A Full Circle Moment as Former Players Lead Pickering Ironheads Back to the Ontario Lacrosse "A" Qualifiers

The 2026 season marked a new era for the Pickering Ironheads Minor Lacrosse Association following its rebrand from the West Durham Minor Lacrosse Association—but for the coaches behind the U15-1 bench, the journey has come full circle.

Sixteen years after competing at the Ontario Lacrosse "A" Qualifiers as players with the West Durham Minor Lacrosse Association, Matthew Law, Markell Nelson, Kodey Ogaki and Patrick Morgan are back at the event as coaches, leading the Ironheads U15-1 team to the organization's first appearance since 2010.

"This is a very significant milestone for our organization," said Pickering Ironheads President Ryan Moynes. "The timing couldn't be better, as 2026 marks a new chapter for our club following our rebrand to the Pickering Ironheads. This move aligns us with the city's Junior B team and creates a stronger pathway for players throughout their lacrosse journey."

The return to the "A" Qualifiers also reflects the momentum building throughout the association. Earlier this year, the club captured the Ontario Lacrosse U9 Field "A" Championship while successfully fielding two teams in every division except U17.

"For players, families, coaches and volunteers who have worked hard to strengthen the sport in our community, returning to the 'A' Qualifiers after 16 years is a proud moment and an encouraging sign of what lies ahead," Moynes said.

For the coaching staff, however, the accomplishment carries another layer of meaning.

The four coaches first played together on the inaugural West Durham Peanut (U7) team and remained teammates through U17, creating friendships and memories that have lasted well beyond their playing days.

"It means a lot to be able to give back to the same organization that gave us so much growing up," the coaches said. "Some of our best memories, closest friendships and biggest life lessons came through lacrosse and through this organization."

When they returned to coach together following the pandemic, they shared a common goal: to create the same experience for the next generation of players.

"From the beginning, our goal has been to help develop players, build a strong culture and create opportunities for young athletes in Ajax and Pickering," they said. "Being able to coach these players through the same journey we experienced ourselves is incredibly rewarding. We know how special these moments are because we've lived them, and it's an honour to help guide them through the same experience."

Over the past five seasons, the coaching group has won two Ontario Lacrosse Provincial "B" Championships and a U15 Field Lacrosse Provincial "C" Championship. But competing and succeeding at the highest level remained the ultimate goal.

"When we officially secured our spot in the 'A' Qualifiers, there was definitely a sense of accomplishment," they said. "Not because the job was finished, but because it validated the work our players and coaching staff have put in over the years."

Along the way, they've tried to pass on many of the same lessons their own coaches taught them.

"We want them to love the game. Love coming to the rink, love being around their teammates, love getting better, and understand that you have to love working hard," they said. "We talk a lot about effort, attitude and playing for the player beside you."

The coaches have also shared stories from their own experiences competing at the "A" Qualifiers, reminding players that success is built through preparation, sacrifice and commitment.

"We talk about how every practice matters, every shift matters, and how success doesn't happen overnight," they said. "Every one of those teams believed they could win, left everything on the floor every game and never stopped competing. That belief and commitment are what we hope stays with this group."

According to Moynes, that same commitment has been supported by a club-wide philosophy that places equal value on the experience players have together.

One phrase has become a guiding principle throughout the organization: win "in the fun column" first.

"Over the past several years, we have worked hard to build a positive, welcoming, and community-focused culture where players genuinely enjoy coming to the floor," he said. "We believe success starts with creating an environment where kids have fun, develop friendships and feel connected to their teammates and coaches."

"Their success on the floor is certainly something we're proud of, but we're equally proud of the culture they have built together and the experiences they have created along the way," Moynes added. "I think that culture is ultimately the foundation that has made achievements like returning to the 'A' Qualifiers possible."

Now, as the Ironheads take the floor at “A” Qualifiers, the coaching staff is looking forward to watching their players embrace an opportunity they've spent years working toward.

"More than anything, we're looking forward to watching these players compete and enjoy the experience they've worked so hard to earn," they said. "The competition will be outstanding, but we're excited to see this group challenge themselves against the best teams in the province and continue growing together."

For schedules, scores, standings and how to watch, visit OntarioFinalSix.com.