Mann Oh Mann
Sep 20, 2023
Maki Jenner - September 20, 2023
The off-season is a time for recovery, rest, and rejuvenation. However, for many players in the National Lacrosse League, summer serves as an opportunity to chase a National Championship in summer lacrosse.
Cody Jamieson, Warren Hill, Tyson Bell, Eric Fannell, and Randy Staats, of the Halifax Thunderbirds did just that, as they etched their names in Canadian Lacrosse history by capturing the elusive Mann Cup Championship (Canadian National Box Lacrosse Championship) for the Six Nations Chiefs on September 13.
“Winning a Mann Cup means a lot to me as any lacrosse player would say,” said Bell. “Bringing it back to Six Nations is not only important to our team but to the community. We had one job in mind and the support of family that traveled and other indigenous nations that were there cheering us on just shows how much this meant to us.”
(Photo: Adam Levi)
The Chiefs finished the regular season with a 14-2 record heading into playoffs. They squared off against the reigning 2022 Mann Cup champs, the Peterborough Lakers, in the Major Series Lacrosse finals. The Chiefs swept the Lakers 4-0 and headed west to take on the New Westminister Salmonbellies for the top prize in Senior A lacrosse.
And it doesn’t hurt that The Chiefs put together an absolutely dominant season in the MSL en route to seeking the Mann.
With Hill averaging only 6.5 goals against, Staats putting up 78 points in 17 games, and Bell adding his gritty play to the ruthless defense, the team continued to gel all season long.
“What made us who we were this year was how much everyone enjoyed playing together,” said Thunderbirds and Chiefs captain Cody Jamieson. “With all the talent we had, it made playing the game a lot easier. But I don’t think we would have been as successful if everyone wasn’t truly enjoying themselves.”
With positive momentum on their side, they headed out West to take on the Salmonbellies at the historic Queens Park Arena, a venue that is well known to lacrosse fans as one of the best in North America. With the infamous green wooden floor, the players took some time to adapt before starting the best-of-seven series.
The Chiefs took a commanding 3-0 lead to start the series, but the Bellies avoided the sweep by taking game four. The Chiefs bounced right back, taking game five and becoming the 2023 Mann Cup Champions on the road. Despite being the away team, the energy levels allowed the Chiefs to feel a bit more at home.
“All five games were sold out, it was loud and the energy was through the roof,” said Bell. “It almost felt like a home game when we would be welcomed on the floor or when we would score with the fans we had and their drums. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have goosebumps every game.”
The work the Chiefs had put into becoming Mann Cup champions started as soon as they hit the floor back in May for practice. They all bought into the coaches' systems, trusting in one another, and using each day to improve themselves.
Everyone found success by building on one another, leading to one shining star. This year's Mann Cup MVP was awarded to Jamieson, and this one had an extra special meaning.
“Winning the MVP award was more special to me this time around because it showed me I still have game left in me,” Jamieson said. “To be able to play at that high of level, with that many talented players assured me I can still play at a level I am comfortable with.”
With a Mann Cup Championship under their belt, these Thunderbirds athletes have a winning mindset heading into the 2023-24 season. The win-now mentality continues to be the drive behind these athletes, and the rest of the Thunderbirds team.
“Winning any championship is something you never forget,” Bell said. “A feeling that makes you want to do it all over again. So to continue that and make a push for an NLL championship is something everyone should strive for, and something Halifax deserves.”