NIAGARA RIVER LIONS TO HOST PRE-SEASON SCHOOL DAY GAME AT MCMASTER UNIVERSITY PRESENTED BY DENNINGER’S
St. Catharines, ON — The Niagara River Lions will bring a taste of Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) basketball back to Hamilton this Thursday with a pre-season school day game at McMaster University presented by Denninger’s. The back-to–back CEBL Champions will take on a Hamilton All-Star squad in an 11:00am game, furthering the organization’s commitment to growing its presence and engaging new fans in the Hamilton region.
“Bringing a pre-season school day game to Hamilton was a natural next step for us,” said Team President Michelle Biskup. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen tremendous support from fans in the Hamilton area. This is an opportunity to connect with that next generation in a meaningful way. It’s about meeting youth where they are, building excitement early, and continuing to grow the River Lions community beyond Niagara.”
Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, who also serves as the team’s Brand and Community Ambassador during the CEBL off-season, has played a key role in expanding the organization’s footprint in Hamilton especially over the past eight months. Through school visits, grassroots programming, and community outreach initiatives, Mackenzie has helped build strong, lasting relationships that continue to drive the team’s growth in the market.
The game will welcome more than 1,500 students from 17 schools across the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, many of whom will be experiencing professional basketball for the first time. Students will be immersed in the full River Lions game day experience, bringing the energy, excitement, and atmosphere of a CEBL game to David Braley Athletic Centre.
“Denninger's is proud to sponsor the Niagara River Lions, as we value the opportunity to participate in our community,” said Nicole Scullion, Marketing Coordinator at Denninger’s.
The pre-season matchup will mark the conclusion of the team’s training camp, providing a final opportunity to evaluate the roster ahead of the 2026 season. The River Lions will officially tip off their campaign on May 18 in Ottawa against the Blackjacks, opening with a five-game road swing before returning to Niagara for their home opener on May 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Meridian Centre against the Vancouver Bandits.
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 Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & LinkedIn and @RiverLions on X.
Denninger’s is a specialty grocery store with four retail locations in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario offering premium quality meats & sausages and wholesome prepared meals using family recipes since 1954.
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Media Contact:
Cole Meyering
Communications Coordinator