The Six Nations community has reason to celebrate and feel strong pride following what was an exciting Virtual 2020 NLL draft.
Six Nations lacrosse fans have proudly seen numerous homegrown sports talent get drafted in the first round: Cody Jamieson’s 2010 nod for the Rochester Knighthawks, Austin Staats in 2018 for the San Diego Seals and Brendan Bomberry in 2018 to the Georgia Swarm.
Now, Marshall Powless can now be added into that elite list of names drafted during the Virtual 2020 NLL first round picks.
Saskatchewan Rush selected Powless 7th overall. Support erupted across social media quickly appeared from fans, family and close friends on Six Nations congratulating this future NLL star.
“I got a lot of messages from the community and other places. I really felt the love and felt like I made the community proud,” Powless said. “I was extremely excited. It was very special for me to go in the first round.”
His older brother, Johnny Powless, made headlines in 2011 when he was selected fifth overall by the Rochester Knighthawks. The elder Powless would later go on to win an NLL title in his rookie year and three with Rochester by the time, he was 21 years old.
During this year’s draft, Johnny Powless anxiously awaited with his brother and other family members to see where Marshall would end up.
“I was excited for him. We had an idea on where he might go but to hear his name called to make it official was awesome,” Johnny Powless said. “I’ll always be there to help him out as much as possible with any questions he has.”
During a stellar Junior ‘B’ lacrosse career, Marshall Powless first made his mark with the Wallaceburg Red Devils where in 2018, he opened eyes and impressed by scoring 24 goals and 84 points in just 17 games that summer.
The following year, Powless finished his Junior ‘B’ career with the Six Nations Rebels — making a statement with a league leading 54 goals and 151 points. Powless was the second highest playoff scorer with 15 goals and 82 points in helping the Rebels win the 2019 Ontario Junior ‘B’ Lacrosse League Championship.
A few weeks later Powless would have a strong Founders Cup tournament, as he produced 26 points (8 goals, 18 assists) in playing a major role helping the Rebels win a silver medal.
Following that disappointment of not winning the Founders Cup, Powless was back on the lacrosse floor as he helped as an AP the Six Nations Rivermen win the 2019 Presidents Cup.
With the Rivermen, Powless scored 21 points in 7 games as he ended up winning on a team which included his brother Johnny.
Always one to proudly represent on the international stage, Powless starred in 2018 for the Iroquois Nationals where he exploded for 17 points in 2 games, helping them win silver at the World Juniors Lacrosse Championships as they couldn’t quite beat Canada.
After being selected in the Virtual NLL draft, Saskatchewan didn’t waste any time in reaching out to Powless.
“They contacted me — said ‘Welcome to Saskatchewan’ and that they couldn’t wait to get my career started for the Rush. They plan on using me for offence and to learn and grow as a player. I’m so pumped I can’t wait to get started!”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no definite start date for this coming season.
The Following are players selected in the September 17 NLL Draft with ties to Six Nations.
1. Former Six Nations Arrows transition player Ron John, who was chosen in the second round, 18th overall by the Colorado Mammoth. In 2019, John played a career high 19 regular season games with Six Nations, where he also set a personal best with 11 goals and 18 points.
2. Transition player for the Six Nations Arrows, Kevin Owen Hill, who was picked third round 38th overall by the Rochester Knighthawks. In 2019, Hill scored nine goals and 22 points with the Arrows. He also plays lacrosse at Syracuse University in Rochester.
3. Matt Gaudet, who was taken first overall in the 2014 Junior ‘A’ lacrosse draft by the Six Nations Arrows. Gaudet was selected in the third round, 47th overall by the Halifax Thunderbirds.
4. The Buffalo Bandits, in the fifth round chose Tye Argent, who this past season scored 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) with the Six Nations Snipers who had their ALL season come to a pre-mature end due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Another Snipers player in goalie Dustin Hill was also a fifth-round pick only with the Halifax Thunderbirds. Last year Hill played eight games with the Snipers and posted a 3-1 record. He also played with the Six Nations Arrows, where in 2019 he saw action in 12 games and had a 5-1 record.
6. Six Nations Arrows veteran forward Jeremy Bomberry was selected in the sixth round, 93rd overall by the New England Black Wolves.