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Renewed enthusiasm for the Trois-Rivières Lions

The Trois-Rivières Lions have a very positive assessment of the first half of the season. After 35 matches, the Trois-Rivières team occupies 4e rank in the overall ECHL standings, with 52 points, just 3 points behind Everblades from Florida to the top of the rankings.

In the stands, the organization also senses renewed enthusiasm for the team affiliated with the Rocket and the Montreal Canadiens, with more spectators at each game.

A year ago, the Lions were fighting for survival and now everyone seems to love them. According to the team’s executive vice-president, Alex Cousineau, one of the aspects that explains this enthusiasm is the commitment to the community and the objectives for the end of the season.

In a city like Trois-Rivières, if we are not close to the community, it is certain that we will not be successful. The number one key for us was to get closer to the community, and I think that’s what we’ve been doing over the last few months.he mentions.

For the rest of the season, the team wants to focus on qualifying for the playoffs. We will try to get one of the first two places in the division to ensure we have ice advantage in the first rounds, then be in the series for as long as possible.says Alex Cousineau.

He adds that playing as many matches as possible in front of the fans would be positive for the team.

The Lions will return to the Colisée Vidéotron on Friday with the visit of Admirals they Norfolk.

When humor and hockey come together

This year, the Lions of Trois-Rivières are adding an initiative to their sporting and cultural offering. Usually, musicians or DJs are invited to host the meetings at the Colisée Vidéotron.

This Friday, there will be, after the match, a first edition of Humor in overtime. About 30 minutes after the Lions meeting, comedians Francis Legendre, PO Forget and Christophe Dupéré will present a show.

Lions executive vice-president Alex Cousineau explains the origins of this idea. We thought it was appropriate for us to do both, and it allows people to continue the evening a little bit. We have people who end the evening and say to themselves “Okay! What do we do? Shall we have a beer? Are we going to do something afterwards?” So, we said to ourselves, why not do it here at the Coliseumhe adds.

Around a hundred people will be able to attend the show which will be presented in a room on level 200 at the Colisée Vidéotron.

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Depending on the popularity of this first evening of comedy, the Lions could repeat the experience.

Towards a World Junior Hockey Championship?

The Trois-Rivières Lions will be ready to listen if a joint Quebec-Trois-Rivières bid project comes to fruition to obtain a World Junior Hockey Championship.

Taking stock of the Lions’ mid-season, Alex Cousineau had several positive points to note in the success column since October.

The executive vice-president of the team notably mentioned obtaining the World Junior A Challenge which will be played in Trois-Rivières in December 2025.

Could this first step in organizing international events, after a rivalry series match in February 2023, open the door to other major tournaments?

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The Canadians defeated the Americans 5-1 on February 20, 2023 at the Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières in front of a crowd of more than 4,600 spectators. (Archive photo)

Photo: - / JONATHAN ROBERGE

Two weeks ago, the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Luc Tardif, indicated in an interview on the show Always in the morning that a Quebec-Trois-Rivières candidacy could be possible for the organization of the 2029 World Juniors.

When a renowned person like that mentions the name of Trois-Rivières, we are certainly excited to hear that. Then, it’s heartwarming, but for us, it’s about taking it one step at a time, seeing how next year’s tournament is going to go. Then after that, if there ever is a knock on our door, we will certainly listen. But it’s certain that an event like that in Trois-Rivières could be something very remarkable.says Alex Cousineau.

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