Iroquois Nationals 3rd in Blue Division

The Iroquois Nationals are back on the world stage, competing for an international title at the World Lacrosse Championship in Denver, Colo.

The squad features the powerhouse Thompson trio. Their prowess in the sport playing for Albany has drawn international attention. Brothers Miles and Lyle Thompson were named winners of the 2013-2014 Tewaaraton trophy, lacrosse's Heisman trophy.

The Iroquois contingent took a close victory over Australia on Monday, July 14.

The Nationals led 3-2 after one period, but the Aussies came back after the second stanza and tied the bout 5-5. Iroquois regained their footing in the third period, and boosted themselves to a 9-7 lead by the end of the third period, going on to fashion a final tally of 12-10.

Lyle Thompson led the offensive end with four goals and a helper. Jeremy Thompson scored twice and Miles Thompson recorded a goal and an assist. Zach Miller, Jerome Thompson, Brett Bucktooth, Jeff Shattler and Vaughan Harris all tallied solo goals. Warren Hill worked the crease for five saves.

The Iroquois Nationals lost their first match of the WLC on Tuesday June 13 in a nail-biter 9-8 match against Team Canada.

In a news release, the WLC said Canada's Curtis Dickson scored with 19 seconds on the clock to break the 8-8 tie and take the game.

Scoring leaders were Lyle Thompson with three goals and an assist and Randy Staats with three goals. Miles Thompson, Craig Point and Cody Jamieson each recorded a goal and a helper. Warren Hill fashioned 11 saves.

The Nationals took blowout decisions over England and Japan.

Against England on Friday, July 11, they were tied 1-1 after the opening stanza. The Nationals then took over in the second period, leading 7-2 by the frame's end. They increased their lead to 13-3 after the third period and outscored their opponents 2-1 in the fourth.

Lyle Thompson and Jerome Thompson each ended the contest with hat tricks. Jeremy Thompson scored twice and assisted once and Miles Thompson added a goal and three helpers. Randy Staats fashioned a pair of goals. Vaughan Harris and Zach Miller each recorded a goal and an assist. Ty Thompson and Brett Bucktooth each scored once and Jeff Shatler tallied a solo helper. Warren Hill made four saves.

Against Japan on Saturday, June 12, the Nationals finished the first period tied 4-4. But by the end of the second stanza, the Nationals established themselves and held onto it for the remainder of regulation, maintaining a healthy 10-5 lead. They boosted that to 18-6 after the third frame and 24-9 when the final buzzer rang.

Iroquois offensive leaders included Miles Thompson with two goals and seven assists, Randy Staats with two goals and six assists and Cody Jamieson with three goals and four assists. Jerome Thompson recorded four goals and Roger Vyse tallied three goals and a pair of helpers. Vaughan Harris fashioned three goals. Lyle Thompson and Tom Montour notched two each. Brett Bucktooth scored once and Alex Kedoh Hill tallied a helper. Warren Hill stood tall in the net with 11 saves.

On Tuesday July 15 the Nationals went up against the United States and suffered a loss with a final score of 18-5.

Scoring for the Nationals were Miles Thompson (3) Zach Miller (1) and Jeremy Thompson (1). Assists went to Jeff Shattler (2) and Lyle Thompson (2).

The Blue Division came out with the USA on top, Canada taking 2nd and Iroquois Nationals in 3rd with Australia, Japan and England following.