The Lions de Trois-Rivières (affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) kicked off their 2026-2027 season in style in front of a loud crowd at the Colisée Vidéotron. The Felines earned a 7-4 victory over the Trenton Ironhawks, the ECHL’s newest franchise and an affiliate of the New York Islanders.

Despite an intense start from the Lions, the visitors were the first to get on the board. Midway through the first period, Max Ellis scored the first goal in Ironhawks franchise history, assisted by Jesse Nurmi and Chas Sharpe.

Early in the second period, the Felines quickly showcased their offensive firepower. Isaac Dufort fired a shot past goaltender Henrik Tikkanen to score the Lions’ first goal of the season. Xavier Bernard and newly appointed captain Anthony Beauregard picked up the assists.

Less than a minute later, a mistake by the visiting goaltender allowed Mathias Laferrière to give the Lions the lead. Mathieu Bizier and Kale McCallum recorded assists on the Montreal native’s goal.

Moments later, Nathaël Roy pulled off a beautiful deke before slipping the puck into the net, scoring his first goal in a Lions uniform. Mathieu Bizier collected his second assist of the game, while Christopher Inniss also earned an assist.

The Lions had therefore scored three goals in just over two minutes to take the lead.

However, the Ironhawks refused to back down. Goals from Kyle Penney and Mikey Colella, along with Max Ellis’s second of the game, allowed the visitors to head into the intermission with a one-goal lead.

In the third period, the Lions took control once again. Captain Anthony Beauregard led the way with his first goal of the season, showing exactly why he proudly wears the “C” on his jersey. Jake Gravelle and Brooklyn Kalmikov recorded the assists.

Moments later, French forward Théo Gueurif unleashed an outstanding shot to put the Lions back in front. Brooklyn Kalmikov and Félix Paré were credited with assists on the play.

Mathieu Bizier then joined the scoring party with his first goal of the season. With three points on the night, the forward earned the game's second star.

Isaac Dufort eventually sealed the deal with his second goal of the evening, scoring into an empty net to secure the Lions’ victory in front of their home fans.

The Lions will now hit the road to take on the Worcester Railers, an affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, on Sunday, October 18, at 3 p.m.

The Felines will return to the Colisée Vidéotron on Friday, October 30, at 7 p.m. for Rock Night.

Full-season and half-season memberships, Flex Packs, and single-game tickets are available at lions3r.com or by contacting a sales representative at 819-519-1634, extension 200.