The return of the Eagles

For Kanehsata’kehró:non, lacrosse is more than a sport. It is culture, history, and medicine. This is reflected in the announcement of the revival of the Kanesatake Eagles men’s Senior C team after more than 30 years ago.

“Our people are the ones who made this game,” said Hayden Nicholas, who will be joining the Eagles’ lineup. “So, it’s really important that lacrosse is played in our communities.”

For years, players from the community who wanted to continue their careers had limited options and had to join teams outside of the community. Kyle Atkwiroton Canatonquin explained that the structure of the sport in Quebec leaves few places to play.

“In Quebec we only have Senior C,” said Canatonquin. “So, if you’re living here, that’s basically the only league you’re able to play in. I used to play for the West Island team because we didn’t have a team.”

Now that’s changing, after decades without a men’s Senior C team, Canatonquin has brought back a name that still carries a lot of pride in the community, the Eagles.

According to Canatonquin, the roster is already strong, with 18 players signing up, well above the minimum needed for a game. Some players are coming from Kahnawake, and others are returning from playing for teams off territory.

“A lot of them had to go out if they wanted to keep playing lacrosse,” said Canatonquin. “Now they can come home and play.”

Canatonquin shared how many of the athletes played together at the Junior level.

“I feel pretty good about it, I’m excited,” said Canatonquin. “All the guys I used to play with are excited to be playing for Kanesatake again. It means something to play for your own hometown.”

This renewed momentum started last year when Canatonquin put a team together under the name of the Eagles to play in the LAXNAI lacrosse tournament in Utica, New York - the largest international lacrosse tournament in the world.

“There were like 42 teams there,” said Canatonquin. “Just playing with the guys again was really cool. Representing Kanesatake again was really cool. That tournament made me want to keep going with the Eagles.”

For Canatonquin, this is not only a competitive return to the sport, but also a personal one as well. He shared that after his Junior career ended, he had to step away from the game as life and responsibilities took over. But coaching young players reignited his passion for the sport.

“Just playing and giving everything I’ve got for the Creator,” Canatonquin said. “Keeping a stick in my hand is awesome.”

Nicholas said he hopes with the revival of the Eagles, the younger generation will be inspired.

“We haven’t had a men’s team since I can remember,” said Nicholas. “Now younger kids will have older players to look up to.”

The revival of the Eagles also connects the present generation with the past.

“It’s going to be fun to play for the same team as my dad played back in the day,” said Vincent Cree, another player joining the Eagles.

Former Eagles’ player Victor Bonspille remembers the original team from the early 1990s, and the excitement it brought to the community.

“I still have my jersey hanging in my closet,” said Bonspille. “It’s good memories, and it’s nice to see the younger generation carrying it forward.”

Bonspille credits coach Garry Carbonell for the creation of the Eagles.

“Garry had a crazy idea of putting the team together so we could play in the President’s Cup, the Senior B men’s Canadian championships in Brantford, Ontario,” said Bonspille.

“‘It’ll be here for a few years, then it’s gone for a year or two. And then someone decides to pick up a stick and say, ‘hey, let’s try it again,’” said Bonspille, adding that the revival of lacrosse is similar to a wave.

“Lead by example, keep running, create space and keep your sticks up,” said Bonspille when asked if he had any advice for the new team.

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Fern Marmont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter