The Trois‑Rivières Lions announced this week that they have re‑signed defenseman Jake Gravelle, locking the 26‑year‑old into a contract that will carry him through the 2026‑27 ECHL season. General manager Martin Houle said the move reflects the club’s intent to build on the chemistry that helped the team finish near the top of the standings last year.
Gravelle, a native of Callander, Ontario, first joined the Lions on February 5 after a stint with the Guildford Flames in the UK, and he quickly became a fixture on the team’s second defensive pairing. In 26 games he posted nine points — three goals and six assists — while posting a plus‑13 rating, numbers that underscore his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Beyond his recent ECHL performance, Gravelle brings a solid developmental pedigree. He spent four seasons at the University of Western Ontario, where he tallied 74 points in 84 appearances and earned OUA West Division Defenceman of the Year honors in 2022‑23. The following year he was named to the OUA West Division Second All‑Star Team, a testament to his consistent growth.
His junior career in the Ontario Hockey League further illustrates his resilience. Gravelle accumulated 38 points in 130 OHL games while amassing 117 penalty minutes, a blend of physical play and offensive upside that has made him a reliable depth option for the Lions.
A Boost for the Defensive Core
Coach Sylvain Lefebvre highlighted that Gravelle’s experience in high‑pressure situations will be invaluable as the club looks to deepen its playoff push. “He brings a calm presence and a willingness to block shots, which fits perfectly with the style we want to play,” Lefebvre said.
The move also underscores the Lions’ strategy of retaining talent that has already proven its ability to adapt to North American ice surfaces. By keeping Gravelle, the team not only preserves a player familiar with the organization’s culture but also signals to prospective free agents that the club values continuity and development.
Fans can expect to see Gravelle back on the ice when the Lions open their 2026‑27 campaign, where his blend of size, skill, and work ethic should help the team maintain its competitive edge in the Atlantic Division.