Warriors wow at home opener

The Kanehsatake Warriors put on a show for some of the teams’ first games of the year at Olympia Arena in Two Mountains, considered the team’s home turf.

“It went really well,” said Selena Beauvais, sports and recreation coordinator at the Kanesatake Health Center, noting the U11 and U13 teams came out victorious in their competitive matches against Laval on May 19.

The U13 Warriors won 4-0 in their matchup, while the U11 Warriors secured a 7-4 victory.

“We were all pumped for the first home opener,” said Kahontóktha Beauvais, whose son, goaltender Oakley McGregor, earned the shutout for the U13 squad and was named player of the game. “I was so nervous, but Oakley was super chill and told me it’s okay, Istá, I got this.”

She said participating in the sport has helped Oakley grow more comfortable in many areas outside of the game as well.

“I’m so proud of him, watching him find something he loves and enjoys. Lacrosse teaches him resilience, discipline, teamwork, social skills, and confidence,” Kahontóktha said.

It wasn’t only his goaltending that resonated with the fans in the stands, however.

“When Oakley saved a goal and started doing his dance, the crowd loved it,” said Kahontóktha.

“I feel good,” said McGregor on his selection as player of the game. He took a simple approach in net, moving up a little and staying focused on the ball as opposing players approached to shoot.

He’s hoping for a successful season for his Warriors’ squad and said his favourite part of the game was the win.

The enthusiasm of the players was not the only special touch, however.

“They open with doing a traditional song to bring out the players,” noted Kahontóktha. “I thought that was so special!”

Benjamin Damphousse won player of the game for the U11 squad for contributions on both sides of the floor, while the U9 team collectively shared the honour, in part a nod to their teamwork, according to the association’s social media.

The event was not quite the biggest stage of the year so far for the U11 and U13 squads, however. In March, players from the two teams got a chance to take part in a half-time scrimmage at an Ottawa Black Bears game at that city’s Canadian Tire Centre.

The U15 Kanehsatake Warriors already played at the Olympia Arena this season, starting off their year with a 5-5 tie on May 13.

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter