The Montreal Lions have emerged as the champions of the 2024 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), marking a historic victory that has electrified fans and solidified the team’s legacy in Canadian pickleball. The championship event culminated at the Edmonton Pickleball Center, setting the perfect stage for a showdown.
The relentless Lions fought their way through the intensely competitive playoff bracket, ultimately defeating the Southwestern Ontario Brewers in the finals. This climactic match was a testament to skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, embodying the essence of pickleball at its finest.
Montreal had an impressive regular season, finishing second behind the Northern Rollers on game win percentage but tied in match record. Their journey through the playoffs was marked by decisive victories with no team truly challenging their dominance. Their match against the Northern Rollers being the only one to even go to a tiebreaker.
Key players like team captain Ernesto Fajardo and the prodigious talent Louis-Charles Amyot spearheaded the Lions’ offense. Fajardo’s agility and precise shot placements, combined with Amyot’s powerful smashes, proved unstoppable for their opponents.
With this victory, the Montreal Lions have set a high bar for the next season, sparking enthusiasm across the league. As they hold the CNPL trophy high, the Lions have not only etched their name in the annals of pickleball history but have also put a target on their back for next season.