Alliance Face Former Champions on Canada Day

Montréal Alliance travel to Edmonton for a July 1st showdown loaded with championship revenge storylines. The Alliance (5-5) visit the Stingers (7-6) at Edmonton EXPO Centre with both teams fighting for playoff positioning and head coach Jermaine Small facing the franchise he led to back-to-back CEBL titles.

Small’s return to Edmonton as Montréal’s coach represents the game’s central narrative - the man who compiled a dominant 37-14 regular season record and captured the 2020 and 2021 championship for the Stingers now seeks to defeat his former team. Small maintains the highest winning percentage in CEBL history (.719) and earned Coach of the Year honours twice during Edmonton’s championship runs.

Both teams occupy playoff positions but lack security heading into the season’s second half. Montréal sits 3rd in the Eastern Conference despite a troubling slide from their perfect 4-0 start, while Edmonton holds 3rd place in the Western Conference with an inconsistent 7-6 record.

The playoff race context adds urgency to this Canada Day clash. Montréal must halt their recent nosedive - they’ve one one of their last six after dominating early. Edmonton needs consistency to maintain their playoff spot, currently holding a small advantage over Winnipeg (5-7) for the final Western Conference playoff position.

With respectively 14 and 11 games remaining for Montréal and Edmonton in the expanded 24-game season, every matchup carries playoff weight. The CEBL’s playoff format takes the top four teams from each conference, meaning both clubs are fighting to avoid the pressure of play-in games beginning August 14.

The Alliance have undergone significant mid-season changes that could prove decisive. O.D. Anosike’s addition has provided immediate impact - the 6’8” veteran center posted 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in his debut against Saskatchewan. The 34-year-old brings extensive European experience and three Italian Serie A rebounding titles. Brandon Porter’s arrival has also bolstered depth, contributing 14 points in his debut against Ottawa.

The roster upheaval hasn’t yet stabilized Montréal’s performance. After their 4-0 start, they’ve struggled particularly on the road, dropping games to Winnipeg, Vancouver, Niagara and Ottawa while showing inconsistent offensive production beyond core contributors Quincy Guerrier and dynamic guard Tavian Dunn-Martin.

Sean East II has emerged as the Stinger’s primary weapon, averaging 23.8 points per game while providing playmaking (4.8 assists) and rebounding (4.5 rebounds) The Missouri transfer’s recent performances include 27-point outings against both Brampton and Saskatchewan, establishing him among the CEBL’s elite scorers.

The Stinger’s roster construction centers on former Alliance players seeking redemption. Chris Smith, the 2024 CEBL rebounding champion during his Montréal tenure, brings size and athleticism after signing mid-season from Israeli professional basketball. Isaiah Osborne returns to Edmonton after averaging 13.2 points in his previous Stingers sting, providing veteran leadership.

Montréal’s 105-83 demolition of Edmonton on June 6 represents more than just a convincing victory - it marked the highest-scoring game in Alliance franchise history at the time. Tavian Dunn-Martin orchestrated the offensive explosion with multiple first-half three-pointers, while the Alliance jumped to a commanding 24-11 first-quarter lead.

The 6:00 PM ET tipoff at Edmonton EXPO Centre represents more than regular season positioning. Edmonton hosts their second consecutive Canada Day CEBL game, with the venue’s 4,000+ capacity expected to create electric atmosphere for the championship coach’s return.

This Canada Day clash transcends typical regular season stakes through its championship coaching storyline and playoff implications. Small’s pursuit of victory against his former championship team provides compelling drama, while both teams’ playoff positioning creates tangible urgency. Montréal’s roster additions may provide the missing pieces for road success, but they must prove consistency away from home. Edmonton’s balanced attack and experience offer advantages, but they face a motivated Montréal team seeking validation of their franchise-record offensive performance. The winner gains crucial playoff positioning and psychological momentum, while the loser faces increased pressure in their respective conference races.

Game Information

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM ET

Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre

Broadcast: CEBL+, TSN+