By TRT Staff with notes from chl.ca
OHWEKEN — On September 22, Six Nations served as host to the Brantford Bulldogs and Guelph Storm in a historic Ontario Hockey League pre-season exhibition match.
At centre-ice for a puck drop, the event recognized multiple, recognizable, community hockey stars including Stan Jonathan, Arielle MacDonald, Steve LaForme, Ryan Davis and Brendan Anderson among them.
According to the CHL, the Bulldogs took the opportunity to delve into the rich culture of Six Nations, with a special educational session led by Cheryl M. Henhawk, Director of Recreation for the Six Nations of the Grand River.
Coach Jay McKee and Lawson Sherk presented a team-signed jersey to the council of the Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR).
“The gesture was a symbol of unity and respect, signifying the Bulldogs’ commitment to building bridges with [neighbouring Indigenous communities],” reads the CHL website.
During the exhibition game itself, a donation of $5,445 was presented to former Bulldogs player, Brenden Anderson, by General Manager Matt Turek, which will be put towards the Six Nations Pals Program.
“This historic evening not only showcased the future of the Brantford Bulldogs’ on the ice with a 5-2 win over Guelph but also their commitment to community and cultural outreach. The Bulldogs’ visit to the Six Nations marked a milestone event for the team, as it underlined the importance of unity, respect, and cultural awareness in sports,” finishes the CHL website.
The game saw two initial goals by the Storm in the first period, with two responses from Braeden Bowman and hunter McKenzie. In the second, Max Namestnikov and Jett Luchanko buried. Braeden Bowman closed out the game with his second goal, earning the win.
By September 25, it was reported that the Brantford Bulldogs wrapped up the 2023 OHL pre-season with 4 wins and 2 losses, after an impressive prelude to oncoming season. Despite losing their opening game to the Erie Otters, the Bulldogs earned four straight wins, downing the Saginaw Spirit, Kitchener Rangers twice and the Guelph Storm before falling to the Storm in a rematch.
OHWEKEN — On September 22, Six Nations served as host to the Brantford Bulldogs and Guelph Storm in a historic Ontario Hockey League pre-season exhibition match which offered recognition to multiple hockey stars from Six Nations and Mississauga of Credit First Nation including Stan Jonathan, Arielle MacDonald, Steve LaForme, Ryan Davis and Brendan Anderson among them. Photo courtesy of the Brantford Bulldogs Facebook page.
