Iroquois Ironmen add two more to win column in CLAX action

The Canadian Lacrosse League, CLAX, was formed to give players the opportunity to play professionally in the winter season. The league consists of 6 teams from around the Toronto area, including two all-Native teams from Six Nations, the Ohsweken Demons and the Iroquois Ironmen. All games are played out of three venues; GM Center in Oshawa, Powerade Center in Brampton and at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations.

CLAX uses the Canadian box lacrosse rules with a few exceptions as to allow for a more skilled game. Players who were once offensive minded are now required to play defensively as well, and vise versa. Instead of three 20-minute periods, 15-minute quarters are played with a 12-minute halftime. With these new modifications implemented, the “fastest game on two feet” certainly doesn’t lack in action as witnessed at the ILA as the Iroquois Ironmen hosted the Oshawa Machine.

Local talent playing for the Ironmen proved to be helpful as Brandon Swamp, Andrew Lazore and Hiana Thompson recorded 13 points on the night. Another Akwesasronon playing for the Ironmen is Tekari Thompson, who was held off the score sheet but played an excellent defensive game. Teronhiataseh, Mitch and Tyler Nanticoke, who have all had their share of play here in Akwesasne, also suited up for the Ironmen.

The Ironmen came out strong in the first with a 5-0 lead after 10 minutes. Ironmen’s first goal came as a result of a power play from Brandon Swamp with assists going to Hiana Thompson and Andrew Lazore. Ironmen’s fifth goal came from the stick of Thompson with assists from Swamp and Lazore. The first quarter came to an end with Thompson rounding out the scoring to put the Ironmen up 6-1. Lazore assisted on the goal.

In the second, Chancy Johnson received penalties for holding and unsportsmanlike conduct and gave Oshawa a 4-minute power play. Hard work from Thompson gave the Ironmen the opportunity to capitalize on the penalty kill, as Thompson was able to connect with Logan Kane for the shorthanded goal. Ironmen took a commanding 11-2 lead with goals coming from Mitch Nanticoke (2), Tyler Nanticoke and Kyle Jamieson. Swamp added three helpers and Lazore chipped in with one.

As the third started, a momentum shift was obvious as Oshawa came out flying with 5 goals. The Ironmen were able to escape the quarter 13-7 as they played the majority of the third shorthanded after taking three penalties, one of which was 5 minutes for roughing and a game ejection for being the fifth penalty by Chancy Johnson.

In the final quarter, the Ironmen found themselves in a man-up situation and were able to capitalize with a goals coming from Swamp and Nanticoke. Helpers went to Thompson and Lazore. Final score was 16-7.

The Ironmen traveled to the Powerade Center to take on the first place Brampton Inferno Saturday night in a game that had hearts beating a little faster as the score went back and forth.

In first quarter play, special teams worked hard as both teams racked up the penalties. Both teams took turns at scoring with the quarter ending with a 4-3 Ironmen lead. Thompson had two assists while Swamp chipped in with one.

After going up 5-4 in the second off a goal from Thompson, Brampton scored two quick goals to take the lead. Lazore added a goal and assists went to Swamp and Nanticoke but Brampton ended the quarter with an 8-7 lead.

Third quarter action saw both teams exchange fists and goals. Brampton started the scoring off to go up 9-7. After Ironmen scored to make it 8-9, a Brampton player was ejected after receiving an unsportsmanlike misconduct after chirping at the referee. Brampton scored twice two take an 11-8 lead. Stellar goaltending by Mike Attwood allowed the Ironmen to keep the game close after scoring two late goals.

Fourth quarter play was heart pounding for both the players and fans as time wound down and no goals were scored. The Ironmen were finally able to score three to take the lead and the game with a final score of 13-11. Assists on the goals went to Lazore, Thompson and Nanticoke.

With the pair of wins, the Ironmen moved from fourth in the league to second place behind the Brampton Inferno. Iroquois Ironmen’s next game will see them host the Durham Turfdogs at the ILA on Friday, March 16 with an 8pm start time.