The Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliate returned home after a four-game road trip. The deadline set to complete the sale of franchise is fast approaching.

The Trois-Rivieres Lions headed to the southwest of the United States for a four-game road trip against the Jacksonville Icemen (Buffalo Sabres), Atlanta Gladiators (Nashville Predators) and a pair of matches versus the South Carolina Stingrays (Washington Capitals).

 Wednesday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 3 - Jacksonville Icemen 4 (OT)

The Lions got off to an explosive start with goals by Nolan Yaremko and two by Alex-Olivier Voyer in 3:44 that forced the Icemen to change their goalie 7:25 after puck drop. Jacksonville fought back with two goals before the first intermission and completed the comeback with the tying goal in the final minute of regulation. The Icemen sealed the victory with the winning goal at 4:44 mark in overtime.

Friday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 3 - Atlanta Gladiators 1 

Trois-Rivieres opened the scoring early in the second period with a goal by Nicolas Guay. The Gladiators answered back before the end of the second period. John Parker-Jones broke the tie in the third period and Nolan Yaremko sealed the win with an empty netter. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il_ivJDNpXc[/embed]

Saturday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 4 - South Carolina Stingrays 1

Jakov Novak gave the Lions a two-goal lead with a pair of goals before the first intermission. Voyer added a third goal in the second period prior to South Carolina reduced the deficit back to two with a power play tally early in the third period. Nicolas Lariviere closed the books on the contest with an empty netter with under three minutes remaining. Strauss Mann was named the first star with a 29-save performance. 

Sunday: Trois-Rivieres Lions 2 - South Carolina Stingrays 3

The Stingrays led 1-0 midway through the second period when Nicolas Guay and Novak lit the lamp before the intermission to put the Lions ahead. South Carolina answered with two goals in 1:29 in the third period and that sufficed to obtain the win. 

Roster News

With David Reinbacher’s arrival in North America, Chris Jandric was returned to the Lions. During his six-week stint with the Laval Rocket, the defenseman was held off the scoresheet in five games.

The team announced the signature of Benjamin Tucker to a contract. The forward obtained 19 points in 34 games with Union College in the NCAA. He recorded his first career point as a pro in Wednesday’s contest in Jacksonville.

Parker Saretsky was release on Wednesday after collecting eight points in 43 games with the Lions. The forward was scratched for the four previous matches prior to his release.  

Potential Buyer Bails

The expected sale of the franchise from current owners Deacon Sports and Entertainment (DSE) to a group led by Steve Leal has hit a dead end.

At the ECHL’s Board of Governors meeting in January, commissioner Ryan Crelin imposed an April 2nd deadline for the two groups to finalize a deal.

“Unfortunately, due to a business issue, Mr. Leal is not able to purchase the team within the prescribed time frame,” Steven Leal told TVA News via a spokesperson. “But as soon as this issue is resolved in the coming months, he wants to initiate discussions again and ensure the continuity of professional hockey in Trois-Rivieres.”

There’s no indication of the league’s next steps once the deadline expires without a deal. The team’s future could be in danger.

DSE’s debt to the city is estimated to nearly $1 million for unpaid rent for the Colisee Videotron. The city has a bank guarantee letter that forces DSE to pay its debt. 

Up Next 

Following the weekend results, Trois-Rivieres is currently sitting outside of the playoff picture, one point out of fourth place in the North Division. 

The Lions return to Colisee Videotron for a four-game homestand beginning with the Reading Royals on Wednesday, followed with consecutive matchups with the Maine Mariners on Friday and Saturday.

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