MMBRA Officials Open the 2025 CEBL Season in Montreal

Greg Southward, Yannick Payette, Max Audette

The Montreal Alliance tipped off its 2025 CEBL season with a high-energy matchup on Sunday, as the Brampton Honey Badgers faced off against the hometown Montreal Alliance. The game, held at Verdun Auditorium at 4 PM, brought together not only two of the league’s most exciting teams—but also three of MMBRA’s own on the officiating crew.

Representing the Metropolitan Montreal Basketball Referees Association at the season opener were officials Max Audette, Yannick Payette, and Greg Southward. Each brought their professionalism, composure, and experience to the floor, setting the tone for what promises to be another competitive season in Canada’s premier professional basketball league.

Officiating a CEBL game is a significant accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and growth each official has demonstrated over the years. For MMBRA, it's also a point of pride to see local referees trusted with the responsibility of managing games at the highest level of Canadian basketball.

Quebec is proudly represented in the CEBL officiating ranks by six officials: Max Audette, François Brouillette, Maripier Malo, Yannick Payette, Greg Southward, and Jayson Stiell. Five of these six—everyone except Malo—are MMBRA officials. In addition, Quebec is home to two referee coaches working at the CEBL level: Pierre Marion and Mike Homsy, both of whom are also long-time contributors to MMBRA. Their presence highlights the strong foundation of officiating talent being developed right here in Montreal.

This Sunday, May 25, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) will host a landmark event in Canadian basketball history: the first-ever professional 5-on-5 outdoor game, dubbed Éclipse: Match Sous les Étoiles. The Montreal Alliance will face the Ottawa BlackJacks at IGA Stadium, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Originally set for May 23, the game was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Adding to the significance of this event, three esteemed officials from the Metropolitan Montreal Basketball Referees Association (MMBRA)—Jayson Stiell, Max Audette, and Yannick Payette—will be on the officiating crew. Their participation underscores MMBRA's vital role in supporting high-caliber officiating within the CEBL and highlights the association's contribution to the growth of professional basketball in Quebec. Fans can witness this historic game live on TSN and RDS.