Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa nomment Justin Mazzulla entraîneur en chef
January 22, 2026
Les BlackJacks d'Ottawa de la Ligue élite canadienne de basketball (LECB), ont annoncé aujourd’hui que le club a engagé Justin Mazzulla comme cinquième entraîneur en chef de l’histoire de la franchise. Il remplace David DeAveiro, dont le contrat n’a pas été renouvelé à la suite de la saison 2025.
Mazzulla, originaire de Johnston, R.I., est actuellement le poste de coordinateur vidéo adjoint pour le Jazz de l'Utah dans la ligue NBA, après avoir débuté sa carrière professionnelle d’entraîneur en tant qu’entraîneur adjoint et coordinateur vidéo des Stars de Salt Lake City, l’affiliée de l'Utah en G League.
« Justin Mazzulla représente exactement le standard d’excellence que nous voulons pour les BlackJacks d’Ottawa », a déclaré le directeur général des BlackJacks, James Derouin. « Il a été un élément clé de certaines des salles d’entraîneurs les plus innovantes de la NBA, et il apporte à notre organisation un plan directeur digne d’une équipe de championnat. Nous ne cherchons pas seulement à être compétitifs; nous voulons mener la ligue en matière d’innovation et d’intensité. Justin est l’architecte qui nous permettra d’y parvenir. »
Âgé de 27 ans et 26 jours au moment de sa nomination, il devient le plus jeune entraîneur en chef de l’histoire de la CEBL, surpassant l’entraineur en chef des Niagara River Lions, Victor Raso, qui avait 28 ans lorsqu’il a été nommé à ce poste en 2019.
« J’ai choisi Ottawa parce que les propriétaires, la direction sportive et les dirigeants ont cru en moi et étaient prêts à me donner une chance », a déclaré Mazzulla. « Intrépide, rapide et plaisant étaient les piliers qu’ils ont mis de l’avant, et cela me semblait une excellente occasion de me joindre à eux et de bâtir autour de la culture et de la communauté d’Ottawa. »
Joueur de Division I à George Washington (2017-2019) et à l’Université du Vermont (2020-2022), frère de l’actuel entraîneur en chef des Celtics de Boston, Joe Mazzulla, il a rejoint l’Université du Rhode Island en juin 2022 en tant qu’assistant diplômé à l’issue de sa carrière de joueur.
Il a auparavant travaillé comme entraîneur en chef pour Rise to the Top, où il a organisé des ligues de basketball Junior NBA pour les jeunes, ainsi que comme préparateur de la performance pour Ernie Duncan Hoops, deux structures basées dans le Vermont.
Élu Joueur de l’Année Gatorade du Rhode Island en 2016, Mazzulla a contribué à mener le Bishop Hendricken High School à des championnats d’État consécutifs avant de commencer sa carrière universitaire avec les George Washington Colonials, où il a été nommé dans l’équipe All-Academic de l’Atlantic 10 lors de sa saison sophomore.
Ottawa amorcera sa saison à l’Aréna de la TD Place le mardi 12 mai à 19 h 30 contre les champions en titre de la Conférence de l’Ouest, le Calgary Surge.
Des forfaits de billets flexibles et des expériences de groupe sont actuellement en vente en visitant theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/tickets, ou rendez-vous sur theblackjacks.ca/fr-ca/season-seat-memberships pour vous joindre à nous lors de tous les matchs à domicile de la saison 2026.
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The Niagara River Lions announced today the re-signing of 6’7” Canadian forward Nathan Cayo for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The 28-year-old from Montreal, Quebec returns to Niagara after contributing to the River Lions’ championship successes over the past two seasons (2024, 2025) averaging 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Cayo is currently playing with the ADA Blois Basket in France’s LNB Pro B, where he has averaged 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during the 2025–2026 season. “We are very excited to welcome Nathan and his family back to Niagara for year 3!”, said Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie. “Cayo has played a pivotal role in our back to back championship runs, and is highly skilled, physical and smart. One underrated trait of Nathan’s that I got to see firsthand as his teammate is how competitive he is. He is primed for a big summer!” Cayo began his CEBL career with the Montreal Alliance in 2022, where he played for two seasons before joining Niagara in 2024. Internationally, he has also competed with Astoria Bydgoszcz in Poland, the Memphis Hustle and Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League, and Manchester Basketball in the United Kingdom. He played collegiately at the University of Richmond, appearing in 155 games across five seasons with the Richmond Spiders. Cayo averaged 8.9 points, 1.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, finishing fourth all-time in program history in field goal percentage (55.2%). He also helped lead Richmond to the 2022 NCAA Tournament, scoring 15 points in a win over the University of Iowa to advance to the second round. Having proven himself at every level he’s competed, Cayo combines professional experience, championship pedigree, and a unique ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. Since joining Niagara, he has been a cornerstone of the River Lions’ rotation, delivering timely scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. With two consecutive CEBL titles under his belt, Cayo enters 2026 as a proven winner and the type of player who sets the tone for a team chasing sustained success. “My family and I feel blessed to run it back for a third season!” said Cayo. “An opportunity to be part of history doesn’t come by everyday; and to try and do so in an environment that feels like home made it a no brainer. Go River Lions.” ###
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today signed Canadian forward Fareed Shittu for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League season. The six-foot-six forward from Edmonton, Alberta, brings two years of CEBL experience and a decorated U SPORTS career. “Fareed is a high-level athlete,” said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Raimbault. “He has worked hard on his game and brings a level of athleticism that few can match.” Shittu began his U SPORTS career with the UNBC Timberwolves, where he earned UNBC Timberwolves Male Rookie of the Year honours and a selection to the Canada West All-Rookie Team in 2019-20. By his third season, he earned Canada West third-team all-star honours, averaging 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2 assists per game on 38 per cent three-point shooting. After transferring to the UBC Thunderbirds for his final two seasons, Shittu averaged 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 27.3 minutes per game over 18 games, including a season-high 28 points against the Winnipeg Wesmen on February 2. “Signing with the Sea Bears was an easy decision for me,” Shittu said.”After speaking with coach Mike and Alex, I knew I wanted to be part of what they’re building here in Winnipeg. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from them, and contribute to the team's success." Shittu enters his third CEBL season. He previously signed a U SPORTS development contract with the Saskatchewan Rattlers during the 2024 season before spending the 2025 campaign with the Edmonton Stingers. ###
The Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday the signing of St. Thomas Ontario’s Taye Donald. The 6’2” guard spent last summer in a Stingers uniform on his first pro-contract, after spending the summer prior in Edmonton as a developmental player. “I’m really looking forward to coming back to Edmonton for a third season,” said Donald. “Edmonton has become like a second home for me during the summer, and now with a season of overseas basketball experience, I’m excited to take on a bigger role with the Stingers.” Last summer, Donald appeared in 23 of 25 games for the Stingers, including a season high 14 points in the final home game vs the Winnipeg Seabears. In his first season of overseas pro ball, he is averaging 15.2 points per game, 1.8 steals, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. “We are very excited to have Taye back with us this summer,” said Stingers President, Head Coach and General Manager Jordan Baker. “With an additional year of professional experience under his belt, we are looking forward to seeing his impact grow in the CEBL. He is a competitor, a tireless worker, and he embodies everything we look for when building our roster. ” Donald will join the Stingers at Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 9th to host the Winnipeg Seabears in their home opener. ### About the Edmonton Stingers The Edmonton Stingers play a 24-game season from May to August in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, the top professional league in Canada with 10 teams in major markets from coast to coast. The Stingers joined the league in its inaugural season in 2019 and have twice been crowned CEBL Champions. The Stingers play in the 4,000 seat Edmonton Expo Centre. Our core value as an organization is to offer affordable, family-friendly fun at our games and be a positive force in our community all year long.
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has re-signed guard Shakur Daniel for the 2026 season. Daniel returns to Ottawa after appearing in 22 games for the BlackJacks during the 2025 CEBL season, making 13 starts and averaging 20.8 minutes per game. The 6-foot-6 guard contributed 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest while recording 22 steals on the season. “We are proud to welcome back Shakur Daniel. He’s a high-character combo guard and a true ‘Mazzulla-type’ player who prioritizes the technical details and defensive discipline required to win,” said James Derouin. Prior to joining Ottawa, Daniel spent the 2024-25 season in the NBA G League with the San Diego Clippers, where he appeared in 29 games and averaged 2.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while competing against some of the top developmental talent in professional basketball. The Ajax, Ontario native has also gained international professional experience. During the 2023-24 season, Daniel suited up for KK Feniks 2010 of the Macedonian First League, where he averaged 29.2 minutes per game across 25 contests while emerging as one of the team’s most reliable perimeter shooters. Following the 2025 CEBL season, Daniel continued his professional career internationally and most recently competed with Montreal Toundra, averaging 5.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game during the 2025-26 campaign. A 6-foot-6 guard born in Ajax, Ontario, Daniel was ranked among the top Canadian high school prospects coming out of Southwest Christian Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas before beginning his collegiate career at Southern Mississippi in 2018. During his freshman season with the Golden Eagles, he ranked second among first-year players in assists and earned recognition on the Conference USA Honour Roll. Daniel later transferred to Ranger College, where he was named NTJCAC Defensive Player of the Year while helping guide the program to a 28-3 regular season record. He concluded his collegiate career at Tarleton State, joining the program as it transitioned from NCAA Division II to Division I competition. Across three seasons with the Texans, Daniel averaged 2.6 assists per game while logging heavy minutes, including leading the Western Athletic Conference with 35.6 minutes per game during his graduate season. ###
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue Canadienne élite de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui la mise sous contrat du garde Justin Harmon pour la saison 2026. Le garde de 6 pieds 4 pouces, natif de Chicago, en Illinois, se joint à Ottawa alors qu’il évolue actuellement dans la NBA G League avec les Salt Lake City Stars. Au cours de la campagne 2025-2026, Harmon présente une moyenne de 11,4 points, 3,6 rebonds et 1,6 passe décisive par rencontre, tout en affichant un taux de réussite de 50,7 % du terrain et de 47,2 % à trois points en 37 parties. L’entraîneur-chef des BlackJacks, Justin Mazzulla, qui occupe également le rôle d’adjoint au service de vidéo auprès du Jazz de l’Utah, a eu l’occasion de suivre de près le développement d’Harmon au sein du système de développement de l’organisation en G League. « Pouvoir compter sur un joueur comme Justin Harmon sur le terrain, c’est important. Il se bat pour chaque possession. C’est un compétiteur féroce en défense et il a l’instinct pour faire une différence en attaque. Sa passion contribue directement à gagner des matchs », a déclaré Mazzulla. Harmon a amorcé sa carrière professionnelle avec les Salt Lake City Stars lors de la saison 2024-2025, prenant part à 30 matchs et maintenant des moyennes de 3,6 points, 1,4 rebond et 1,5 passe décisive, tout en acquérant une précieuse expérience au sein du principal circuit de développement de la NBA. Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Harmon a conclu son parcours universitaire à l’Université de l’Illinois pendant la saison 2023-2024. En 38 rencontres avec les Fighting Illini, il a affiché une moyenne de 5,6 points et 2,7 rebonds, en plus de convertir plus de 91 % de ses lancers francs. Avant son passage à Illinois, Harmon a passé deux saisons à Utah Valley où il s’est imposé comme l’un des meilleurs gardes de la Western Athletic Conference. Lors de la campagne 2022-2023, il a inscrit en moyenne 14,0 points, 3,8 rebonds et 2,9 passes décisives par match, aidant les Wolverines à remporter le championnat de la saison régulière de la WAC et à atteindre les demi-finales du National Invitation Tournament. Harmon a amorcé sa carrière collégiale au Barton Community College, au Kansas, où il a obtenu une place sur la première équipe d’étoiles de la conférence grâce à des moyennes de 16,0 points, 4,6 rebonds et 3,5 passes décisives durant la saison 2020-2021. Né le 30 août 2001, Harmon a fréquenté la Curie Metropolitan High School à Chicago, où il a contribué à mener son équipe au championnat de la Chicago Public League à sa dernière année. Des forfaits de billets flexibles sont actuellement en vente au theblackjacks.ca/tickets . Les abonnements de saison pour la campagne 2026 des BlackJacks sont maintenant disponibles. Pour plus de détails, les partisans sont invités à écrire à [email protected] ou à composer le 613‑294‑1133. ###
A proven winner, Huang has two WNBA championships and one NBA G League championship on his résumé.
Les BlackJacks d’Ottawa de la Ligue Canadienne élite de basketball (LECB) ont annoncé aujourd’hui la mise sous contrat du garde Justin Harmon pour la saison 2026. Le garde de 6 pieds 4 pouces, natif de Chicago, en Illinois, se joint à Ottawa alors qu’il évolue actuellement dans la NBA G League avec les Salt Lake City Stars. Au cours de la campagne 2025-2026, Harmon présente une moyenne de 11,4 points, 3,6 rebonds et 1,6 passe décisive par rencontre, tout en affichant un taux de réussite de 50,7 % du terrain et de 47,2 % à trois points en 37 parties. L’entraîneur-chef des BlackJacks, Justin Mazzulla, qui occupe également le rôle d’adjoint au service de vidéo auprès du Jazz de l’Utah, a eu l’occasion de suivre de près le développement d’Harmon au sein du système de développement de l’organisation en G League. « Pouvoir compter sur un joueur comme Justin Harmon sur le terrain, c’est important. Il se bat pour chaque possession. C’est un compétiteur féroce en défense et il a l’instinct pour faire une différence en attaque. Sa passion contribue directement à gagner des matchs », a déclaré Mazzulla. Harmon a amorcé sa carrière professionnelle avec les Salt Lake City Stars lors de la saison 2024-2025, prenant part à 30 matchs et maintenant des moyennes de 3,6 points, 1,4 rebond et 1,5 passe décisive, tout en acquérant une précieuse expérience au sein du principal circuit de développement de la NBA. Avant de faire le saut chez les professionnels, Harmon a conclu son parcours universitaire à l’Université de l’Illinois pendant la saison 2023-2024. En 38 rencontres avec les Fighting Illini, il a affiché une moyenne de 5,6 points et 2,7 rebonds, en plus de convertir plus de 91 % de ses lancers francs. Avant son passage à Illinois, Harmon a passé deux saisons à Utah Valley où il s’est imposé comme l’un des meilleurs gardes de la Western Athletic Conference. Lors de la campagne 2022-2023, il a inscrit en moyenne 14,0 points, 3,8 rebonds et 2,9 passes décisives par match, aidant les Wolverines à remporter le championnat de la saison régulière de la WAC et à atteindre les demi-finales du National Invitation Tournament. Harmon a amorcé sa carrière collégiale au Barton Community College, au Kansas, où il a obtenu une place sur la première équipe d’étoiles de la conférence grâce à des moyennes de 16,0 points, 4,6 rebonds et 3,5 passes décisives durant la saison 2020-2021. Né le 30 août 2001, Harmon a fréquenté la Curie Metropolitan High School à Chicago, où il a contribué à mener son équipe au championnat de la Chicago Public League à sa dernière année. Des forfaits de billets flexibles sont actuellement en vente au theblackjacks.ca/tickets . Les abonnements de saison pour la campagne 2026 des BlackJacks sont maintenant disponibles. Pour plus de détails, les partisans sont invités à écrire à [email protected] ou à composer le 613‑294‑1133. ###
The Niagara River Lions are proud to announce that President Michelle Biskup has been named the 2025 St. Catharines Sportsperson of the Year, a prestigious civic honour recognizing outstanding contributions to sport and community in the City of St. Catharines. She will be honoured at a ceremony on Monday March 9th at St. Catharines city hall. Presented annually by the City of St. Catharines, the Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, achievement, and service in sport while contributing positively to the community. The award celebrates not only competitive success, but also long-term commitment to the growth and development of sport at the local level. Biskup’s recognition marks a historic milestone for sport in St. Catharines, as both individual sport honours presented by the City, Sportsperson of the Year and Athlete of the Year, were awarded to women, with the Athlete of the Year honour presented to Madalyn Weinert. The achievement highlights the growing impact and leadership of women across all levels of sport in the community. A decade-long member of the River Lions organization, Biskup has been a driving force behind the team’s growth and stability since its earliest days. She first joined the franchise during its National Basketball League of Canada (NBL) era, remaining with the team through its transition into the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) in 2019. Now entering her 11th season with the organization, Biskup served as Vice President for four years before being appointed President in late 2024. She has been part of the River Lions’ back-to-back championship seasons in 2024 and 2025 and remains a driving force behind the franchise’s continued success and regional growth. Throughout her tenure, Biskup has played an integral role in shaping the River Lions’ culture, overseeing business operations, strengthening community partnerships, and helping establish the team as a cornerstone of professional sport in Niagara. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to grow its presence across the region while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement, accessibility, and excellence both on and off the court. "Being named Sportsperson of the Year is an incredible honor,” said Biskup. “It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and support from our team, fans, and community. I hope this recognition inspires others to chase their goals, push their limits, and make a positive impact both on and off the court." Biskup joins a notable list of River Lions leaders to receive the honour. Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso was named St. Catharines Sportsperson of the Year in 2024 and River Lions owner Richard Petko earned the honours in 2016, further underscoring the organization’s ongoing impact within the local sports community. 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. ###
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced today that the team has signed guard Justin Harmon for the 2026 season. The 6-foot-4 guard from Chicago, Illinois joins Ottawa while currently competing in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. During the 2025-26 campaign, Harmon is averaging 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three-point range across 37 appearances. The Ottawa BlackJacks head coach Justin Mazzulla, who also serves as an assistant video coordinator with the Utah Jazz, has had the opportunity to closely follow Harmon’s development within the organization’s G League system. "Being able to have someone on the floor like Justin Harmon is important. He fights for every possession. He is a great competitor on defence and he has a drive to impact the game on offense. His passion impacts winning." said Mazzulla. Harmon began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 30 games and averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists while gaining experience in the NBA’s primary development league. Before turning professional, Harmon concluded his collegiate career at the University of Illinois during the 2023-24 season. Appearing in 38 games for the Fighting Illini, he averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting over 91 percent from the free throw line. Prior to Illinois, Harmon spent two seasons at Utah Valley where he emerged as one of the Western Athletic Conference’s top guards. During the 2022-23 season he averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while helping lead the Wolverines to a WAC regular season championship and a run to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament. Harmon began his collegiate career at Barton Community College in Kansas where he earned first-team all-conference honours while averaging 16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists during the 2020-21 season. Born August 30, 2001, Harmon attended Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago where he helped lead the program to a Chicago Public League championship during his senior season. Flexible ticket packages are currently available to purchase by visiting theblackjacks.ca/tickets . BlackJacks 2026 season-seat memberships are available now. For additional details, fans are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 613-294-1133. ###
The Niagara River Lions announced today the return of 6-foot-7 Canadian forward Elijah Lufile for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. A key member of Niagara’s rotation since 2024, Lufile brings strength, energy and rebounding acumen back to the River Lions. Lufile last played for the Nadim Souaid Academy in Lebanon’s Division A averaging 31.8 minutes, 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 9 games. “We are thrilled to have Elijah returning for 2026. Above all else, he is a winner, through and through. Coming off of 3 championships in a row, Elijah continues to develop his game and improve,” said Kimbal Mackenzie, in his first official signing since taking over as Head Coach and General Manager. “Aside from his obvious and impressive rebounding prowess, Elijah provides us with interior scoring, excellent defense, and mobility from the 5 spot which is rare. Elijah has become a staple in our culture over the last few seasons. He brings a charisma, attitude and sense of humor that we highly value!” During the 2025 CEBL campaign, Lufile played a key role averaging 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game over 25 appearances. His steady production and physicality were instrumental in securing the team’s second consecutive Championship, highlighted by a season-high 15 rebounds in the championship game. The title marked Lufile’s third CEBL crown, having first won in 2023 with the Scarborough Shooting Stars and repeating in 2024 with the Niagara River Lions. Lufile’s path to professional basketball includes a decorated collegiate career, starting with a redshirt season at Lamar Community College, a standout year at Midland College, where he posted 10 double‑doubles, and finishing at Oral Roberts University, where in his senior season he averaged 7.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting over 70 percent from the field. Lufile began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League for the 2022-23 season and eventually made his CEBL debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) that same year. He went on to play nine games with the Calgary Surge b efore closing the 2023 season with the Scarborough Shooting Stars . Internationally, Lufile played for Finland’s Joensuun Kataja Basket in the Korisliiga, averaging 12.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 2023-2024 season acting as a pivotal part of the team's success. “I consider myself extremely blessed to be back in CEBL for my fourth year and to run-it back with Niagara. My previous years with the team have been really fun with the guys and the amazing supporting fans” said Lufile, “This year I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more new fans, more seats filled, and another ring added to the collection”. ### About the Niagara River Lions 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.