Growing up in Montreal, former University of Hawaii receiver Nick Cenacle would faithfully watch highlight videos of Chad Owens, a former Rainbow Warrior who starred in the Canadian Football League.

On Tuesday, Cenacle received an opportunity to continue following Owens’ cleat-steps. The BC Lions selected Cenacle in the fifth round, 45th selection overall, in the Canadian Football League Draft of Canadian players.

“It’s a dream come true,” Cenacle said. “It’s always been my goal.”

The Lions had contacted Cenacle ahead of the draft.

“I thought, OK, it’s a possibility,” Cenacle said. “But I did not know who was going to pick me or where I was going to land.”

Cenacle and his mother monitored the draft at his friend’s house in Montreal. When his name was announced, Cenacle recalled, “it was surreal. The moment was surreal.”

Cenacle will report to the Lions’ mini camp on May 5. He said he will compete at either slotback or wideout. He also welcomes a return to the Canadian game, where the fields are wider, the end zones deeper, and receivers can waggle (run toward the line of scrimmage ahead of the snap).

After joining the Warriors in 2022, Cenacle had to adjust to the American football rules, as well as the receiver’s stance and routes. As a junior in 2024, he had a breakout season, leading the Warriors in receptions (63) and receiving yards (721). He then entered the transfer portal and, following his mother’s admonishment on disloyalty, withdrew to return for his senior season. It was a happy return: He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and caught the winning pass in the 2025 Hawaii Bowl.

Growing up, Cenacle said, “It never crossed my mind I would be playing Hawaii football. But by God’s grace, I did, and I’m so happy it was in my cards. I’m going to carry it around the rest of my life.”

Owens praised the receiver he nicknamed “Montreal.”

“He’s a tremendous talent,” Owens said. “I watched him mature during his time as a Warrior. He made big plays and really came into his own. His confidence rose. I think he’s going to do really well in the Canadian Football League. He’s going to represent himself, the University of Hawaii, and I think he’s going to do well. … He was very fortunate to come here, of all places. I’m happy he got a shot to go back home to his country and play. He earned that.”