We’re currently experiencing intermittent issues with live stats on our website and app. The team is working hard to resolve this issue. Stay tuned over social media or watch live on CEBL+ for score updates.

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RECENT NEWS 

April 30, 2026
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’6 American guard Curtis Hollis for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Hollis is currently playing in Riga, Latvia with the VEF Riga putting up an average performance of 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 15 games. Hollis started the 2025 campaign with the Vancouver Bandits , and joined the River Lions in late July for the final playoff push. In four games, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds and shot 43.8 from beyond the arc, cementing himself as a key contributor during both the Eastern Conference Final and Championship Game. “We are excited to have Curtis back in Niagara! Curtis has extensive CEBL experience and has proved that he impacts winning in many ways.” Said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “ His ability to score the ball stands out, but Curtis is a team first player who wants to win.” An Arlington, Texas native, Hollis also saw action during the 2024 CEBL season with both the Vancouver Bandits and Montreal Alliance , where he averaged 17 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. Hollis played overseas during the 2024-25 season with Helsinki Seagulls in Finland’s Korisliiga, posting averages of 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 27.6 minutes in 38 games played. His global career also includes stops in South Africa, the Dominican Republic, the Central African Republic, Germany and NBA G League training camp invites with the Detroit Pistons ’ affiliate, Motor City Cruise (2022), and Golden State Warriors ’ affiliate, Santa Cruz Warriors (2021). Hollis played post-secondary basketball at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he helped lead the Blue Dragons to a Round of 16 appearance at the 2018 NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. In his lone collegiate season, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 34 games. “I’m happy to be back for another summer with the Niagara River Lions,” said Hollis. “Since the season ended last summer I knew that I wanted to come back for another one. I’m ready to get in front of our great fans, do what the team needs me to do and play a bigger role this summer to help bring a three-peat. I’m excited to be coached by Kimbal; we have a strong relationship and I know he will be an amazing coach just like he was a player. I’m excited about this team and I can’t wait to be back around some familiar faces this 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 . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca 
April 29, 2026
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions are excited to announce that Niagara Trailers will once again be the presenting partner of the High 5 Tunnel for the 2026 season, continuing a fan-favourite game night experience at the Meridian Centre. Youth groups and community organizations are now invited to apply for the opportunity to take part in the Niagara Trailers High 5 Tunnel at select 2026 River Lions home games. This exciting initiative allows groups of 10 to 20 children to stand courtside and high-five River Lions players as they take the floor for pre-game warm-ups, creating an unforgettable game-day memory for youth! “At Niagara Trailers we take pride in community involvement,” said John Petrie, owner of locally owned business, Niagara Trailers established in 1972.“We are so pleased to be involved with the River Lions. Ourselves, our family and staff always enjoy the opportunity to attend games for a great night out.The games are always an unforgettable, exciting, and fun experience, not to mention an opportunity to see some fine elite players and possible future NBA prospects. We are excited to sponsor the High-5 Tunnel again. We are looking forward to continuing this initiative for the upcoming 2026 campaign. We wish the Niagara River Lions another great season.” Following the tunnel experience, participating groups will remain in-arena to cheer on the River Lions from the Niagara Trailers group seating area. Groups are encouraged to apply for this free opportunity by completing the online application form . Applications will be accepted for a limited time, after which participating groups will be selected for the 2026 season. The River Lions and Niagara Trailers continue to share a strong belief in the power of sport to bring people together and inspire the next generation of fans. “Partnering with Niagara Trailers to bring back the High 5 Tunnel is something we’re incredibly proud of.” Said River Lions Account Executive Dom Labrecque. “It reflects our shared commitment to create lasting memories for young fans and strengthen our connection with the Niagara community. It’s a unique opportunity to welcome youth into the heart of the game, and we’re proud to continue building connections that go beyond basketball.” To apply, visit: riverlions.ca/high5apply 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 . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca
April 23, 2026
Schedule features full season livestreaming on CBC Gem; Six regular-season games, Conference Finals and best-of-three Finals to be broadcast nationally on CBC TV April 23, 2026 – Today, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and CBC Sports unveiled the league’s 2026 broadcast and streaming schedule. Beginning May 9, CBC Sports will live stream every game of the 2026 CEBL season on the free CBC Gem streaming service, cbcsports.ca and CBC Sports YouTube channel . Additionally, six regular season matchups, the Conference Finals and the best-of-three CEBL Finals will be broadcast nationally on CBC TV. CBC Sports’ coverage of the league’s eighth season tips off on Saturday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. MT) from the Edmonton EXPO Centre, where the Edmonton Stingers host former Stingers guard and three-time CEBL MVP Xavier Moon and the Winnipeg Sea Bears in a highly anticipated season opener. “This broadcast schedule reflects the commitment of both our League and CBC Sports to deliver Canadian-grown, top-tier sport action across the nation,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “We’ll be bringing free access to premier matchups from Canada’s pro basketball league to audiences across Canada .” CBC Sports returns as a key media partner under a new five-year agreement, as announced March 3 , after serving as the league’s original broadcaster from 2019 to 2022. The national broadcast schedule also features a marquee rematch of last summer’s dramatic Western Conference Semifinal, with the Calgary Surge visiting the Vancouver Bandits on July 5 at Langley Events Centre. Additional matchups throughout the summer will showcase some of the league’s top rivalries and premier talent. Regular-Season games available on CBC TV: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Winnipeg Sea Bears at Edmonton Stingers Sunday, July 5, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Calgary Surge at Vancouver Bandits Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Calgary Surge at Winnipeg Sea Bears Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Edmonton Stingers at Niagara River Lions Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Brampton Honey Badgers at Winnipeg Sea Bears Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Winnipeg Sea Bears at Vancouver Bandits The schedule for CBC Sports’ CEBL Playoffs coverage will be announced at a later date. For the full 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Additional streaming will be available on CEBL+. Details on the league’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · 1040 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, UNIT 105, STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. L8E 6G3, 289-649-1121 CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · 1040 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, UNIT 105, STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. L8E 6G3, 289-649-1121 CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · 1040 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, UNIT 105, STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. L8E 6G3, 289-649-1121 CEBL AND CBC ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP PG. 3 information can be found at cebl.ca/tickets . - CEBL - About the Canadian Elite Basketball League The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About CBC/Radio-Canada CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.The Media Contacts : Kyle Warrener – Manager, Communications & Content Canadian Elite Basketball League (905) 870-1262 | kwarrener@cebl.ca Joanna Landsberg CBC Public Relations (647) 628-4788 | joanna.landsberg@cbc.ca
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RECENT NEWS  

April 30, 2026
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’6 American guard Curtis Hollis for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Hollis is currently playing in Riga, Latvia with the VEF Riga putting up an average performance of 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 15 games. Hollis started the 2025 campaign with the Vancouver Bandits , and joined the River Lions in late July for the final playoff push. In four games, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds and shot 43.8 from beyond the arc, cementing himself as a key contributor during both the Eastern Conference Final and Championship Game. “We are excited to have Curtis back in Niagara! Curtis has extensive CEBL experience and has proved that he impacts winning in many ways.” Said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “ His ability to score the ball stands out, but Curtis is a team first player who wants to win.” An Arlington, Texas native, Hollis also saw action during the 2024 CEBL season with both the Vancouver Bandits and Montreal Alliance , where he averaged 17 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. Hollis played overseas during the 2024-25 season with Helsinki Seagulls in Finland’s Korisliiga, posting averages of 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 27.6 minutes in 38 games played. His global career also includes stops in South Africa, the Dominican Republic, the Central African Republic, Germany and NBA G League training camp invites with the Detroit Pistons ’ affiliate, Motor City Cruise (2022), and Golden State Warriors ’ affiliate, Santa Cruz Warriors (2021). Hollis played post-secondary basketball at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he helped lead the Blue Dragons to a Round of 16 appearance at the 2018 NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. In his lone collegiate season, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 34 games. “I’m happy to be back for another summer with the Niagara River Lions,” said Hollis. “Since the season ended last summer I knew that I wanted to come back for another one. I’m ready to get in front of our great fans, do what the team needs me to do and play a bigger role this summer to help bring a three-peat. I’m excited to be coached by Kimbal; we have a strong relationship and I know he will be an amazing coach just like he was a player. I’m excited about this team and I can’t wait to be back around some familiar faces this 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 . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca 
April 29, 2026
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions are excited to announce that Niagara Trailers will once again be the presenting partner of the High 5 Tunnel for the 2026 season, continuing a fan-favourite game night experience at the Meridian Centre. Youth groups and community organizations are now invited to apply for the opportunity to take part in the Niagara Trailers High 5 Tunnel at select 2026 River Lions home games. This exciting initiative allows groups of 10 to 20 children to stand courtside and high-five River Lions players as they take the floor for pre-game warm-ups, creating an unforgettable game-day memory for youth! “At Niagara Trailers we take pride in community involvement,” said John Petrie, owner of locally owned business, Niagara Trailers established in 1972.“We are so pleased to be involved with the River Lions. Ourselves, our family and staff always enjoy the opportunity to attend games for a great night out.The games are always an unforgettable, exciting, and fun experience, not to mention an opportunity to see some fine elite players and possible future NBA prospects. We are excited to sponsor the High-5 Tunnel again. We are looking forward to continuing this initiative for the upcoming 2026 campaign. We wish the Niagara River Lions another great season.” Following the tunnel experience, participating groups will remain in-arena to cheer on the River Lions from the Niagara Trailers group seating area. Groups are encouraged to apply for this free opportunity by completing the online application form . Applications will be accepted for a limited time, after which participating groups will be selected for the 2026 season. The River Lions and Niagara Trailers continue to share a strong belief in the power of sport to bring people together and inspire the next generation of fans. “Partnering with Niagara Trailers to bring back the High 5 Tunnel is something we’re incredibly proud of.” Said River Lions Account Executive Dom Labrecque. “It reflects our shared commitment to create lasting memories for young fans and strengthen our connection with the Niagara community. It’s a unique opportunity to welcome youth into the heart of the game, and we’re proud to continue building connections that go beyond basketball.” To apply, visit: riverlions.ca/high5apply 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 . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca
April 23, 2026
Schedule features full season livestreaming on CBC Gem; Six regular-season games, Conference Finals and best-of-three Finals to be broadcast nationally on CBC TV April 23, 2026 – Today, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and CBC Sports unveiled the league’s 2026 broadcast and streaming schedule. Beginning May 9, CBC Sports will live stream every game of the 2026 CEBL season on the free CBC Gem streaming service, cbcsports.ca and CBC Sports YouTube channel . Additionally, six regular season matchups, the Conference Finals and the best-of-three CEBL Finals will be broadcast nationally on CBC TV. CBC Sports’ coverage of the league’s eighth season tips off on Saturday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. MT) from the Edmonton EXPO Centre, where the Edmonton Stingers host former Stingers guard and three-time CEBL MVP Xavier Moon and the Winnipeg Sea Bears in a highly anticipated season opener. “This broadcast schedule reflects the commitment of both our League and CBC Sports to deliver Canadian-grown, top-tier sport action across the nation,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “We’ll be bringing free access to premier matchups from Canada’s pro basketball league to audiences across Canada .” CBC Sports returns as a key media partner under a new five-year agreement, as announced March 3 , after serving as the league’s original broadcaster from 2019 to 2022. The national broadcast schedule also features a marquee rematch of last summer’s dramatic Western Conference Semifinal, with the Calgary Surge visiting the Vancouver Bandits on July 5 at Langley Events Centre. Additional matchups throughout the summer will showcase some of the league’s top rivalries and premier talent. Regular-Season games available on CBC TV: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Winnipeg Sea Bears at Edmonton Stingers Sunday, July 5, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Calgary Surge at Vancouver Bandits Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Calgary Surge at Winnipeg Sea Bears Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Edmonton Stingers at Niagara River Lions Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Brampton Honey Badgers at Winnipeg Sea Bears Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 3:30 PM ET | Winnipeg Sea Bears at Vancouver Bandits The schedule for CBC Sports’ CEBL Playoffs coverage will be announced at a later date. For the full 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule . Additional streaming will be available on CEBL+. Details on the league’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs , and ticket CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · 1040 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, UNIT 105, STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. L8E 6G3, 289-649-1121 CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · 1040 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, UNIT 105, STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. L8E 6G3, 289-649-1121 CANADIAN ELITE BASKETBALL LEAGUE CEBL.CA · 1040 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, UNIT 105, STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. L8E 6G3, 289-649-1121 CEBL AND CBC ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP PG. 3 information can be found at cebl.ca/tickets . - CEBL - About the Canadian Elite Basketball League The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under age 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting deeply with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL’s season is a showcase of top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About CBC/Radio-Canada CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.The Media Contacts : Kyle Warrener – Manager, Communications & Content Canadian Elite Basketball League (905) 870-1262 | kwarrener@cebl.ca Joanna Landsberg CBC Public Relations (647) 628-4788 | joanna.landsberg@cbc.ca
April 22, 2026
St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions today announced their full coaching, training, and basketball operations staff for the 2026 season. With a strong mix of returning leadership and new additions, the organization continues to build a cohesive group committed to success on and off the court. Leading the River Lions’ basketball operations in 2026 will be Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, who transitions into his new role following a standout three-year playing career with the organization from 2023 to 2025. A former team captain, Mackenzie was a key leader both on and off the court, helping to establish the team’s identity and championship culture. Beyond his playing career, Mackenzie has remained deeply involved in the organization, serving as the team’s Community and Brand Ambassador while continuing to build strong connections throughout the Niagara region. He also gained coaching experience during the 2024–25 season taking on the Head Coach position with the Niagara College women’s basketball program. His familiarity with the organization and continued growth in the game position him well to lead the River Lions into their next era. Supporting this transition, former Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso will remain with the organization as Senior Advisor, Player Personnel & Basketball Operations. Since joining the River Lions in 2017, Raso has played an instrumental role in building the team’s identity and establishing a championship standard that continues to shape the organization today. “I’m very happy with how our coaching staff has come together. I trust everyone on this staff wholeheartedly. I’ve built relationships with all of them over the years, and I know how seriously they work,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “We have been in close communication throughout the process of getting our roster together, and are very excited about the opportunity in front of us.” Returning to the basketball staff this season are Andrew Sergi, William Gatchalian, and Jeff Zwolak, who each bring valuable experience, leadership, and continuity to the program. They will be joined by new additions Pablo Vazquez and Jake Babic, strengthening the River Lions bench with fresh perspectives and diverse coaching backgrounds. Zwolak enters his 8th season with the River Lions as Chief of Staff, continuing to provide invaluable leadership and organizational support. His longstanding involvement in the basketball community and commitment to the program make him an integral part of the team’s culture. Sergi returns as Assistant Coach, for his third season with the River Lions bringing over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of the game. A longtime colleague and mentor within the program, his veteran presence and strategic mindset remain key assets in player development and team success. Gatchalian returns to the River Lions coaching staff for a second year after contributing during the 2025 season. He brings experience from the U SPORTS level, including his role as an Assistant Coach with Brock University , as well as time spent with the Winnipeg Sea Bears . New to the coaching staff, Pablo Vazquez joins the River Lions as an Assistant Coach, bringing experience in player development and game strategy. Vazquez has served as an Assistant Coach with the Leicester Riders in England for 10 years coaching Kimbal Mackenzie from 2021-2024. He adds a fresh perspective to a well-established and collaborative coaching group. Jake Babic returns to the River Lions bench this time as an Assistant Coach after previously playing four seasons with the organization from 2020 to 2024. Since 2023, he has also been involved as a coach with Purpose Driven Mentality (PDM) Basketball, working within the youth development system and helping to mentor the next generation of players. His transition from player to coach adds continuity to the staff and reinforces the organization’s commitment to internal development. The Basketball Operations team will be led by Tyler Vincent, Manager of Business and Basketball Operations, alongside Paolo Buot, Basketball Operations Coordinator. They will be supported by basketball operations interns Ryota Wolff, Jared Colangeli, and Curtis Henderson, who will assist in the day-to-day operations throughout the season. Team training and medical staff includes Head Athletic Therapist, Trevor Kwolek ( Great North Physiotherapy ), Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Matrixx Ferreira and Myles Methner (Iron Performance ), Team Doctor Dr. Vincenzo Susini ( Platinum Medicine ), Team Dentist Dr. Andrew Lee ( Smilee Dental ), Team Optometrist Dr. Marianne Hopkins ( Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry ), Team Chiropractor Dr. Mark Lessey, and Team Registered Massage Therapist, Darian Kalogerakos ( Myomove Active Recovery Massage ). The Niagara River Lions continue to prioritize building a strong, unified staff dedicated to excellence, player development, and representing the Niagara Region with pride. With this group in place, the organization looks ahead to the 2026 season with confidence and excitement. 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 . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca
April 22, 2026
Today, the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced the renewal of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's (OLG) official sponsorship for a third consecutive season. During the 2026 season, OLG will continue to enhance excitement for CEBL fans across Ontario. Through OLG’s sponsorship of the CEBL and its four Ontario clubs – the Brampton Honey Badgers, Niagara River Lions, Ottawa BlackJacks and Scarborough Shooting Stars – LOTTO MAX will once again serve as the Official Lottery of the CEBL and the presenting partner of the Eastern Conference and Eastern Conference Playoffs. PROLINE remains the Official Retail Sportsbook of the league and its four Ontario-based teams. "It’s been an exciting year for both LOTTO MAX and PROLINE, and we’re looking forward to bringing that momentum to CEBL fans this season,” said Andrew Darley, VP Lottery Product at OLG. “Continuing our sponsorship gives us an opportunity to showcase our support for Ontario, while also leveling up the fan experience and celebrating their love of sport.” Just this month, the new LOTTO MAX launched with more prizes to win and jackpots that can grow up to $90 million. And earlier this year, OLG rolled out a new PROLINE platform providing a better playing experience with more choice and more ways to play. Through fan-centric, in-game promotions, CEBL fans can learn about these upgrades, and how by playing with OLG, they are helping give back to people and communities across Ontario. "OLG has a long-standing commitment to communities across Ontario, and that aligns perfectly with what we’re building at the CEBL,” said CEBL President and CEO Ty Mazereeuw. “This partnership supports the continued growth of our league while creating more ways for fans across the province to connect with the game.” For the full 2026 CEBL schedule, visit cebl.ca/schedule. Details on the league’s new playoff format are available at cebl.ca/playoffs, and ticket information for all CEBL games can be found at cebl.ca/tickets. - CEBL - About the Canadian Elite Basketball League The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is Canada’s professional basketball league, featuring 10 member clubs across six provinces. Powered by elite talent, a fast-paced game format, and deep community connections, the CEBL delivers high-level basketball and unforgettable summer experiences for fans nationwide. The league boasts the youngest fan base in Canadian professional sport, half under 34, and one of the fastest-growing audiences in the country, now reaching nearly 4.1 million Canadians. This momentum reflects the CEBL’s ability to deliver dynamic, thrilling gameplay while connecting authentically with a new generation of fans and expanding basketball’s cultural footprint across Canada. The CEBL is where elite performance meets homegrown talent. In 2025, 17 players with NBA experience hit the court, while nearly 70% of the league’s roster was Canadian, the highest concentration of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country. Running from May through August, the CEBL has become a proven pathway for top basketball talent and a summer hub for fast-paced, high-energy fan excitement. About OLG OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. OLG has been giving back to Ontario since 1975, generating approximately $64 billion for the people and the Province to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG's operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province. ### Media Contacts: Kyle Warrener – Manager, Communications & Content Canadian Elite Basketball League (905) 870-1262 | kwarrener@cebl.ca OLG MEDIA RELATIONS 1-888-946-6716
April 16, 2026
St. Catharines, ON –The Niagara River Lions announced today the signing of 6’8 Canadian forward Cole Long ahead of the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Long is currently competing with the Newcastle Eagles of the British Super League Basketball (SLB), for a second consecutive season where he’s averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. “We are very excited to welcome Cole to Niagara. Cole is a high level basketball player who will bring us great size, versatility, and shooting,” said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “He is a 4 man who can stretch the floor, put the ball on the ground, and has a great basketball IQ. I believe he will be a great fit, basketball and culture wise!” During the 2024–25 season, Long emerged as one of Newcastle’s most reliable perimeter threats, leading the Eagles in three-point shooting averaging 37.5% from beyond the arc while establishing himself as a consistent floor spacer within their system. Long’s professional career began when he was selected by the Guelph Nighthawks in the 2021 CEBL U SPORTS Draft. Although an injury sidelined him for that season, he returned the following year and was selected third overall by the Newfoundland Growlers , earning the opportunity to suit up for his hometown team in St. John’s for the 2022 CEBL Season. Long went on to gain international experience with Tromso Storm (2022–23) of the Norwegian Basketball League (BLNO) and KFUM Nassjo (2023–24) part of the Basketliegan in Sweden. Long began his collegiate career at the University of Detroit Mercy (2016–2019), where he appeared in 79 games for the Titans. During his time with the program, he had 24 starts and averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds with 33 blocks and 21 steals overall, while earning recognition in the classroom as a three-time Detroit Mercy Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection. Following his time in Detroit, Long returned to his home province of Newfoundland to attend Memorial University , where he continued his academic studies pursuing a Masters degree in Kinesiology while competing with the Seahawks. “I’m very happy to be joining Niagara and be a part of the winning culture. Excited to join you all in May for another great season” said Long. Long now joins the River Lions as the club continues to build its roster for the 2026 campaign. 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 . ### Media Contact: Mya Hastings Social Media & Marketing Coordinator mhastings@riverlions.ca

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