The Niagara River Lions have officially announced their full coaching, training, and basketball operations staff for the upcoming 2026 season, highlighting a blend of continuity and new leadership as the franchise prepares to defend its championship pedigree.
At the forefront of the organization’s basketball operations is Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie, who steps into the role following a standout three-year playing career with the team from 2023 to 2025. A former captain, Mackenzie was instrumental in shaping the team’s culture during his time on the court.
Beyond his playing career, Mackenzie has remained closely tied to the organization, serving as a Community and Brand Ambassador while also gaining coaching experience as head coach of the Niagara College women’s basketball program during the 2024–25 season. His familiarity with the franchise and continued development as a coach are expected to guide the team into its next phase.
Supporting Mackenzie in the transition is former Head Coach and General Manager Victor Raso, who will remain with the team as Senior Advisor, Player Personnel & Basketball Operations. Raso has been a central figure in the organization since 2017, helping establish the River Lions’ identity and championship standards.
“I’m very happy with how our coaching staff has come together. I trust everyone on this staff wholeheartedly. I’ve built relationships with all of them over the years, and I know how seriously they work,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kimbal Mackenzie. “We have been in close communication throughout the process of getting our roster together, and are very excited about the opportunity in front of us.”
Returning members of the coaching staff include Andrew Sergi, William Gatchalian, and Jeff Zwolak, each bringing experience and continuity to the bench. Zwolak enters his eighth season as Chief of Staff, while Sergi returns for his third year as Assistant Coach with more than 30 years of experience in the game. Gatchalian also returns for a second season after contributing during the 2025 campaign, with experience at the U SPORTS level, including time with Brock University and the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
The River Lions have also added new voices to the coaching group, welcoming Pablo Vazquez and Jake Babic as Assistant Coaches. Vazquez brings a decade of experience with the Leicester Riders in England, where he coached Mackenzie from 2021 to 2024. Babic transitions into a coaching role after playing four seasons with the River Lions and has been involved in youth development through Purpose Driven Mentality Basketball since 2023.
Off the court, Tyler Vincent will lead basketball operations as Manager of Business and Basketball Operations, supported by Coordinator Paolo Buot and interns Ryota Wolff, Jared Colangeli, and Curtis Henderson.
The organization’s training and medical team remains extensive, with Head Athletic Therapist Trevor Kwolek, Strength and Conditioning Coaches Matrixx Ferreira and Myles Methner, along with a full complement of medical professionals including a team doctor, dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, and registered massage therapist.
The River Lions emphasized their continued commitment to building a unified and high-performing staff focused on player development and representing the Niagara Region.
The Niagara River Lions, founding members of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, enter the 2026 season as back-to-back champions following titles in 2024 and 2025. The team competes out of the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines and represents all twelve municipalities in the Niagara Region.
