Rhooms headlines Stingers’ 2026 signing class
Edmonton re-signs Rhooms, adds Anisko for 2026 campaign
Edmonton — The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have unveiled their 2026 signing class, highlighted by the return of Aaron Rhooms, while also welcoming a new addition to the club.
Rhooms returns to Edmonton for his third season with the team following a highly successful U SPORTS campaign. He was named U SPORTS Player of the Year and earned OUA Player of the Year honours for a second consecutive season. Rhooms graduates ranked 12th all-time in U SPORTS scoring with 1,990 points in 101 regular-season games, finishing as Toronto Metropolitan University’s all-time leading scorer.
During the 2025 season, Rhooms appeared in 19 games as a developmental player. The 2026 season marks his first professional contract.
“We are excited to bring Aaron back for his third season with the Stingers,” said head coach and general manager Jordan Baker. “He had a tremendous senior season at TMU, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of the successes and accolades he has accumulated over his U SPORTS career. He is a humble and hardworking player, and we are very fortunate that he is officially starting his professional career in Edmonton!"
The Stingers have also added fourth-year guard Stefan Anisko from Cape Breton University. He appeared in 18 games for the Capers, averaging 17.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 42.1 per cent from the field and 34.5 per cent from three-point range.
"Stefan is an explosive scorer and a diligent worker. Over the past season at Cape Breton, he solidified himself as one of the top U SPORTS players in the nation. We are excited to see Stefan compete against established professionals and showcase his game on a larger stage," said Baker.
Rhooms and Anisko are set to report to Stingers training camp on May 1 ahead of the May 9 home opener.
The Stingers will return to the Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Calgary Surge in their home opener. Tickets are available for as low as $20 per seat and can be purchased online or by contacting the Stingers head office via email ([email protected]) or phone (1-87STINGERS).