Article by Raven Katsit’siio Edwards Brown from the Eastern Door Newspaper
Team Haudenosaunee U19 finished with a strong 3-2 record at the Brogden Cup lacrosse tournament last weekend, earning second place overall and reaffirming their place on the international field. “It just shows our organization, it really shows the growth and why we come, and that the goal of the program is paying off,” said coach Al Jones.
Held annually at the USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland, the Brogden Cup brings together elite youth teams from across North America. For the Haudenosaunee, it also brings cultural recognition.
“It’s a great facility, first-class fields, great atmosphere,” Jones said. “I feel it’s a great opportunity for them, kind of like a taste of the international level, being against USA and Ontario.”
That unity was on full display as Team Haudenosaunee battled powerhouse programs, including Team USA and Team Ontario. One of Jones’ proudest moments came when his players took the lead over the Americans.
“Honestly, having USA down, my team being ahead of them for half the game, I don’t remember a time we did that,” Jones said. “We’re always playing catch-up against them. The first time we had the lead going into the second half of the game, that was something to me.”
Jones earned the friendship award dedicated to supporting the game of lacrosse and guiding the team’s commitment. Among the standout players, meanwhile, was Jones’ son, Darris Jones, who earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his leadership and performance. For him, the Brogden Cup represented more than competition, it was about carrying the Haudenosaunee name and spirit across borders.
“I mean, I’m playing for my community, the nation, so it feels really good representing Haudenosaunee anywhere I can,” Darris said.
Darris said playing in Maryland, a state known as the “capital of lacrosse” was inspiring. “Visiting new places, especially Maryland, it’s always fun to go. The lacrosse spirit is really strong over there. They even have a museum at the US lacrosse facility full of cool artifacts,” Darris said.
Despite being a team of players from different regions who had never practiced together before, the group quickly found its rhythm. “I think we played great. We played hard all over the field, but specifically offensively. We were a group that just kind of got thrown together, we never practiced and with that, I think we did amazing,” Darris said.
“Off the field, just how close everyone was – we had players from everywhere, from Wisconsin, from the US, from Canada, mixed national players, but as soon as we walked on the field, we were all best friends,” Darris said.
For Darris, wearing the Haudenosaunee jersey holds deep meaning tied to identity. “Wearing that jersey means so much,” Darris said. “That name carries a huge truth, with truth and reconciliation and residential schools. It sheds light on the fact that we’re still here. Despite everything that tried to erase us, we’re still playing. This is our sport. It always has been. We treat the game as something more than just picking up a stick and having fun. There’s so much culture tied to it, and we really showed that.”
That sense of purpose continues to drive Darris in his lacrosse journey. Now committed to St. Bonaventure University, he’s realizing a lifelong dream.
“I committed to St. Bonaventure University, which is a Division 1 program, and that’s really, really big. That was my dream,” Darris said. “When you’re younger, you impersonate your favourite player, and I did too. I mean, I always try to think of myself as a Thompson. You know, when I was younger, I always had long hair my whole life. I’d always braid my hair and go down, shoot around, act like I was Lyle Thompson.
“Finally, it kind of came true. I mean, I’m in the position that I really dreamed of. It’s crazy when I think of it, because a few years ago, I was a little kid just playing minors, and all of a sudden, I’m here,” he said.
For both father and son, the Brogden Cup was a reminder that Haudenosaunee lacrosse continues to grow in skill and recognition.
“It makes me proud, proud that they’re getting an education, getting scholarships, and helping themselves in life,” Al said. “That’s also a big part of it. It’s not just lacrosse; it’s education and opportunity. A lot of them are putting the work in academically and athletically.
“The game of lacrosse is growing fast, especially with the Olympics coming in 2028. We’re really pushing and hoping that the Haudenosaunee will be included.”
