Adam Klie is the newest Niagara River Lion
An earlier start to the season, and seven straight games at home in March, highlight the Niagara River Lions 2017-18 campaign.
The River Lions open their third season in Niagara inside Meridian Centre on Saturday Nov. 18, against the defending National Basketball League of Canada champion London Lightning.
The Lions will once again play out of the NBL’s Central Division which includes London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo and St. John’s, Newfoundland.
The new St. John’s franchise agreed to play out of the Central Division to even both divisions out in the 10-team league that features a 40 game (20 home, 20 away) schedule.
Moncton, Saint John, the Island Storm (Prince Edward Island) Halifax and Cape Breton make up the league’s Atlantic Division.
Sudbury will join the NBL in 2018.
River Lions director of public relations, Michelle Biskup, is looking forward to the team’s third season in Niagara to tip-off.
“We are excited to officially announce the schedule for the upcoming season,” Biskup said.
“The River Lions look forward to travelling to each city, and also hosting and welcoming teams to the Niagara Region.
We can’t wait to get things going.”
The Lions will play host to their second annual school day game on March 9 with an 11 a.m. tip, and wrap up their regular season schedule Easter weekend in St. John’s, after playing seven straight games at Meridian Centre.
Single game tickets go on sale on October 11.
Head coach Joe Raso, who took over the team in late June, knows things will pick up on and off the court now.
“With the announcement of the schedule, the countdown has officially begun,” said Raso who’s
looking forward to expanding his basketball resume that already includes national and international experience.
“We look forward to welcoming fans to the Meridian Centre for what’s sure to be an exciting season, and promise to deliver a competitive and entertaining product on the court.”
Speaking of “on the court” - Niagara also announced its first two player signings.
Toronto native, and NBL veteran, Dwayne Smith is a 6-foot-6 forward who averaged 10.7 points, and 6.4 rebounds per game with the Moncton Miracles during the 2014/15 season.
The River Lions also signed 6-foot-4 guard, and Alaska native, Adam Klie.
Klie is a product of the University of California, San Diego, where he put up some impressive numbers in his senior season.
Klie averaged 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists earning him the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Player of the Year award.
Klie is the school’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, field goals made, games and minutes played.
“First impressions are everlasting,” Raso explained of Klie, after watching him play in Las Vegas this past summer.
“Adam left a definite positive impression. His skill, his feel, and his work ethic were all on display.
I knew he was a trained, motivated, player who will make coaching enjoyable.
“We’re lucky to have recruited a first-class citizen to our community.”
The Lions hope to announce further player signings in the coming days, including returnees.
Lions Roar: All games are 7 p.m. start times, except Sunday’s (2 p.m.) and the school day game, presented by the Book Outlet, at 11 a.m .... For more information on tickets and player news visit the River Lions website at www.riverlions.ca or call the office in Thorold at 289-273-5905.