The Trois-Rivieres Lions announced their 20-man season-ending roster on Saturday evening. Previously, the team had 26 players on their protected list, submitted to the league last Thursday. Each ECHL team can protect a maximum of 20 players and reserve the rights to eight players, with no more than four being veterans. A veteran in the ECHL is defined as any player who has played 260 professional hockey games before the 2024-25 season. This list does not include players on NHL or AHL contracts.
The Roster
The Trois-Rivieres Lions are excited to reveal their season-ending roster. The roster can include up to 20 players and only those with ECHL contracts.
– Lukash Matthews (Defence)
– Jacob Paquette (Defence)
– Cory Thomas (Defence)
– Brycen Martin (Defence)
– Kirby Proctor (Defence)
– Eric Hjorth (Defence)
– Markuss Komuls (Defence)
– Charles-Antoine Paiement (Forward)
– Matthew Boucher (Forward)
– Mason Kohn (Forward)
– Nicolas Larivière (Forward)
– Cedric Montminy (Forward)
– Jonathan Yantsis (Forward)
– Tyler Hylland (Forward)
– Anthony Beauregard (Forward)
– Justin Ducharme (Forward)
– Nicolas Guay (Forward)
– William Lemay (Forward)
– Maxime Trépanier (Forward)
– Ty Smilanic (Forward)
Thoughts and Surprises as the Lions Begin to Build for the 2024-25 Season
The absence of a goaltender on the Lions’ season-ending roster is notable. Most ECHL teams have at least one goalie signed to an ECHL deal, but the Lions relied heavily on help from Laval for goaltending last year. Joe Vrbetic and Zachary Emond, both on AHL deals, provided support, while Strauss Mann chose to play overseas. Rylan Parenteau and Zachary Bouthillier were the only goalies with ECHL deals, but neither made the final roster. It’s expected that Trois-Rivieres will sign at least one goaltender to an ECHL deal this summer.
The Lions’ defensive lineup lacks experience, with players like Kirby Proctor, Lukash Matthews, and Jacob Paquette playing fewer than 20 games last season. The team will need to add experienced defensemen but hopes for significant development from their young players, potentially benefiting the Montreal Canadiens organization. Laval is expected to support Trois-Rivieres’ defense as needed.
Offensively, the Lions appear strong with Captain Cedric Montminy, Anthony Beauregard, and Justin Ducharme forming a solid core. The team will look to re-sign Jakov Novak, who led the team with 30 goals last season. Although forwards Nolan Yaremko and Nicolas Guay are heading overseas, the Lions are confident in filling those gaps during the off-season.
Leave a Reply