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Winnipeg Free Press
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sea Bears to retire Posthumus's No. 33, raise jersey to rafters in season opener
Chad Posthumus proudly spent the last two years of his life as the face of the Winnipeg Sea Bears franchise, a responsibility he embodied on and off the court every day. The pro basketball organization wants to ensure that distinction remains with him forever. Prior to the Sea Bears' season opener against the visiting Edmonton Stingers on May 16, Posthumus's jersey will be raised to the rafters of Canada Life Centre, and his No. 33 will be retired to honour a remarkable career and a life that ended suddenly last year. Winnipeg Sea Bears' Chad Posthumus in a July 2024 game against the against the Calgary Surges. (John Woods/ Free Press files) Posthumus died on Nov. 20 after complications arose while recovering from brain surgery to repair an aneurysm. He was 33. 'For me, I love Chad, and he meant so much to me and so much to the organization,' Sea Bears head coach Mike Taylor said. 'There's nobody that was more proud to be a Sea Bear, and I think it's one of those things where we're really thankful that he could have the whole honour like this. I think it's a great thing, it's a fitting tribute, and there's no better person that it should happen for.' As a further tribute to the homegrown hoops star, Mayor Scott Gillingham will designate Donald Street between Portage and Graham avenues as 'Chad Posthumus Way.' Sea Bears players will also wear a commemorative '33 Forever' patch on their jerseys this season. 'It shows you the reach of his impact, right?' said Sea Bears owner and chairman David Asper. 'And we think it's worth repeating the honour as a testament to what Chad brought to our team and to the basketball community.' Posthumus, who is widely regarded as one of the best talents to come from the province, was the first player-signing in Sea Bears' franchise history in 2023. His larger-than-life personality quickly captivated fans, especially children, and made him a fan favourite of many. A celebration of life on Dec. 6 saw thousands of Winnipeggers pack Springs Church to pay their respects to the beloved athlete. 'When you go beyond that he was the first player that we signed, and when you go beyond that he was the captain of the team, you really have to get into Chad's personality because not every player is as extroverted and as caring as Chad was,' Asper said. 'He stepped into the role of effectively the face of the franchise immediately. And because he was so big, and because he was such a warm, friendly human being, he made an immediate impact with everybody that he connected with, and especially kids.' Affectionally known as the Beast from River East, where he was a high school hoops legend, Posthumus was actively involved in the community as a KidSport Ambassador, community speaker and advocate for those living with Type 1 diabetes. He was recently a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a recognition awarded to Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities. 'All those things sort of created this persona,' Asper added. 'It was really quite remarkable. Very quickly, too, like you have to remember it was only two years. So, when somebody does that, and somebody has that 'it' factor and is so instrumental in animating and bringing to life a sports team, then it's worth honour and recognition.' Upwards of 300 seats have been designated for family and friends of Posthumus on opening night. Diana, Chad's mother, wants it to be a night of celebration because 'that's what Chad would've wanted.' Forward Chad Posthumus makes his debut as a Winnipeg Sea Bears player in May 2023. (Brook Jones / Free Press files) 'As a family, we're absolutely ecstatic about the fact that the jersey is going to be raised at the arena and that they're going to retire his number. It just means so much to us, right? We've lost such a big part of our life, and then just to see a little bit of him continuing, and the memory of him continuing, those kinds of things have been really heartwarming for us in lots of ways,' she said. 'There's a saying out there that says, 'When somebody stops saying the person's name or honouring that person after they've passed away, then they kind of pass away again for a second time,' and I'm hoping that with honouring Chad in this way and keeping his memory alive, that that's something that's going to stay with Winnipeg for a long time.' Support for the family has remained strong in the months following Posthumus' death. Diana has lost count on how many stories she's heard about her son, saying she's received calls and messages from former friends, teammates and coaches around the world. Posthumus's 10-year professional career took him to 25 countries, and his family has learned that he had a similar impact on everyone who met him. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'As a parent… it's just comforting to know that there are so many people across the world that have touched base with us and have really taken the time to not just once, not just, 'Here's my condolences,' but many, many people have followed up with, 'Here's what your son did for my child,' or, 'What your son did with me while I was playing,' Diana said. 'I think it's the stories that are so heartwarming.' Tip-off on May 16 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early to take in the ceremony. 'After Chad had the aneurysm…we talked about living your life not as though it's your last day, but living your life with purpose,' said Asper. 'And I hope that people will take away that this is much more than simply recognizing a guy who was a crucial part to the creation of the Sea Bears and our team and all that kind of stuff, but he was a guy who lived his life with purpose every single day.' Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. 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Global News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Sea Bears to retire late Winnipeg basketball star's jersey at home opener
The Winnipeg Sea Bears will be honouring late captain Chad Posthumus by officially retiring his jersey at next week's 2025 home opener. Posthumus, 33, died last November due to a stroke as the result of surgical complications. The Winnipeg native, who was also the club's first-ever draft pick, will also be recognized with a '33 forever' patch on the Sea Bears' jerseys all season. The City of Winnipeg is also getting involved, honouring him by naming a section of Donald Street between Graham Street and Portage Avenue as Chad Posthumus Way. 'Chad's legacy to our team and community speaks for itself,' the basketball club's owner, David Asper, said in a statement Friday. 'We're extremely grateful that True North Sports and Entertainment is working with us and supporting how we want to honour Chad. It proves yet again that Canada Life Centre is a treasured community asset, and we look forward to seeing Chad's banner raised as a fitting remembrance to a great Manitoban.' Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Morehead State's Chad Posthumus, left, fouls UCLA's Jordan Adams, right, on a rebound attempt during the first half of a Las Vegas Invitational regional NCAA college basketball game on Nov. 22, 2013, in Los Angeles. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Danny Moloshok. DLM MM**NY** In addition to his stint with the inaugural Sea Bears squad and his re-signing in 2024, Posthumus spent time on the court for fellow CEBL teams in Saskatchewan, Ottawa and Edmonton, and also played for teams in Argentina and Japan. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Earlier this year, Posthumus' family accepted a King Charles III Coronation Medal in his name. The award recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their country, region or community. The Sea Bears said the six-foot-10 centre was as notable for his basketball heroics — including recording the club's first-ever target-score winner — as he was for his community involvement and work with local youth and partner organizations. 'Chad meant so much to this organization, both on and off the court,' said Sea Bears president Jason Smith. 'He was our first-ever team captain, a leader, a teammate and a friend. Honouring him at our home opener is our way of saying thank you, not just for what he brought to our team and the game, but for the impact he had on everyone around him. We miss him deeply, and on May 16, we'll celebrate the legacy he leaves behind in the city and in the hearts of Sea Bears fans everywhere.' Story continues below advertisement The Sea Bears' home opener takes place May 16 at Canada Life Centre against the Edmonton Stingers. Posthumus' No. 33 will be raised to the arena rafters pre-game.
Winnipeg Free Press
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sea Bears opening upper bowl for season opener
The Winnipeg Sea Bears announced they will be opening the upper bowl at Canada Life Centre for the 2025 season and home opener on May 16. The basketball club will be holding a ceremony before the game to honour and celebrate the Sea Bears' late captain, Chad Posthumus, who passed in November following complications arising from brain surgery. Fans in attendance will receive a commemorative gift from the club. The Sea Bears have also announced Juno award-winning artist Maestro Fresh Wes as the halftime entertainment for the home opener. He is the first Black Canadian artist to have a single or album reach gold and platinum status in Canada, and the first to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Canada Life Centre will also play host to the Canadian Elite Basketball League championship weekend in August, with the Sea Bears having an automatic bye into the tournament as the host team.
