Two Akwesasne teens win 2009 Chowder Cup

Submitted by Jenny Thompson

On Wednesday July 22, Hiio Herne and Quade Smoke of Akwesasne traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to play in the 2009 Senior Chowder Cup for the Metcalfe Jets. The duo helped their team to win the championship, defeating 55 other teams from across the U.S. and Canada.

Herne and Smoke participated in the College Open Division. This division was open to played aged 16 to 19 aged. The teams were from all over the United States and Canada. There were over 80 teams in this event with well over 1000 players. Many of the players have played with, various teams in the OHL, Jr A, AAA Midget Major, U18, CJHL, and respected Prep Schools throughout the United States.

The New England Pro Hockey Tournament is held each year, with competitive fight to bring home the John Cunniff Chowder Cup. This year the cup was won by the Metcalfe Jets. This team was comprised of young men from as far as Toronto, and was coached by Rod Simmons and Lisa Sloan Leader. Rod has over 20 year experience coaching, and Lisa has experience in power skating and has worked very close with the Ottawa 67’s OHL Hockey Club.

As the team prepared themselves for the Championship round after their semi-final win, they consumed energy bars and Gatorade drinks. Many of the players didn’t remove their equipment while they waited anxiously for the game to begin. As the final championship game began they skated to a 1-1 tie with the Carolina Selects. This whole team had players from Phillips Exeter Prep School. The game proceeded to a 10 minute overtime period, with the Metcalfe Jets taking the game to a 2-1 lead to win the 2009 Chowder Cup Trophy.