by Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
Alex Delormier is a tribal member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne. He is in a junior at Salmon River Central School in New York. Delormier competed for the U17 Akwesasne Storm, Team Haudenosaunee box and field teams, Snake Island, Salmon River Varsity field team, and the Akwesasne Warriors.
“I was a gold medal MVP at the 2022 International Indoor Junior Lacrosse Championship, and the Worlds All Star Offensive player,” said Alex Delormier. “My U17 2023 Akwesasne Storm team was ranked fifth in Ontario.”
“I also led my team in points. I made the U17 Team Haudenosaunee field team 2023. We played in the Brogden Cup 2023, and will play in the Heritage Cup 2024, Border Wars 2024, and the World Series of Youth LAX 2024,” added Delormier.
Delormier plays for more than just the game and makes a cultural connection whenever he steps on the field or in the box arena. He said, “I play this game for my ancestors and elders in my community. I play with a full heart and I enjoy playing this game in a box arena or on the grass beneath me. I play for my family to bring good medicine to them and myself. I will always play the hardest I can as soon as that horn blows.”
“I have a lot of people that have helped me in my lacrosse career,” said Delormier. “My dad has always brought me to my practices and been my biggest supporter. My coaches have guided me in the right route of bettering myself and trying to always improve my game. I am preparing to compete at my highest level possible. I eat healthy and jog every day.”
“I competed in the LAXNAI tournament at the end of September. I will also be going to a few tournaments with my Haudenosaunee team. I will be playing for my varsity team this year as well. I hope to play for Junior B and only go up from there,” added Delormier.
Coach Scott Thompson’s son and Alex are the same age and he had the opportunity to coach Alex in lacrosse and hockey through his minor years.
“A positive attribute that Alex brings to a team is his ability to be counted on game in and game out to contribute to his teams’ performance,” said Coach Scott Thompson.
“Alex is a smart player who has the ability to make a fast pace game look slow because of his in game thinking skills. He is able to read if a teammate is open for a pass even before his teammate thinks he’s open,” added Coach Thompson.
Tayler Smoke is the head coach for the 18U/16U Haudenosaunee National Development Team and the assistant coach for Salmon River Central High School. He talked about one of his athletes and said, “Alex is looking to be one of our leaders next year on our Salmon River Varsity team. He is a very valuable player on our team and serves roles on offense and defense. His versatility on both sides of the field allows us to push transitionally and create opportunities.”
Jim Barnes, head coach for the boys’ varsity lacrosse team at Salmon River Central School, coached Alex for the past three seasons. He said, “Alex has been a very talented player since he started playing. He has a great sense for the game of lacrosse. During our last season he stepped up and started to become a leader. I am looking forward to this up and coming season to see how well Alex will do.”
Photo: Nanticoke Photography
