Iroquois Lacrosse Arena – Home to Six Nations Lacrosse including the Six Nations Chiefs of the MSL

This article is the fourth of a six-part series (The Arena Series) on the arenas of Major Series Lacrosse. Part 4 – Iroquois Larosse Arena (ILA) 

Opened in 2004 and located near Hagersville, Ontario - the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA) is a dedicated to lacrosse facility. There is no ice refrigeration system and thus, hockey is not part of the arena’s calendar.

A privately owned facility (owners are Curt Styres and Delby Powless), the arena has permanent seating capacity for 2,300. When temporary seating is added, there is capacity for 3,000 fans.

The ILA is the home arena for the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse; the Six Nations Arrows of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League; the Six Nations Rebels of the Ontario Junior “B” Lacrosse League; and the Six Nations Stealth of the Ontario Junior “C” Lacrosse League.  Among other lacrosse teams who utilize the ILA are the Six Nations Snipers and Toronto Monarchs of the Arena Lacrosse League.

The Six Nations Chiefs have been in the MSL since 1993 and are winners of the Mann Cup six times.  This includes a run of three consecutive championships – 1994, 1995, 1996 and winning the Mann Cup three out of four seasons – 2013, 2014, and 2016.  The Chiefs won the 2014 and 2016 Mann Cups playing at home in the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

When asked if he felt the MSL Chiefs had an advantage when playing at the ILA, Six Nations General Manager Duane "Dewey" Jacobs responded, "I don't know if the ILA affords us any advantage as visiting teams are all geared up to play us at home in our arena.  We have to be ready to play each and every game".  However, GM Jacobs went on to note, "When we are in the playoffs and there is a large crowd, we do feel the crowd's energy and that helps with momentum".

Chiefs GM – Dewey Jacobs

“ILA crowd energy helps”

The Six Nations Junior “A” lacrosse club has won the Minto Cup five times (1992, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2017).  The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena served as the host arena for the 2006 Minto Cup championship.

In addition, the Six Nations Rebels have captured the Founders Cup (Canadian Junior “B” supremacy) seven times – 1997, 2007, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014.  The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena hosted the 2012 Founders Cup.

In addition to hosting Mann, Minto and Founders Cup championships, the ILA was the host venue for the Presidents Cup in 2009 and 2017.

Furthermore, the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena serves as a practice facility for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League. 

Given the number of top-quality teams and championships captured by the numerous Six Nations teams, one can conclude the impact of the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has been incredible, influencing in such as positive manner in the development of lacrosse at all levels for the Six Nations lacrosse community.  MSL Commissioner Doug Luey comments support this notion when he provided his perspective on the ILA, “The community of Six Nations are extremely lucky to have such a wonderful facility dedicated to lacrosse year-round. I know lacrosse fans always enjoy the games at the ILA and the building plays a large role in that. Great venue for spectators, players and officials alike.”

Doug Luey – MSL Commissioner

“Great venue for spectators, Players and officials alike”

When 2022 sees the return of Major Series Lacrosse action, be sure to include in your travels taking in an exciting MSL game at the ILA.  You will find the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena located at 3201 Second Line Road, R.R.#6, Hagersville, Ontario.

(Written by Rad Joseph – Member of Major Series Lacrosse Media Team)