 2025-26 NBA G League season, Williams started in 48 per cent of his 45 games played, ranking third on the team in minutes played (1,216). Known for his two-way style of play, Williams had an impact on both ends of the floor–finishing first on the team in total blocks (37), second on the team for total rebounds (283), and third on the team for total assists (111). Prior to his 2025-26 season with the Stockton Kings, Williams gained CEBL experience with the Winnipeg Sea Bears in 2025, where he put his own stamp on the league. Williams started 52 per cent of his games played, shot 42 per cent from the field, and averaged 9.2 points per game. “Jaylin is the kind of player every coach wants — tough, unselfish, and impactful on both ends of the floor,” said Head Coach Isaiah Fox. “He’s proven he can compete at a high level, and his versatility and experience will be a huge asset for us as we build something special here in Saskatoon.” During his collegiate career, Williams competed at the NCAA Division I level with the Auburn Tigers for his five seasons of eligibility. Breaking out in his fifth year, Williams averaged 12.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 57 per cent from the field. This performance earned Williams a spot on the All-SEC Second Team. “I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Mamba and compete in the CEBL this season,” said Williams “I’m looking forward to bringing energy, versatility, and a winning mindset, and building something special with the team and fans in Saskatoon.” Fans can expect Williams to bring physicality, experience, and passion to the new era of basketball in Saskatoon, blending established excellence with a renewed vision for the future. ### About the Saskatoon Mamba The Saskatoon Mamba (previously Saskatchewan Rattlers) tipped off their inaugural season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and went on to win the inaugural Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) championship. The Mamba are active members of the community, participating in countless events that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. The team has restored over 100 basketball nets across the city to make basketball more accessible to youth. For more information, visit saskatoonmamba.ca .
The Vancouver Bandits announced Friday that the club has signed Houston Rockets’ NBA G League guard John Knight III to its roster for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Knight, a 6-foot-3 guard from Jackson, Miss., has spent the past three seasons in the NBA G League with the Houston Rockets’ minor league affiliate, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he became known for his dunking ability and shutdown defensive skills. During the 2025-26 season, Knight averaged 7.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while playing 31.1 minutes per night across 34 games with 29 starts. “We are really excited to add John to our roster this summer. He is an explosive, high-level athlete who can impact the game on both ends and defend multiple positions,” said head coach and general manager Kyle Julius. “He has had real success in the NBA G League, and we expect him to bring that same production, toughness, and versatility to our group right away.” Prior to the NBA G league, Knight made his professional debut during the 2022-23 season with Norwegian club Frøya Basket where he averaged 22.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.3 rebounds per game. Knight led the team in all categories, as well as steals (104), blocks (39), and minutes played (1363). Before turning pro, Knight attended Utah State University during the 2018-19 season before transferring to Southern Utah University from 2019 to 2022. During his time with the Thunderbirds, Knight earned First Team All-Big Sky Conference honours in 2022 during his senior year. Knight will reunite with fellow Thunderbird alumnus and recent Bandits free agent signing Tevian Jones, who both shared the court during the 2021-22 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. All CEBL regular season games including playoffs will be live-streamed on the CEBL’s OTT platform, CEBL+, the CEBL Mobile app, the CBC Gem app and the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Marquee games will air nationally on CBC TV. More information is available at thebandits.ca and @vancouverbandits on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @vancitybandits on Facebook and Twitter. ### 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 Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Tuesday that they have signed 6’7” swingman, and current France Pro A leading scorer Landers Nolley II. Nolley II has boasted an incredible professional career through his first three years post-college, including coming off an MVP-caliber season in one of Europe’s top leagues, France’s Betclic Élite while playing with SLUC Nancy. Key players that have spent time in Betclic Élite include Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joakim Noah (former NBA MVP candidate), and many more. Through 27 games, Nolley II has posted 20.3 points (league-best), 4.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 31.7 minutes. He has been chosen twice as Player of the Week, and was selected to the Betclic Élite All-Star Game. He has scored in double-figures in 26 out of 27 games this season. “Landers is a highly efficient three-level scorer,” said Honey Badgers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Jermaine Anderson. “He brings high-level international experience, and his style of play will definitely complement our roster. We’re looking forward to welcoming Landers to the Honey Badgers family.” After going undrafted in 2023 out of the University of Cincinnati, Nolley II played with the New Orleans Pelicans at NBA Summer League and earned an Exhibit 10 contract with the team. This led to him playing 41 games with their G League affiliate, Birmingham Squadron where he recorded 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists as a starter. Nolley II has also spent time in Lebanon, Taiwan, Greece, and Venezuela. In Taiwan, he led the league in scoring at 29.1 points per game, including dropping a career-high 44 points on two occasions with the Hsinchu Lioneers. In Greece with Aris Midea, he helped get his team to a Greek Supercup Semifinals while scoring 14.1 points per game. “Landers Nolley brings a level of versatility and a high-level feel for the game,” said Honey Badgers Head Coach Alex Cerda. He has the ability to stretch the floor, create plays for others, and impact winning in a variety of ways. His experience and approach fit exactly with the standard and identity we’re building in Brampton, and we’re excited to add him to our group.” Nolley II had a very high-level and consistent collegiate career. He averaged 10+ points in all four seasons, including 15.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists as a freshman with Virginia Tech University in a conference including the likes of Duke, UNC, Louisville, Virginia, etc. After two seasons at the University of Memphis, he finished out his collegiate career with the University of Cincinnati with selections to the All-AAC First Team and All-AAC Tournament Team. He led the conference in three-point percentage (.417; ranked 12th in entire NCAA), and finished third in total points (606) and field goals made (213). He learned to play basketball from his father who played at LSU. Growing up, he won three state championships in high school and as he headed into university, he was selected as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year and USA Today Georgia Player of the Year. ### 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 .
L’Alliance de Montréal de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB) a annoncé aujourd’hui le retour à la maison du Montréalais Guillaume Boucard, qui portera les couleurs de l’équipe pour la saison 2026. Boucard, qui avait déjà évolué avec l’Alliance lors de la campagne 2023–2024, revient dans sa ville natale après avoir poursuivi sa carrière professionnelle au Canada et en Europe. Lors de son précédent passage à Montréal, il s’était rapidement imposé dans un rôle de partant, notamment avec une performance de 21 points contre la Saskatchewan le 26 juillet 2024, tout en contribuant de façon constante au chapitre des points, des rebonds et du jeu défensif. Mesurant 6 pi 6 po, l’ailier vétéran cumule plus d’une décennie d’expérience au niveau professionnel. Reconnu pour sa polyvalence, Boucard a maintenu une production constante dans plusieurs facettes du jeu, affichant en carrière des moyennes d’environ 11,0 points, 5,9 rebonds et 2,3 passes décisives par match. Plus récemment, Boucard a évolué lors de la saison 2024–2025 avec le CEP Lorient en France ainsi qu’avec les River Lions de Niagara dans la LECB, où il a continué de démontrer son efficacité et sa capacité à avoir un impact des deux côtés du terrain. « Ramener Guillaume à Montréal est quelque chose de spécial pour notre organisation, a déclaré le directeur général et copropriétaire Joel Anthony. C’est un joueur qui incarne la robustesse, le leadership et le talent. Avoir un joueur local de son calibre et de son expérience représente un ajout important pour notre équipe et nos partisans. » Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Boucard a connu une brillante carrière à l’Université Carleton, où il a remporté cinq championnats nationaux consécutifs et s’est développé en tant que joueur intelligent et complet, efficace des deux côtés du terrain. Il a par la suite été nommé Joueur canadien de l’année de la LECB et sélectionné sur la première équipe d’étoiles en 2019, s’imposant comme l’un des vétérans canadiens les plus respectés de la ligue. Son retour vient renforcer l’alignement de l’Alliance tout en consolidant le lien de l’équipe avec les talents et la communauté montréalaise à l’approche de la prochaine saison de la LECB. ### À propos de l’Alliance de Montréal L’Alliance de Montréal est une équipe professionnelle de basketball évoluant dans la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), la principale ligue estivale de basketball au Canada. L’organisation s’engage à offrir un produit de haut niveau ainsi qu’une expérience engageante aux partisans de Montréal et de partout au Québec.
The Montreal Alliance of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that Montreal native Guillaume Boucard is returning home to join the team for the 2026 season. Boucard, who previously played for the Alliance during the 2023–24 campaign, returns to his hometown after continuing his professional career across Canada and Europe. During his previous stint in Montreal, he made an immediate impact in a starting role, including a 21-point performance against Saskatchewan on July 26, 2024, while contributing across the board with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. Standing at 6 foot 6, the veteran forward brings more than a decade of professional experience. Known for his versatility, Boucard has consistently produced across multiple categories, averaging approximately 11.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game throughout his career. Most recently, Boucard competed during the 2024–25 season with CEP Lorient in France and in the CEBL with the Niagara River Lions, where he continued to showcase his efficiency and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. “Bringing Guillaume back to Montreal is special for our organization,” said general manager and co-owner Joel Anthony. “He’s a player who embodies toughness, leadership, and skill. Having a hometown talent of his caliber and experience is a significant addition for our team and our fans.” Before turning professional, Boucard starred at Carleton University, where he was part of five consecutive national championship teams and developed into a high-IQ, two-way player. He later earned CEBL Canadian Player of the Year honours and First Team All-Star recognition in 2019, establishing himself as one of the league’s most respected Canadian veterans. His return strengthens the Alliance lineup while reinforcing the team’s connection to Montreal talent and community as the club prepares for the upcoming CEBL season. ### About the Montreal Alliance The Montreal Alliance is a professional basketball team competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Canada’s premier summer basketball league. The organization is committed to delivering high-level basketball and an engaging experience for fans in Montreal and across Quebec.
The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today the signing of Canadian forward, Addison Patterson, for the upcoming 2026 CEBL season. The Mississauga, Ontario, native joins the Surge for the 2025-26 season following a productive season with Eastern Michigan in NCAA DI. The 6-foot-7 forward started all his 31 games played, ranking second on the team in total points (425) and assists (81). Highlighted by a 32-point performance against Kent State. “We’re excited to welcome Addison to the Calgary Surge organization,” said Shane James, General Manager of the Calgary Surge. “His experience across top NCAA programs, combined with his size and versatility, makes him a strong addition to our roster as we continue building a competitive team for the 2026 season.” In addition to his offensive consistency this past season, Patterson put his own stamp on the defensive side of the ball, ranking first on the team in total steals (34) and third on the team in total rebounds (165). Highlighted by a career-high eight steals against Kent State. Due to his impactful season in 2025-26, Patterson was rewarded with a place on the All-Southland Second Team. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Surge and compete in the CEBL,” said Patterson. “Coming back to play professionally in Canada means a lot to me, and I’m ready to bring energy, versatility, and a team-first mindset every time I step on the floor. I’m looking forward to connecting with the fans and helping the Surge have a successful season.” In addition to playing in Eastern Michigan, Patterson played for Northwestern State (2023-25), Tallahassee Community College (2022-23), and the University of Oregon (2019-20). Over the course of seven years, Patterson averaged 10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 rebounds–cementing him as an all-around talented player. Prior to his collegiate career, Patterson played for Bella Vista College Prep in Scottsdale, Arizona, while also representing Canada as a part of the U18 AmeriCup and U17 World Cup in 2018 as a 16-year-old. He averaged 16.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, which helped lead Canada to a second place and fourth place finish in the tournaments. The Calgary Surge tip off their 2026 CEBL season this spring. Additional roster announcements and schedule details will be shared in the coming weeks. ### About REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. & the Calgary Surge REAL Entertainment & Culture Inc. (REC) is a professional sports and live entertainment company co-founded by Jason Ribeiro that operates the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club and REAL Studios. The Calgary Surge tipped off their inaugural season at WinSport Event Centre in May 2023, after originating as the Guelph Nighthawks, one of the founding members of the CanadianElite Basketball League (CEBL). The Surge are active members of the community and have participated in a few hundred events (and counting) around the city that connect the team with diverse communities through sport, entertainment, and arts and culture. Over three seasons, the Surge have made three straight CEBL Championship Weekend appearances, were crowned Western Conference Champions in 2023 and 2025, hold the league’s single-game attendance record, and have sent over 6500 deserving kids and families to their games for free. For more information, visit www.calgarysurge.ca .