Akwesasne players compete and win at Rochester Turkey Shoot

On Sunday November 9th, 2008, the Onondaga Redhawks, with players from Akwesasne, teamed up to enter the 2008 New York State Turkey Shoot Varsity Division three competition at the Total Sports Experience Field House Complex in Rochester, NY.

Players from Akwesasne were Ty Thompson, Corey Thompson, Tevin Terrance, Seth Oakes, Hank Delisle and Shane Francis.

The first challenge of the day was a team from North Colonie, NY, and proved to be a huge upset for Colonie as the Redhawks easily outplayed their opponents and beat them by a score of 16 to 1.

The second challenge was to be a more aggressive match up as the Redhawk’s were to face the heavily favored, returning two time champions The Oshawa Generals.  With exceptional offensive play, the skillful goaltending of Edmund Cathers, and the very aggressive long pole defense of Tevin Terrance, Shane Francis and Dalton Powless, the Redhawks proved to be the upset team of the day holding Oshawa to only three goals, while outscoring the Generals with a score of 9 to 3.

The third match-up was against the long time rivals from Six Nations.  Again the Redhawk’s put on a powerful show and easily upset the Six Nations Team with a score of 12-4.  With many fans and spectators watching the play, the Redhawks put on a display of skill, aggression, and defense that was the talk of the tournament.

For the tournament win and bragging rights for the next year, the Redhawks had to face another powerhouse Ontario team: the Team Halton Hills.  As dusk set in the Redhawks team pulled together and made their final statement of the day by handing the favored Halton Hills team an upset, defeating them 12 to 4.  Leading the scoring for the Redhawks was Ty Thompson with 6 goals, Seth Oakes with a hat trick, Hank Delisle scoring twice and Lyle Thompson with a single.

Tournament MVP went to former Salmon River player Lyle Thompson, as he dominated the play and was recognized as one of the most exciting players to watch during the tournament.  Playing along side Lyle was his brother Miles, and team mates Corey Thompson, Ty Thompson, Shane Francis, Seth Oakes, Hank Delisle and Tevin Terrance all current players for the Salmon River Varsity Team.

A big thank-you goes out to Coach Jerome Thompson for bringing the team together and coaching the boys to a victory that will be remembered for a long..long..time.