Kahnawà:ke Mohawks Make History with First-Ever "A" Qualifier Berth

As the 2026 Ontario Lacrosse "A" Qualifiers get underway in Orangeville, this weekend represents a historic milestone for the Kahnawà:ke Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association.

The Kahnawà:ke Mohawks U17-1 team has become the first in club history to qualify for the event, earning a spot among the province's top 10 U17 teams.

For the club, the milestone represents years of commitment from players, coaches, families, and volunteers who have helped build the program to this point.

"This is a huge accomplishment for the Kahnawà:ke Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association," said Greg Horn on behalf of the association. "It's a testament to the talent and dedication of this group of players, as well as their coaches and their parents for supporting their efforts. We've had a few teams come close over the years, but to finally make it into the top 10 is something special for the team, the association, and the community."

Photo: Kahnawà:ke Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association

The accomplishment is especially meaningful for a group that has grown up together. Many of the players have worn the Mohawks jersey since the U7 Paperweight division, developing alongside one another throughout their minor lacrosse careers.

Head Coach Curtis Diabo has watched that journey firsthand.

"Most of these boys have played on the same team since U7, and you could always see they had something special," said Diabo. "We started off the season not knowing what it had in store for us. We thought we would more than likely be heading to the 'B' Provincials, but as the season went on, the team just kept getting stronger every game."

The turning point came at the team's final tournament of the regular season. Entering the weekend ranked 13th in the province, the Mohawks put together an impressive run to the championship game, earning a silver medal and moving into the top 10 in MyLax Rankings.

The following evening, the team received the news they had officially qualified for the "A" Qualifiers.

"I was so proud of these guys. It was always talked about—trying to qualify for 'A' but never getting there," Diabo said. "Words don’t even begin to describe how happy I am for this group to finally get an opportunity they have only dreamed of all these years."

Throughout the season, the coaching staff has emphasized discipline, teamwork, hard work, and a commitment to defensive play.

“We always emphasize the values of being disciplined no matter what the situation, thinking of your team first before anything, hard work, and that defence always comes first," said Diabo. "Defence is what wins championships."

Assistant Coach Wishe Delisle believes the team's culture has been one of its greatest strengths.

"What makes this team so special is that they came together as a real team on and off the floor," he said. "Some of these young men became leaders along the way, and as coaches we just helped guide them. We're looking forward to showing everyone that we belong here and playing our game to the fullest."

As competition begins in Orangeville, Assistant Coach Tokwirihshon Goodleaf says the focus is on trusting the work that has brought the team to this moment.

"I'm looking forward to helping them stay focused, block out the noise, and trust in the work we've put in together," said Goodleaf. "Above all, I want them to remember they're not just playing for themselves—they're representing Kahnawà:ke."

The team's qualification has been embraced throughout the Kahnawà:ke community. With additional travel required to compete at the "A" Qualifiers, local businesses and community members have rallied behind the players through fundraising initiatives.

Horn also sees the achievement as a reflection of the continued growth of lacrosse throughout the Eastern Ontario region in Zone 5.

"Three of the top 10 U17 teams are from Zone 5, and that says a lot about the strength of our zone," he said. "We've had teams over the past four or five seasons who have come close and have consistently been among the top 'B' teams in Ontario. Our players are talented and dedicated, and we see that with the number of players drafted to Junior 'A' and the strength of our Junior 'B' and developing Junior 'C' programs. The future of lacrosse in Kahnawà:ke and Zone 5 is bright."

This weekend's appearance at the "A" Qualifiers is a milestone for the Kahnawà:ke Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association and another example of the competitive depth emerging across Ontario. As the tournament gets underway in Orangeville this weekend, the Mohawks will look to continue a season that has already earned its place in club history.

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