Successful second year for Sturgeon Bellies

In their second year of existence, the Kahnawake Sturgeon Bellies of the Quebec Provincial Senior C Lacrosse League drastically improved their results from last year, going from two wins in their inaugural season to a 5-3 regular season record in 2026.

Although their playoff hopes were dashed in their opening contest against the Kanehsatake Eagles, Sturgeon Bellies captain Jamie McComber still considered their 2026 campaign a success.

“I was really happy with the team and the management, I thought we did really well. We just came up short, and that’s okay, there’s always next year,” said McComber.

“I think this was a big step up from last season.”

The Sturgeon Bellies and the Eagles faced off in the playoffs on Sunday, where a strong performance from the Eagles’ goaltender, Tehonatake Nicholas, stymied Kahnawake’s offensive efforts, leading to a 4-2 win for Kanehsatake.

“He came up big. We could not get anything by this guy. We had our shots, but we just couldn’t get it through Tehonatake,” said McComber.

“We went in with a game plan, but we just couldn’t execute it.”

The Eagles went into the game without two of their top offensive contributors, Poe Albany and Vincent Cree, as a result of suspensions for the brawl that happened in the last game of the regular season against the Boisbriand Bulls.

McComber said the team was confident in their ability to win the game since they wouldn’t have to face Albany or Cree.

“But, they came up big with their goaltending,” said McComber.

A pivotal turnover also contributed to the loss.

At the end of the first period, the Sturgeon Bellies pulled their goalie to get an extra attacker for their offensive possession.

One of Kahnawake’s players missed their pass, giving the ball to Kanehsatake. They went down the floor and scored in the empty net, giving them the 4-2 lead that they would not relinquish.

Going into the last week of the season, Kahnawake was second in the standings, meaning they would not have had to face the Eagles in the first round had they been able to win one or both of their games.

But, their 7-4 loss to the Mascouche Kodiaks and their 11-9 loss to the Eagles caused them to slide to fourth overall and have the do-or-die matchup with the Eagles.

“It was up to us to get in better position for the playoff format, but we didn’t,” said McComber.

Going into next season, McComber is looking forward to a fresh crop of potential players coming out of the Junior ranks.

“Even some of the best players, they won’t make the Senior B lineup. We would be really happy to have them, and it is still great lacrosse,” said McComber.

He is also looking forward to a few tournament opportunities in the winter, which will keep the roster playing together in preparation for the 2027 season.

The West Bay Bombers were the championship winners at the end of Sunday. In the finals, they defeated the Mascouche Kodiaks 9-8.

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