The Trois-Rivières Lions have announced that defenseman Lukash Matthews has been placed on injured reserve, effective 3/17. Matthews is pretty new to the team, having only appeared in 10 games this season, as he played for Carleton University starting in 2021 up until he joined Trois-Rivières this season.
In addition to this, the Lions have announced the signing of forward Benjamin Tupker. The 6’3” 24-year-old is a Collingwood, Ontario native who has most recently played with Union College. Prior to this, he played at Cornell University for three seasons, where he played alongside his twin brother, Zach Tupker. This technically only translates to two seasons on the ice, as he did not skate in any games during the 2020-2021 season. His twin also didn’t play during this season, and the brothers’ would cease being teammates when Benjamin started at Union College, and Zach remained for a 4th year at Cornell. Zach’s now currently playing for Quinnipiac University. Tupker played for two seasons at Union College and wore a “C” beginning in the 2022-2023 season. In that season, he played 35 games and had seven points from six goals and one assist. This season at Union College, Tupker appeared in 34 games and earned 19 points from 9 goals and 10 assists. In the two seasons Tupker played at Cornell, he had two points in eight games in his first season and seven points in 26 games in his second. Being named captain for both of his two seasons with Union proves that he not only has skill but also possesses important leadership abilities within a team.
The Lions’ next game is on the road against the Jacksonville Icemen on March 20th. Trois-Rivières is currently in 6th place in the North Division standings, and Jacksonville is currently 2nd place in the South Division.
