St. Catharines, ON – The Niagara River Lions announced today that reigning CEBL Canadian Player of the Year, Guillaume Payen-Boucard has re-signed for the 2020 season. Hailing from Montreal, Que., Payen-Boucard is currently playing for FC Mulhouse in the French NM1 League, and will return to Niagara for his third season with the club.
Payen-Boucard led the team in points per game (16.1) and in minutes (31.0) through all 21 games he started in during the 2019 season. He proved to be a major asset for the River Lions cementing himself as a consistent player who could do it all. Payen-Boucard was one of seven players to sign an option letter in September, which declared mutual intent to return to Niagara.
“We are thrilled to have the reigning Canadian POY back for his third season with River Lions,” said Head Coach & General Manager, Victor Raso. “Guillaume plays the game of basketball with an intensity and passion that we, along with our great fans, have grown to love and appreciate. We are expecting G to continue where he left off last year, and continue to lead us on our journey to a CEBL Championship.”
Prior to Payen-Boucard’s professional career, he played five years at Canadian basketball powerhouse, Carleton University, winning a National Championship all five years.
In his current season with FC Mulhouse, Payen-Boucard is averaging an impressive 16.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
"I’m excited to return to Niagara to play in front of the best fans in the CEBL. I’ve always enjoyed my time in Niagara and returning was an easy decision,” continued Payen-Boucard. “I'm looking forward to another record-breaking season as we compete for the championship trophy in Edmonton."
The Niagara River Lions will tip-off the season at home on May 7 versus expansion franchise, the Ottawa BlackJacks. Season tickets, voucher packs, “marquee matchup” packs and group tickets are on sale now.
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Media Contact:
Michelle Biskup, Vice President, Operations