NIAGARA RIVER LIONS ANNOUNCE 2026 CEBL SIGNING DAY ADDITIONS
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today their U SPORTS signings as part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League's (CEBL) inaugural Signing Day. The team welcomes 6’8 forward Nigel Hylton from the University of Toronto and 6’10 wing Ayub Nurhussien of Ontario Tech University to the team.

Announced on March 26, Signing Day replaces the league’s previous draft format and marks the next evolution of the CEBL’s partnership with U SPORTS, established in 2019, and more recently the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The new approach creates a more direct and flexible pathway for Canadian student-athletes to transition from campus to the professional stage.
Nigel Hylton, a 6’8 forward from Toronto, Ontario, played two seasons at Simon Fraser University before transferring to play for the Varsity Blues for his third and fourth year. In two seasons at University of Toronto he averaged 12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds, highlighted by a 30 point, 15 rebound double double in the OUA quarter final win over Western University in 2026.
“Nigel had a great season with U of T. His size, mobility, and skill level are a unique combination. We are excited to bring him in” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie.
Ayub Nurhussien, a 6’10” wing from Hamilton, Ontario, began his collegiate career at Highland Community College before moving to Pearl River Community College for his sophomore season. He later transferred to Ontario Tech University in 2023, where he spent two seasons with the Ridgebacks, averaging 13.1 points, 1.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while surpassing 500 points, 200 rebounds, and 50 assists. Following his collegiate career, Nurhussien signed his first professional contract with the Brampton Honey Badgers as a developmental player ahead of the 2024 season, but did not play in any games. He subsequently transferred to Toronto Metropolitan University for the 2025–26 season, where he redshirted.
“Ayub is a very long wing who possesses a high skill level,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “He has a very high ceiling as a basketball player. I am excited to see what he can do at the pro level”
Since 2019, the CEBL’s partnership with U SPORTS, and more recently the CCAA, has created a professional pathway for Canadian student-athletes. Creating opportunities for developmental players eligible per game outside of the salary cap, teams are able to invest in and develop the next generation of Canadian basketball talent. To date, more than 100 student-athletes from schools across Canada have transitioned to the CEBL through this initiative.
The River Lions are excited to welcome Hylton and Nurhussien to Niagara and look forward to their development and contributions throughout the 2026 season.
The Niagara River Lions are one of the founding franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions (2024 & 2025). Competing out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines, from May to August each season, the River Lions proudly represent the twelve municipalities of the Niagara Region, uniting fans through passion, pride, and purpose. Entering their second decade, the River Lions have earned a reputation for championship-caliber performance and community impact, embodying the strength and spirit of Niagara both on and off the court.
For more information, visit www.riverlions.ca or follow on social: @NiagaraRiverLions on IG, FB, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.
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Media Contact:
Mya Hastings
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
mhastings@riverlions.ca