Niagara basketball fans got a chance to see the River Lions prepare for their championship defence at a public practice in Port Colborne on Tuesday, with two more opportunities to watch the team planned during the season.
The team held its first open practice at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre ahead of the start of its 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, Niagara Daily News reported.
The River Lions enter the season as back-to-back league champions. Their bid to defend those titles begins Monday, when they open a four-game road trip in Ottawa against the Blackjacks.
Tuesday’s session brought the team to Port Colborne before that road stretch, giving local fans an early look at the players as they trained for the upcoming season.
Head coach and general manager Kimbal Mackenzie said the open-practice format helps connect the team with the community. He also said it offers players a chance to relax while continuing their preparations for the season, according to Niagara Daily News.
The next open practice is scheduled for June 16 at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre in Grimsby. A third session is planned for July 7 at the Meridian Centre, the River Lions’ home venue.
Those sessions will give fans further chances to watch the team practise once its 2026 campaign is underway, following this week’s pre-season gathering in Port Colborne.
