• Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

RECENT NEWS 

13 Mar, 2024
St Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions today announced the return of 6’6 forward, TJ Lall and 6’1 guard, Kimbal Makenzie, both returning to the team for a second consecutive year. Lall, a 27 year-old from Cambridge, Ontario averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 23 minutes per game during the 2023 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Mackenzie, a 27 year-old from Oakville, Ontario averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 9 games with the River Lions. “It was a priority this off-season to be able to retain both TJ and Kimbal for 2024, and I'm grateful that we were able to come to terms with both of them,” said Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso. Lall and Mackenzie will join other key returning members from the 2023 team including Khalil Ahmad, AJ Davis, Eddie Ekiyor and Jahvon Blair who were just announced two weeks ago. "I am looking forward to playing with the River Lions once again this season,” said Lall. “I am excited to have a great summer in Niagara and compete for the CEBL Championship." Lall won four national championships with Carleton University before transferring to Brock University in a season that saw him average 22 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. In his senior year with the Badgers , he earned First Team All-Canada and OUA West First Team All Star honors and Brock’s Team MVP. Lall was selected first overall in the 2020 CEBL U SPORTS Draft by the Ottawa Blackjacks , and then went on to play two seasons with the Guelph Nighthawks (now Calgary Surge ). After three seasons in Canada, Lall took his talents to Japan where he averaged 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 16.6 minutes per game with Kyoto Hannaryz . Now suited up for the Leicester Riders of the British Basketball League (BBL), he is currently averaging 10.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and shooting 46.6 percent from the three point line in 24.8 minutes per game. “TJ is a versatile, talented wing who has shown glimpses of all the ways he can impact a game in his time with the River Lions, and in the CEBL,” said Raso. “TJ has high expectations of himself and tremendous confidence in his abilities, and I feel the same way about him. I believe TJ will have his best professional season to date in an expanded role with us in 2024.” Mackenzie spent his four year collegiate career at Bucknell University where he became a vital part of the Bison’s Lineup, starting in 89 out of 122 games in four seasons. With 1330 career points, Mackenzie ranked 18th in Bisons history as well as 4th in all-time made three pointers (211) and 2nd in career free throw percentage (85.4%). In his final season at Bucknell, Mackenzie averaged 17.6 points and 3.0 assists in 34.3 minutes per game. Mackenzie went on to play two seasons with the Guelph Nighthawks (now Calgary Surge ), before eventually finding a home with the Leicester Riders of the BBL. Currently in his third season with the Riders, Mackenzie was named captain of the team for the 2023 season and recently earned a spot on the 24-man Great Britain National Team for the Eurobasket Qualifiers . With the Riders he is averaging 12.7 points and 4.5 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. “Kimbal is a phenomenal leader and point guard and we are lucky to have him back,” said Raso. He brings a winning, experienced attitude to the team and he brings the best out of his teammates everyday. He was a great mid-season addition to our team last season, and it will be even more beneficial to have him for the entirety of this season.” Mackenzie shared the same enthusiasm, "I’m thrilled to be back in Niagara this summer. We have a core group of guys returning who I love playing with. Looking forward to continuing the winning culture that has been built for years, and to bringing a championship to Niagara." Now having played on three teams together in Guelph, Niagara and Leicester, Lall and Mackenzie’s chemistry on the court will only add to the four players already signed for the 2024 season. 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
12 Mar, 2024
Three-round draft in April will select 30 eligible players from U SPORTS, CCAA programs
06 Mar, 2024
TSN coverage features 20 nationally televised games including CEBL playoffs and CW24, with every game of the 2024 CEBL season available on TSN+
Show More
:
:
:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

:
:
:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Countdown finished!

RECENT NEWS  

13 Mar, 2024
St Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions today announced the return of 6’6 forward, TJ Lall and 6’1 guard, Kimbal Makenzie, both returning to the team for a second consecutive year. Lall, a 27 year-old from Cambridge, Ontario averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 23 minutes per game during the 2023 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Mackenzie, a 27 year-old from Oakville, Ontario averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 9 games with the River Lions. “It was a priority this off-season to be able to retain both TJ and Kimbal for 2024, and I'm grateful that we were able to come to terms with both of them,” said Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso. Lall and Mackenzie will join other key returning members from the 2023 team including Khalil Ahmad, AJ Davis, Eddie Ekiyor and Jahvon Blair who were just announced two weeks ago. "I am looking forward to playing with the River Lions once again this season,” said Lall. “I am excited to have a great summer in Niagara and compete for the CEBL Championship." Lall won four national championships with Carleton University before transferring to Brock University in a season that saw him average 22 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. In his senior year with the Badgers , he earned First Team All-Canada and OUA West First Team All Star honors and Brock’s Team MVP. Lall was selected first overall in the 2020 CEBL U SPORTS Draft by the Ottawa Blackjacks , and then went on to play two seasons with the Guelph Nighthawks (now Calgary Surge ). After three seasons in Canada, Lall took his talents to Japan where he averaged 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 16.6 minutes per game with Kyoto Hannaryz . Now suited up for the Leicester Riders of the British Basketball League (BBL), he is currently averaging 10.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and shooting 46.6 percent from the three point line in 24.8 minutes per game. “TJ is a versatile, talented wing who has shown glimpses of all the ways he can impact a game in his time with the River Lions, and in the CEBL,” said Raso. “TJ has high expectations of himself and tremendous confidence in his abilities, and I feel the same way about him. I believe TJ will have his best professional season to date in an expanded role with us in 2024.” Mackenzie spent his four year collegiate career at Bucknell University where he became a vital part of the Bison’s Lineup, starting in 89 out of 122 games in four seasons. With 1330 career points, Mackenzie ranked 18th in Bisons history as well as 4th in all-time made three pointers (211) and 2nd in career free throw percentage (85.4%). In his final season at Bucknell, Mackenzie averaged 17.6 points and 3.0 assists in 34.3 minutes per game. Mackenzie went on to play two seasons with the Guelph Nighthawks (now Calgary Surge ), before eventually finding a home with the Leicester Riders of the BBL. Currently in his third season with the Riders, Mackenzie was named captain of the team for the 2023 season and recently earned a spot on the 24-man Great Britain National Team for the Eurobasket Qualifiers . With the Riders he is averaging 12.7 points and 4.5 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. “Kimbal is a phenomenal leader and point guard and we are lucky to have him back,” said Raso. He brings a winning, experienced attitude to the team and he brings the best out of his teammates everyday. He was a great mid-season addition to our team last season, and it will be even more beneficial to have him for the entirety of this season.” Mackenzie shared the same enthusiasm, "I’m thrilled to be back in Niagara this summer. We have a core group of guys returning who I love playing with. Looking forward to continuing the winning culture that has been built for years, and to bringing a championship to Niagara." Now having played on three teams together in Guelph, Niagara and Leicester, Lall and Mackenzie’s chemistry on the court will only add to the four players already signed for the 2024 season. 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
12 Mar, 2024
Three-round draft in April will select 30 eligible players from U SPORTS, CCAA programs
06 Mar, 2024
TSN coverage features 20 nationally televised games including CEBL playoffs and CW24, with every game of the 2024 CEBL season available on TSN+
29 Feb, 2024
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of Khalil Ahmad, Jahvon Blair, Eddie Ekiyor and Antionio ‘AJ’ Davis for the 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Season. These four returning players led the 2023 River Lions in points per game with 18.9, 15.3, 12.0, and 10.6, respectively. “Our goal going into this offseason was to retain as many pieces as possible from last year’s team, and this announcement gets us off to a great start towards that goal,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Victor Raso. “Khalil, AJ, Eddie and Juggy (Jahvon) are great basketball players, and great people, and being able to build upon the success we had last season and the lessons we learned was a necessary step in free agency. But we aren’t done there – more members of last year’s team will be announced soon, as well as some exciting new additions!” Ahmad, a 6’4 guard from Corona, California returns to the River Lions for a third season after being named the 2023 CEBL Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 CEBL MVP and earning Clutch Player of the Year honours in both seasons. Ahmad spent all four years of his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton becoming one of the most prolific scorers in school history. Ahmad’s professional career has taken him to Finland, Denmark, Israel and most recently Belgium, where he is currently averaging 14.6 points, 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game for Filou Oostende of the BNXT League . “Niagara feels like home to me,” said Ahmad. “I am excited to return and get to work to win the championship that our fans and organization deserve. Third times a charm” Ahmad was a late but welcome addition to the 2023 roster where he made an immediate impact leading the team in points (18.9), assists (6.0), steals (2.4) and minutes (28.9) per game, while also scoring 8 of the team’s target score winning shots in the River Lions 13-7 regular season record. Blair, a 6’4 guard from Brampton, Ontario returns to the River Lions for a second year boasting plenty of CEBL experience having suited up for the Newfoundland Growlers in 2022, and in 2023 representing the CEBL with the Brampton Honey Badgers in the Basketball Champions League of Americas (BCLA), and being named to ‘Team East’ in the CEBL Clash showcase. Prior to his professional career, Blair spent four seasons with basketball powerhouse, Georgetown University where in his senior year he helped the Hoyas to the Big East tournament title and an NCAA tournament berth. Blair recently signed with Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexico whose season will tip off this weekend. “I can’t wait to get back to the Meridian Centre in front of the best fans in the league,” said Blair. “I am looking forward to another great summer with my teammates and coaching staff. Once again, I truly appreciate Coach Vic for giving me the opportunity to be part of this program. I’m glad to be back.” In 2023 Blair proved to be a well-rounded combo player averaging 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26.6 minutes per game while shooting an impressive 44.4% from the 3-point line. Ekiyor, a 6’9 forward from Ottawa, Ontario returns to the River Lions for a second season where he will be coming off a dominating campaign with Sporting CP of the Liga Betclic in Portugal where he is a top contender for league MVP currently averaging 19.6 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. With Sporting CP, Ekiyor has earned career highs in points (33), rebounds (13) and blocks (5) in three different games. A product of the Carleton University Ravens program, Ekiyor is a two-time U SPORTS champion and two-time All Canadian who ended his collegiate career as the MVP during the 2019 final 8 tournament. “I am extremely excited to be part of the Niagara family again!” said Ekiyor. “I had so much fun in Niagara last season and loved the support that we received from our fans. I look forward to winning a championship in 2024!” A 2023 CEBL Defensive Player of the Year and 6 th Man of the Year finalist, Ekiyor led the River Lions in rebounds per game (5.6) while contributing 12.2 points and 0.9 blocks per game. He shot 41.7 in three-point percentage and 81.5 from the foul line. Ekiyor was named the 2023 recipient of the Ben Zwolak Community Ambassador Award for his contributions to the community and his positive attitude on and off the court. Davis Jr., a 6’9 forward from Burford, Georgia returns to the River Lions for a third season after helping to lead the team to first place after the regular season in 2023 as captain. Born into a basketball family, AJ graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he finished 8 th in UCF history with 633 rebounds and 7 th with 319 made free throws. Davis Jr. has gained international experience playing in Kosovo, Australia, Sweden, Greece, Germany and most recently Belgium where he is currently averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.5 assists for the Leuven Bears of the BNXT League. “I am excited to come back to Niagara and see all of our season ticket holders and fans inside the Meridian Centre,” said Davis. “I’m looking forward to another great summer as we take care of unfinished business and bring home the CEBL Championship.” A natural leader on and off the court, Davis has proven to be a consistent and efficient part of the team averaging 10.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.6 minutes per game during the 2023 CEBL campaign. Today’s announcement of Khalil Ahmad, Jahvon Blair, Eddie Ekiyor and AJ Davis returning to the team for 2024 marks the first players signed to the River Lions since CEBL free agency opened on February 1 st . 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. Single game tickets are expected to go on sale in early spring. Visit www.riverlions.ca for more information. ### Media Contact: Michelle Biskup, Vice President, Operations mbiskup@riverlions.ca
20 Feb, 2024
St. Catharines, Ontario – The Niagara River Lions are proud to announce the inclusion of a School Day Game as part of their 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) schedule. The game will take place on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at 11:00am as the River Lions host the Scarborough Shooting Stars at the Meridian Centre in downtown, St. Catharines. This event will serve as a synergy between the classroom and the basketball court to promote healthy and active living and the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Last season, the River Lions organization hosted a school day game which saw nearly 4000 students from across the Niagara Region take in River Lions basketball while creating a sense of community amongst their peers. In keeping with last year, the game presentation inside the Meridian Centre will include many opportunities for students to get involved through various activities and performances. Attendees will be entertained by award-winning Canadian community leader, motivational speaker, and artistic director, Saidat, who will make a guest appearance as the in-game host for the day. “Last year’s game was an overwhelming success and the feedback that we heard from those in attendance made it an easy decision to include a school day game in the 2024 schedule,” said River Lions Vice President of Operations, Michelle Biskup. “We are grateful for the collaboration between the school boards, Switzer Carty Transportation, and the Meridian Centre to create another memorable experience for all.” The River Lions are calling upon local businesses to help support this game through purchasing tickets to provide to students who may not otherwise be able to attend due to financial constraints. Season ticket holders have the option to opt in to attend this game if they choose to, or they can use the credit towards playoff tickets in the event that the River Lions host a postseason game. For more information on the School Day Game, contact Michelle Biskup at 289-273-5905 or mbiskup@riverlions.ca ## Media Contact: Michelle Biskup Vice President, Operations mbiskup@riverlions.ca
15 Feb, 2024
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that group tickets for the upcoming 2024 season are now on sale through contacting the River Lions Front Office at 289-273-5905 or tickets@riverlions.ca . With 10 home games played inside the Meridian Centre downtown St. Catharines, the River Lions events will feature non-stop entertainment before, during and after world class professional basketball games. Group tickets provide fans with a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with friends, family or colleagues. Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted tickets, and the larger the group, the more of a discount members will receive. Groups will also have the opportunity to take part in experiences including high 5 tunnels, halftime performances, post game court rentals and more. In addition to group tickets, voucher packs and season tickets are currently on sale, and River Lions fans can expect single game tickets to become available in the spring. . The River Lions will open the season with a trip to Brampton to face the Honey Badgers before returning to the Meridian Centre for the home opener on May 30th versus the Honey Badgers. As a league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL continues to demonstrate itself as a top tier basketball league for both professional development and fan experience. After an exciting finish last season, the River Lions hope to once again advance to Championship Weekend which will be hosted in Montreal, Quebec.  Media Contact: Michelle Biskup Vice President, Operations mbiskup@riverlions.ca
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
Share by: