Six Nations chiefs Secure Third Consecutive Mann Cup Title, Ryan Smith Named MVP
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – the six Nations Chiefs clinched their third consecutive Mann Cup championship on Sunday, defeating the New Westminster Salmonbellies 12-7 in a decisive game seven at Queen’s Park Arena. The victory marks the culmination of a hard-fought series showcasing top talent from both the Haudenosaunee adn Canadian national lacrosse programs.
Ryan smith was awarded the Mike Kelley Award as the Most Valuable Player of the Mann Cup, finishing the series with 14 goals and 12 assists. Smith’s performance builds on his success with Canada‘s gold medal-winning team at the 2024 World Lacrosse Men’s Box Championship in Utica, New York, where he recorded 15 points in four games.
The Chiefs roster boasted several members of that Canadian gold medal squad, including Josh Byrne, Shayne Jackson, Dhane Smith, and defenseman Steve Priolo, who was also named to the World Team.Further bolstering the team’s strength were players from the Haudenosaunee team that secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Men’s Box Championship, such as Randy Staats, Lyle Thompson, Nonkon Thompson, kason Tarbell, Larson Sundown, Eli McLaughlin, Cody Jamieson, Brendan bomberry, and goaltenders Warren Hill and Doug Jamieson.
Looking ahead, many of these stars will transition to the sixes discipline of the sport, with international competition on the horizon. USA Lacrosse will host the Atlas Cup from September 26-28, followed by the World Lacrosse Super Sixes competition hosted by Lacrosse Canada from October 10-12.
Stars from both the Haudenosaunee and Canada will be in action in sixes lacrosse in the coming weeks in international competition.USA Lacrosse is hosting the Atlas Cup from September 26 to 28 before Lacrosse canada hosts a World Lacrosse Super Sixes competition from October 10 to 12.
