On Saturday, August 19, Akwesasne Thunder season culminated in a nail biting - play for play gold medal final game against the Edmonton Warriors at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Center, B.C.  

After a gripping turn around for the Thunder, Akwesasne was in danger of not having a spot in the semifinal playoffs in the nationals. Thunder ultimately played for in the Founder's Cup championship game on Saturday night against a very strong Edmonton Warriors team. In the end, the Akwesasne Thunder fell to the Warriors 9-7.

Playing fresh off their flight, Akwesasne lost to Victoria Shamrocks 11-6 for Thunder's first game in BC. For Akwesasne's next game, they went 0-2 after a 14-6 loss against Edmonton Warriors. The grueling Founder's Cup schedule saw each team play six consecutive days on a row. 

The Thunder went 11-9 in the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) Jr. B regular season. Playing focused and tight games going forward, they eliminated the defending Founders Cup-champion Nepean Knights in the OLA second playoff round. 

Gathering strength, Akwesasne completely took out Six Nations Rebels, who had gone 20-0 in their regular season to move Akwesasne to the Founder's Cup. 

Regardless of Akwesasne slow start in Port Coquitlam, Akwesasne rebounded to marshal their skills, speed and strength to a play-off final championship game that will be talked about for years to come.  

Thunder's head coach Raweras Mitchell said, "It is an honor to have played great lacrosse against a great team in the championship final."

In the team's Facebook post, it stated, "It wasn't the outcome we wanted however the respect, strength and passion this team had emulated is the pride we love. Absolutely beyond proud of the gentlemen that represent us stellar. No matter the outcome you showed the best of your nation. Congratulations Thunder on the silver medal. 

In a show of appreciation to all Thunder fans, it said, "The Thunder Organization would like to give a big congratulations to Edmonton Warriors on being the 2023 Founders Cup Champions, a hard earned success!"

Thunder grabbed 4-1 lead against the Warriors in the first period. Edmonton rallied and snapped a 6-4 lead in the second period and held on for the title, at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre's Jon Baillie Arena.

The Junior B Thunder didn't settle for a silver medal, they earned Canada's National Founder's Cup Silver Medal title after an 0-2 start at the six-team event.

All photos courtesy of Joe Francis.