They’re Baaaaack: Who Are the Six Nations Chiefs?

The Mann Cup returns this September 5th to Queen’s Park Arena, where the New Westminster Salmonbellies and the Six Nations Chiefs will collide in a rematch of the 2023 final. That series ended with the Chiefs defeating the Salmonbellies four games to one, leaving New Westminster frustrated despite their stacked lineup. Nearly every game that summer was played before a sold-out crowd, with strong representation from local First Nations supporters who brought intensity and passion to QPA in support of the Six Nations team.

The Salmonbellies have never beaten the Six Nations Chiefs in a Mann Cup. Indeed, no team from the West has managed to do so. The Chiefs remain undefeated in the Mann Cup championship, with eight altogether and two in the last two years. It’s clear they’re looking to create a dynasty based on the roster they have put together. In 2024, they captured the Cup on their home floor against the Victoria Shamrocks, a team that notably included two pickup players from New Westminster: Mike Messenger and Will Malcom.

At the forefront of this Chiefs roster is Dhane Smith, whose postseason has been nothing short of breathtaking. In just nine games he has racked up 57 points, 26 of them goals. Alongside him, his frequent scoring partner from the Buffalo Bandits, Josh Byrne, has contributed 33 points. Ryan Smith has been added and will be well known to NLL fans as one of Rochester’s standout offensive threats. He has bulldozed his way to 27 goals during the MSL playoffs. Lyle Thompson – one of game’s most complete players - sits next in team scoring with 26 points, while Shayne Jackson continues to make his name on timely, clutch finishes.

The depth continues across the roster. Ian MacKay and Dawson Theede have been added and will bring grit and versatility, while veterans like Cody Jamieson and Brendan Bomberry remain reliable weapons. Randy Staats and Larson Sundown provide further danger off the bench. On defense, the Chiefs are anchored by some of the NLL’s most respected and physical defenders: Steve Priolo, Brad Kri, Tyson Bell, Latrell Harris, Tim Edwards, and more recent addition Matt Marinier, who brings both size and speed. In net, Warren Hill has edged Doug Jamieson for minutes through the postseason and may take on the more prominent role when the Cup begins, buoyed by an .842 save percentage across five games.

Their numbers back up the pedigree: Six Nations went 16–2 in the regular season before storming through the playoffs at 8–1, their lone loss to Peterborough in the semifinals. At full strength, they have looked every bit like an all-star NLL team.

The Salmonbellies, meanwhile, feel history tugging at them. They are chasing their 25th Mann Cup, a goal that has lingered since their last win in 1991. This time, however, a recent rule change by Lacrosse Canada allows them to add up to three reinforcements from elsewhere in the Western Lacrosse Association, and that may be the chance to bolster an already stacked roster against Ontario’s super team. The Salmonbellies are incredibly deep, but also driven by tradition and passion.

The Chiefs are the reigning champions, undefeated in Mann Cup play, and deeper than ever. The Salmonbellies are hungry, carrying three decades of unfinished business, and determined to write a new ending at Queen’s Park Arena. When the whistle blows on September 5th, history will be waiting to be written.

Tickets are on sale now and going fast here. Don’t wait!

Photo: New West Record