Warriors’ registrations underway

At this year’s World Lacrosse Box Championships in Utica, New York, local lacrosse star Ava Weriasanoron Gabriel played for a hometown crowd, even signing autographs for the young Kanehsata’kehró:non athletes who travelled hours and hours to cheer her on.

“We have a lot of girls trying out lacrosse, and to see that kind of level of play happening in our community, it’s inspiring,” said Selena Beauvais, sports and recreation coordinator at the Kanesatake Health Center, which operates the Kanesatake Warriors minor lacrosse association.

The trip was a celebration of the U11 Warriors’ gold medal championship last season.

“We needed a banner to come back home, and it was nice seeing it,” said Beauvais, who witnessed the squad’s 5-1 victory over Terrebonne for the gold in the La Crosse Quebec end-of-season tournament.

The U11 squad was the association’s oldest group last year, with the Warriors also putting together a competitive U7/U9 squad and a U5 team to show the littlest ones the ropes.

This year, Beauvais expects KHC to be able to put together a U13 team, with many of the U11s aging out of their group, and others staying put. No matter their ages, Beauvais has seen the impact the success has had on the young Kanehsata’kehró:non.

“They still talk about it to this day,” Beauvais said. “I see them almost every day, the kids, during the week, and they’re all excited for lacrosse. It just motivates them to keep playing, that’s what’s nice.”

Registrations are underway for the Kanesatake Warriors’ minor lacrosse association, with an end-of-January deadline to sign up, well ahead of last year. This will allow teams to get a head start on practicing together before the season starts in the spring.

All fees and jerseys are paid by the KHC for participating athletes; parents only need to provide the playing equipment.

“I know a lot of kids want to sign up now that didn’t sign up last season, so that’s good,” said Beauvais.

The KHC is welcoming signups for players aged four to 21; like last year, if there are too few older players for Warriors teams, the players will join forces with St. Eustache.

Local mother Kahontókta Beauvais is looking forward to getting her middle child onto the U5 team this year, while her oldest, Kanonwakèn:rat Oakley McGregor, 10, is looking to reprise his role as goalie for the U11 squad – and maybe even win another gold medal.

“I’m so ready for lacrosse again,” said McGregor, who appreciates the chance to play with his cousins and friends on the team.

“I can’t wait to be back.”

McGregor was among the players who watched the world championships in Utica, and he said he wanted to emulate their play style. His mother also had the chance to go.

“It was incredible to watch. I’ve never screamed so much in my life,” Kanonwakèn:rat said. “I was very proud to be there to experience it with my kids. Ava made us all proud in Kanesatake.”

She is excited for the season to begin and relishes the chance to get her children involved in the sport. “It teaches them confidence, self-esteem, and it helps grow friendships and build bonds with their peers,” she said.

Selena has also seen how it builds the confidence of local youth, not to mention the way it promotes an active lifestyle and teamwork. But above all, she sees it as a way to connect with Kanien’kehá:ka culture.

“It’s our roots,” she said.

That’s, in part, why it’s been so satisfying to watch the sport grow in recent years.

“It’s a Jurassic change since I was young, since I was playing,” said Selena, who got to flex her skills at the most recent LAXNAI invitational lacrosse tournament, also in Utica. “I love seeing that.”

Signups go until January 31, and a signup form is available through KHC’s Facebook page, while those seeking more information can contact Selena at [email protected] or 450-479-1411.

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter