by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Shonwahnonkon (Nonkon) Thompson is from the Mohawk Nation from Akwesasne. He grew up watching his hometown team, the Akwesasne Jr. B Indians and played there for four years. Nonkon got drafted to the Halifax Thunderbirds last September of 2019.
“Akwesasne has always been a lacrosse town,” said Nonkon. “From a very young age kids pick up sticks and find a local wall, or net to shoot on. At a very young age since about three years old I’ve had a stick in my hand. Everywhere I went it was right there with me and I think that’s one of many reasons I’m as successful as I am.”
“My mom no doubt has been a rock my entire life,” said Nonkon. “She pushed me to get better and better everyday. She’s the best coach I’ve ever had.”
Mom Arlene Thomas said: “Progress wise, he’s come a long way since playing Bantam C box lacrosse, where he had two coaches quit on him and his teammates two weeks before provincials stating ‘I don’t want to coach no C team’. He sat out his final year of midgets to focus on acting, modeling and hockey. But, he picked it right back up his rookie year of Jr.’s.”
“The summer of 2019 leading up to the 2019-2020 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season, he knew nothing of the NLL Combine or NLL Draft until he joined the Iroquois Nationals Junior men’s team in Mississauga at the end of July. It was there where he got wind of it and pursued it. Upon returning home from Mississauga, he registered for the NLL combine, showcased his abilities to the scouts and coaches and penciled in a few interviews with a couple teams. He left with his head held high,” added Arlene.
“He witnessed a part of history as the Halifax Thunderbirds Canoe journey canoed its way to Akwesasne where they played a backyard game before hitting the waters again,” said Arlene. “Not long after, he was asked to join the Iroquois Lacrosse Men’s team as an alternate in BC. The men’s team gathered around in a conference room and watched the draft with anticipation, as a few of his teammates were also entered into the draft. It was that night that he learned he would be a part of the Halifax Thunderbirds, being selected 38th overall.”
“Nonkon was a bit of an unknown for most teams coming in to the draft,” said Mike Accursi, Head Coach of the Halifax Thunderbirds. “But not for us. We have that he was a fantastic young athlete that will only get better. He came into camp in great shape and earned a spot on our opening day roster. Since that time Nonkon has established himself as a regular contributor on the defensive side of the ball. His hard hitting, no nonsense approach to defence is what we wanted from him, and is delivering that every time he touches the floor. He is a tremendous athlete and person and is a great asset to our team now and for many years to come.”
“His progress at the professional level has sky rocketed. Being the youngest in the lineup, he had a lot of growing up and learning to do. He had to do it quick in order to keep his spot in the line up. He has gained a different kind of self esteem and confidence which has shown through his leadership on the floor during training camp for the JR B Indians,” added Arlene.
“I’ve known Nonkon his entire life, and was his coach in minor hockey and lacrosse here in Akwesasne,” said Adam Thompson. “From a young age I could see it in his eyes for the love of sports, his teammates and his willingness to learn. So I’m not at all surprised from what he has accomplished so far in his young life. Not only as a gifted athlete, but also away from the arena I was impressed even more because of his love of who he is, his traditions, and where he ccomes from. Anybody that has ever met him understands this about him. He’s a born leader. He’s living out his dreams. I’m sure I can speak for everyone here in Akwesasne and probably anybody that has had the opportunity to see him play sports or that has ever met him, we are so proud of him!”
“When I heard he signed with the Thunderbirds as a 20 year old, it brought such a huge smile to my face but I wasn’t surprised. What I was surprised at was I’ve been trying for the last couple of years to get him on the Cornwall Colts Jr. A hockey club across the bridge, but it never materialized. I was kind of disappointed because he could have filled the stands and probably brought some heart together as a team. I’m sure the T-Birds see future captain material in the young man,” added Adam.
“I believe I’m going to have a great long future in the league,” said Nonkon.” I think just going from playing Jr. B straight to the NLL.”
Nonkon gives advice to other young lacrosse players to get better: “Pick up that stick. Never put it down. You can’t have goals if you don’t score!”
Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillen/Halifax Thunderbirds
