The Niagara River Lions are turning the page on one of the most successful coaching tenures in Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) history while keeping continuity at the core of the franchise.
The team announced that Victor Raso will step aside as Head Coach and General Manager and move into a new role as Senior Advisor, Player Personnel & Basketball Operations. He will remain closely involved with the organization while spending more time with his young family.
“The River Lions gave me an unbelievable opportunity that I am forever grateful for. I am so proud of what we have accomplished and what we have built here,” Raso said, adding that he feels “privileged” to have coached in front of Niagara’s fans and looks forward to supporting the next era of the team.
Raso, who joined the River Lions in 2018, leaves the sideline as the longest-tenured coach in league history with an 87–47 record, two consecutive CEBL championships (2024–25), an inaugural Coach of the Year award in 2019, and a perfect 11–0 home season in 2024. He never missed the playoffs in seven seasons.
River Lions president Michelle Biskup said the transition reflects both gratitude and confidence in the future.
“Victor Raso is the foundation of everything we’ve built,” Biskup said. “This transition reflects trust, intention, and belief in the future, while ensuring Victor’s legacy remains an active part of our organization.”
Taking over as Head Coach and General Manager is team captain Kimbal Mackenzie, a two-time CEBL champion who has been with the franchise since 2023 and currently serves as its Brand & Community Ambassador. He was named the 2024 Ben Zwolak Community Ambassador Award recipient for his community work in Niagara.
Mackenzie also coaches at Ridley College and led the Niagara College women’s basketball team to a 14–2 record as interim head coach in 2025. He is a Bucknell University graduate and former Great Britain national team player.
“Stepping into this role is an incredible honour,” Mackenzie said. “My goal is to respect that legacy, carry it forward, and continue to win at a high level.”
The River Lions, who play out of the Meridian Centre from May to August, are one of the CEBL’s founding franchises and the league’s reigning back-to-back champions. As the team enters its second decade, leadership says the focus remains on winning and community impact across Niagara’s twelve municipalities.
