River Lions tip off 2019 season in May
Seven months before their regular season and home opener, the Niagara River Lions have released their 2019 schedule.
Thursday, May 9, in Saskatoon, Sask., is when the River Lions officially begin their Canadian Elite Basketball League tenure.
After three seasons in the National Basketball League of Canada, the Lions made the move to the CEBL earlier this year.
Niagara’s home opener is Thursday, May 16, against the Edmonton Stingers.
All River Lions home games will be played at the downtown arena with 7 p.m. start times.
Every franchise in the sixteam league will play 20 games, 10 at home and 10 on the road which includes four head-tohead — two home, two road — matchups against each other.
The Lions’ longest home stand of the season is a three-game run from mid- to late-June, while the regular season wraps up on Aug. 14, in Hamilton.
Thursday, Aug. 1, is Niagara’s final regular season home game.
The River Lions are joined by two other Ontario-based teams: the Hamilton Honey Badgers and Guelph Nighthawks.
Edmonton, the Saskatchewan Rattlers and Fraser Valley Bandits round out the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
League officials say rosters will be comprised of at least 70 per cent Canadianborn players.
“The CEBL will provide fans with premium entertainment and world-class professional basketball, enabling players, coaches, fans and other stakeholders the opportunity to engage in basketball at the highest level,” said CEBL chief executive officer Mike Morreale.
“Affordable, family-friendly entertainment will make each game a major event designed to appeal to basketball fans and others seeking a fastpaced and fun
experience.”
For more information on the Niagara River Lions visit riverlions.ca and for more information on the Canadian Elite Basketball League check out cebl.ca.
Lion Pride: The River Lions have yet to name a head coach for 2019. Former bench boss Joe Raso was recently named director of basketball operations for the CEBL … Ridley Tigers Boys Basketball head coach Tarry Upshaw has been named head coach for the Guelph Nighthawks.