St. Catharines, ON - The Niagara River Lions announced today the dates and themes for specialty games set to take place during the upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Five out of 10 home games will feature an exciting lineup of themes that will deliver unforgettable experiences for basketball enthusiasts of all ages. With single game tickets set to go on sale next week, the River Lions curated an array of theme nights designed to celebrate the spirit of the game and vibrant Niagara community that supports it. May 30, 2024 - Niagara Night The 2024 Home Opener, deemed ‘Niagara Night’ will celebrate the strong sense of community and civic engagement of residents across the Region. In the twelve days leading up to this night, the River Lions organization will be visiting each of the twelve municipalities with a unique activation aimed to connect with the community and give back to local groups. ‘Niagara Night’ will honour Niagara’s cultural diversity and rich heritage, while giving fans an unforgettable experience as the River Lions return to the Meridian Centre for the 2024 season versus the Brampton Honey Badgers. June 21, 2024 - Mystery Night Join us for a night of mystery and magic on June 21 where fans can expect to be immersed in an atmosphere of intrigue and anticipation. The evening will feature roaming magicians, character appearances, interactive challenges and riddles, and many more surprises on and off the court. July 6, 2024 - Country Night Back by popular demand, it’s time to break your cowboy boots and western wear on July 6th when the River Lions take on the Ottawa Blackjacks. Fans can expect live country music and interactive experiences where we celebrate the spirit of resilience, independence and camaraderie that defines the cowboy way of life. July 14, 2024 - Christmas in July Santa Claus is coming to town on July 14th when the River Lions take on the Edmonton Stingers in a family friendly, Sunday afternoon game. Arrive early to receive a River Lions Santa hat and meet characters from the North Pole. Be sure to visit the Cub Zone for festive games and activities. July 27, 2024 - Fan Appreciation Night It’s time to roll out the red carpet and show our gratitude for the best fans in the CEBL. Get ready for a night of excitement, surprises, extra giveaways and heartfelt appreciation as we say thank you to our loyal supporters. On this night we’ll shine a spotlight on one special fan who exemplifies true River Lions spirit as we award the ‘Fan of the Year’. Fans can lock in tickets for these games when single game tickets go on sale April 18th. River Lions email insiders and text subscribers will receive exclusive pre-sale access starting April 16th. The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL . Playing out of Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information. Media Contact: Michelle Biskup – mbiskup@riverlions.ca Vice President, Operations

St. Catharines, ON - The Niagara River Lions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today their three selections in the 2024 CEBL Draft, including Jordan Tchuente of Brock University , Luka Syllas from Queen's University and the first ever Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) player drafted to the CEBL, Jerry Jr. Mercury of Mohawk College . In March, the CEBL announced a newly rebranded and expanded draft format beginning in 2024 that includes all eligible Canadian U SPORTS and CCAA student-athletes. The CEBL Draft presents a coveted opportunity for top players in U SPORTS and the CCAA to get a chance to experience professional basketball by practicing and playing alongside veteran pros from the NBA, NBA G League, Canadian National team, and top international leagues. Each CEBL club made three selections total (one in each round) in 2024 of either returning or graduating Canadian post-secondary players. The priority of selection in round one was the reverse order of how each team finished the 2023 regular season, and the following rounds reverted to a ‘snake format’ in reverse order of the previous round. The River Lions used their first-round selection on Jordan Tchuente, a 6’7 forward from Ottawa, Ontario. "Jordan has been part of our River Lions family for the past two seasons, and I'm grateful that he will be with us again for year 3,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso. “He has become part of our core group, and I believe his game has really grown this past season under Coach Willy at Brock. I'm excited for Dino to take a big step forward this summer!" A familiar name to the River Lions, Tchuente spent the last two summers as a developmental player with the team. Upon returning to Brock for the 2024 campaign, he registered career high statistics and led the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference with 9.1 rebounds per game and was ninth overall in the country. Tchuente collected a total of 191 rebounds and was named OUA Second Team All Star. Tchuente was also awarded with the team’s Most Valuable Badger. “I'm excited and looking forward to running it back for the third time with the River Lions. Just like my teammate Khalil said, “3rd time might just be a charm”.” said Tchuente. With their second selection the River Lions took Luka Syllas from Queens University , a 6’2 guard from Kingston, Ontario. "Luka is coming off an incredible season at Queen's University and will be a welcomed addition to our team this summer,” said Raso. “He is a fierce competitor who excels defensively but has also improved his offensive game tremendously during his career. His competitiveness will translate to the professional game well and I'm excited to see the impact he can make on our team." Syllas has played four seasons with the Gaels and is coming off a stellar 2023-24 campaign where he earned OUA Defensive Player of the Year and was selected as an OUA First Team All Star. Syllas was the Gaels’ defensive leader in steals with 47 on the season, which ranked fifth in U SPORTS, while also averaging 18.7 points, 5.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game. “I am excited to get drafted by the Niagara River Lions. I am really looking forward to learning from some of my new teammates and developing my game to the next level,” said Syllas. “I think I will be a great fit for this team, as I play with high intensity on the defensive side of the floor, along with pose scoring and facilitating on the offensive end. I am also a tenacious rebounder that can keep plays alive and provide extra opportunities to score.” With their final selection the River Lions took Jerry Jr. Mercury from Mohawk College , a 6 '4 forward from Scarborough, Ontario, becoming the first CCAA player drafted in CEBL history. "Jerry is a very talented basketball player, who like many of our signings, can impact winning in many ways,” said Raso. “He is versatile offensively and can really score the ball, he loves to defend, and is an excellent rebounder. He is an impressive young man who has overcome a lot to get to this point in his basketball journey, and he has earned the opportunity to be drafted into the CEBL." Mercury started his collegiate career with St. Clair College before transferring to Mohawk after his freshman year. Mercury made an immediate impact, starting every game for the Mountaineers . During the 2023-24 season as a junior, Mercury averaged 22.6 points, the second highest in the OCAA , 10.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. His 10.4 rebounds per game ranked third in the OCAA. “I want to start off by thanking God for blessing me with such an exciting opportunity to play the sport I love at a high level,” said Mercury. “To get selected by an amazing organization like Niagara River Lions and be a part of this amazing region, it doesn’t get any better than this. Getting drafted into the CEBL is more than a dream come true, it still feels surreal. Fans can expect a player who’s going to give it 100% on every possession, who is a winner, and also someone who loves to put on a show. I’m ready to get to work. GO RIVER LIONS!” The Niagara River Lions are one of the original six teams of the CEBL . Playing out of Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region while living up to the River Lions moniker of pride and strength of community. Season tickets, voucher packs and group tickets are on sale now. Visit www.riverlions.ca/tickets for more information. Media Contact: Michelle Biskup – mbiskup@riverlions.ca Vice President, Operations