More locals perform at Chevy Cup

The boys’ hockey portion of the Chevrolet Cup in Chateauguay ended without any Kahnawa’kehró:non players making it to the medal rounds, but it was still a good experience for those who took part in the provincial tournament.

The U15 AA Suroit Express, with Jacob Paul, Hunter Jacobs, Rahontsawaks Albany, Skaniaterahtishon Delaronde, and Rowan Diabo on the roster, went 2-2. Their run ended in the quarterfinals, with a 4-0 loss to the eventual runners up, the Montreal National East.

“Playing at the Chevy Cup was a great time that not every hockey player gets to experience. What made the experience even better was knowing that the tournament was made up of the top 16 teams placed in the playoffs throughout the province,” said Paul.

Even though the Express did not come home with any medals or banners, Paul was still happy about the way he and his team played, and his season overall - especially their postseason.

During the regular season, the Express won a single game, but it was a different story in the playoffs, where all teams in their division made it.

They made it all the way to the finals, which clinched their Chevrolet Cup berth.

“In the playoffs, we played our best hockey,” said Paul.

He was particularly happy about the semifinals game, against the WLLV Chacals - whoever won made it to the Chevrolet Cup.

“They were a team that beat us and outmuscled us in every way in the regular season, so of course going in we were a bit intimidated,” said Paul.

In three regular season losses to the Chacals, the Express were outscored 17-3.

But it was the Express that came out on top 6-2, with Paul scoring twice.   

“It was a major upset because of our reputation of being the easy team in the league,” said Paul.

Getting to play with many players from the community was another big highlight of the year for Paul. “It’s always fun to play alongside players from Kahnawake that I grew up playing with,” said Paul. “Having teammates from the community helps because at almost every home game, no matter if it’s in Chateauguay or even in Kahnawake, we have our friends in the stands there cheering us on.”

The U17 AAA Lac St. Louis Grenadiers saw their Chevrolet Cup run end in two games, both of them close, low-scoring losses - 2-1 in a shootout against the Bas St. Laurent Conquerants and 1-0 in regulation against CANAM Beauce Appalaches.

Jaxton McComber, Rome Delisle, and goaltender Kingston Delisle were the representatives of Kahnawake on the Grenadiers’ roster.

Kingston played in the game against Beauce Appalaches, conceding the lone goal in the third period.

It was an intense game, Kingston said, with each team turning it up a notch from their already high calibre of regular season play at the AAA level.

“The competition level was very high, the environment was loud and exciting,” said Kingston.

“Even though we did not medal, I am still very proud of what my team and I accomplished. Just getting there was a huge accomplishment for us,” said Kingston.

They also had a difficult regular season, winning three times in 32 games, but turned it on in the playoffs to qualify for the Chevy Cup thanks to a 4-3 overtime win in the League Hockey Elite Quebec quarterfinals against the Richelieu Gaulois back in March.

Although it has not been the easiest season for the Grenadiers, having players from the community on the same team was a nice boost.

“It was very fun playing with people from Kahnawake. We all grew up playing together during our youth. It definitely helps to have some familiar faces, and always fun to integrate with others,” said Kingston.

Coming next for him will be the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League draft in Halifax on June 5-6. Kingston will be in attendance, he said, hoping to be chosen by one of the teams as he continues his hockey career.

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