VANCOUVER – The BC Lions announced Monday the addition of three players to their practice roster: National defensive lineman Anthony Bennett, American defensive lineman Celestin Haba, and National wide receiver Hergy Mayala.
Anthony Bennett (DL, 6’3″, 230 lbs)
Bennett joins the Lions after appearing in two games for the Ottawa REDBLACKS earlier this season. A first-round pick (8th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2023 CFL Draft, he played all 18 regular-season games as a rookie, tallying eight defensive tackles and three special teams stops. He also suited up for the Western Final and the 108th Grey Cup.
Celestin Haba (DL, 6’1″, 250 lbs)
Haba arrives from Toronto, where he played three games in 2025, recording three tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. The Columbia, South Carolina native previously spent two seasons with Winnipeg (2023–24), racking up 18 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles across 18 games, including appearances in two Grey Cups.
Before turning pro, Haba starred at Texas A&M-Commerce, registering 39 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks over 16 games. He began his college career at Scottsdale Community College, earning All-American honors in 2018.
Hergy Mayala (WR, 6’0″, 206 lbs)
A seasoned CFL pass-catcher, Mayala joins BC after suiting up for seven games with Toronto in 2025, where he made three catches for 40 yards. Drafted 8th overall by Calgary in 2019, the Montreal native posted 67 receptions for 846 yards and five touchdowns over two seasons with the Stampeders.
Mayala later played for his hometown Alouettes (2022–23), adding 40 receptions for 527 yards and two scores. In 2024, he signed with Edmonton, where he recorded 41 catches for 503 yards and five touchdowns.
The BC Lions return to BC Place on Saturday, August 16, as they host the Montreal Alouettes in a key midseason clash.
