On Tuesday, the ECHL announced that the Board of Governors approved the transfer of the Trois-Rivieres Lions from Deacon Sports and Entertainment (DSE) to Spire Hockey. This favorable vote was the final step in completing the sale between the two parties.
“The arrival of Spire Hockey in Trois-Rivieres will mark a new day for the Lions,” stated ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “Their ownership and management team have a proven successful track record in the League, and we are excited for the players and fans about the future of ECHL hockey in the market.”
Spire Hockey co-owner Jeff Dickerson expressed enthusiasm in a press release: “Spire Hockey is thrilled to expand our footprint and begin immersing ourselves in the Trois-Rivieres market. We take tremendous pride in being pillars of the communities where our teams call home and are wholly committed to being an organization that everyone in Trois-Rivieres can be proud of. It’s a new day, and Spire Hockey is eager to write a new chapter in the Lions’ history.”
The Lions now join the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and Rapid City Rush as the third franchise owned by Spire Hockey.
Reports of DSE putting the Lions up for sale emerged in May 2023 when Steven Leal, president of Fix Network World, led a group to purchase the franchise. Despite discussions, a sale did not materialize, and the league set an April 2nd deadline for DSE to find a buyer.
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