Exciting Season Expected in FNJBLL

By Kevin Nelson

My name is Kevin Nelson and for the past five years I have been president of Kanehsatake Minor Lacrosse and a board member of the First Nations Lacrosse Association. We have seen lacrosse grow in Kanehsatake the last five years, from having two teams, to having five last year; Tyke, Novice, Midget, Junior and Women’s Senior, and a high school field lacrosse team. This year Kanehsatake Warriors will be competing in the First Nations Junior B Lacrosse League. “We are excited for the opportunity to be playing in a really competitive league.”

The First Nations Lacrosse Association (formerly known as the Iroquois Lacrosse Association) has been working on developing the Junior B league. The league is called First Nations Junior B Lacrosse. This year there are seven teams: Onondaga Redhawks, Tonawanda Braves, Rochester Jhawks, Montreal Shamrocks, Vermont Voyageurs, Kanehsatake Warriors and Seneca Warchiefs. Three teams are new to the league this year, Kanehsatake, Vermont and Montreal. Last year the Seneca Warchiefs won the league title and represented the First Nations Junior B League in the Founders Cup, losing to the Six Nations Rebels 12-6. Not bad considering last year was the first year the Senecas had a team in the league.

This year the Senecas look to repeat as champions, but will be facing tough competition as the Onondaga Redhawks look to upset the Warchiefs. Also Vermont was the Montreal Junior League Champion last year and look to repeat that feat in the FNJBLL. It looks to be an interesting season this year in the FNJBLL.