Mohawks make it to semis in Cumberland

The Kahnawake Minor Hockey Association (KMHA)’s U11A Mohawks had a nice showing in their first tournament of the season, the Cumberland Dukes House League Showdown - but they also had a lot of fun, which is even more important to their coaching staff.

“Obviously, we went there because we had the goal of winning the tournament, but off the ice, we also wanted to ensure that the team came together as a team and had that chance to be together and to bond,” said assistant coach Kyle Zacharie.

Although they lost in the semifinals 2-1 against the eventual tournament winners, the MRO Devils, the team did bond during their time in the Ottawa region, which means it was a successful tournament after all.

Part of that bonding was the chance to go and see an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) game between the Ottawa 67’s and Oshawa Generals, a game Ottawa won 2-1.

The U11A Mohawks were welcomed on the big screen by the 67’s, and it was a very fun experience for everyone, Zacharie said.

“They all had a fantastic opportunity to watch some high-calibre hockey. It was a low scoring game, but it was exciting,” said Zacharie.

Six players from last year’s U11B team, who Zacharie was also an assistant coach for, have moved up to A this year, including Zacharie’s son Shakohawines.

“There is a difference for sure, between A and B. When you’re playing B, you can make a few mistakes and get away with it. Playing A, you notice that teams capitalize on small mistakes that happen within a game, and that goes both ways, whether it’s our team capitalizing or the other team,” said Zacharie.

Kaniehtakeron Gilbert, also an assistant coach, said that the coaching staff has been making sure the focus has been on fun and learning, even in A.

“As coaches, it’s our job to remind everyone that it’s a game. Regardless of the outcome, we have to have fun. Some kids may feel pressure from teammates or family, so we need to remind them that mistakes will happen.

“We just try to learn from them. Being an A player can be tough. They’re facing some opponents who are double letter cuts or call ups; the skill level is high. So, reminding them to keep it fun is key,” said Gilbert.

The team played very well all tournament, with all of their games being decided by one goal or less.

They lost their opening contest 2-1 to Cumberland Dukes A1, and tied 2-2 with the Cumberland Duke A2. But, their finest moment was a 4-3 win over Nepean A3, a comeback win that saw them score four straight goals in under six minutes at the end of the game, the game-winner being scored with about 30 seconds left.

“This team definitely does not give up. They know what they’re capable of doing, and it’s showing on the ice,” said Zacharie.

“The feeling on the bench was pure joy and excitement. You could see and sense the determination in their eyes grow after every goal. They wanted that win, and they went and got it,” said Gilbert.

With the tournament over and more to come, not to mention their regular season games, the U11A Mohawks have their work cut out for them - and they’ve been bringing the effort to match that.

“The results of the tournament were a reflection of the hard work they’ve put into our practices, on and off the ice, until now,” said Mackenzie Kirby, the team’s head coach.

“We encourage the community to come and watch them, they are special to watch.”

The next time the community can see them at home will be on Saturday, December 20, at 1 p.m. against the Verdun Leafs.

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