(July 18, 2012)… World Championships give communities a sense of pride and accomplishment. For the National Lacrosse League Rochester Knighthawks, the Champion’s Cup Tour has shown them that their fanbase extends far beyond the team’s home in western New York.

(Pictured - left to right: Sid Smith, Ovide Mercredi, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations; Cody Jamieson and Curt Styres)

On Tuesday night, the 2012 National Lacrosse League Champions were among the celebrities at the Six Nations Talent Showcase at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It was a chance for the Knighthawks to introduce themselves and their championship trophy to the First Nations’ communities in attendance.

“It was awesome,” said Championship Game MVP Cody Jamieson. “There were a lot of people there that had never seen a lacrosse game. I told them what the trophy was all about and that it was a pro lacrosse World Championship.”

Joining Jamieson were Knighthawks defenseman Sid Smith, Owner and General Manager Curt Styres, President Lewis Staats, and Special Projects Coordinator Wendy Staats. Styres, Jamieson and Smith – all of Six Nations – made a special presentation at the gala that included local and national performers.

“We got to tell them that we have a Native owner and some players that won a World Championship this season,” said Jamieson, who participated in a lacrosse demonstration with Smith featuring passing, catching and stick tricks. The presentation also included a speech Styres, who chronicled the transformation of the Knighthawks back into a championship team in just four seasons.

The Knighthawks were part of an evening that featured Academy Award nominee Graham Greene of “Dances with Wolves” fame, along with Juno Award winners Derek Miller and Murray Porter, and former NHL star Stan Jonathan. The Six Nations Talent Showcase also included art and craft displays, a free concert, smoke dance exhibitions and other special guests. Six Nations made history by showcasing their best talent for the first time.

“The people of Six Nations on the Grand River have always had a strong cultural and artistic lineage,” said Bill Montour, elected chief, told Indian Country. “It is time for Six Nations to celebrate our own artists and athletes and showcase them on a national stage.”

There was certainly a buzz at the event around the Knighthawks and the Champion’s Cup. The Rochester lacrosse team won the 2012 title by defeating the Edmonton Rush 9-6 on May 19th.

“The excitement level is still around the Knighthawks,” said Jamieson. “That was the most enjoyable part.”

Jamieson and Smith, who are products of the Six Nations Arrows, handed out magnets and hats, and signed autographs. Several fans who attended the Championship Game in Rochester made sure to congratulate the players and get their photos with the trophy. Jamieson said he also took some time to explain the significance of the Champion’s Cup to people not familiar with the Knighthawks.

“It was great to see the excitement on everyone’s faces,” he said. “Hopefully, we made some news fans.”

This past season, Jamieson guided the Knighthawks to a World Championship and earned Game MVP honors in a four-goal, four-assist effort. Jamieson was also a force in the 2012 Playoffs, finishing second in points (17), tying for second in goals (8) and fourth in assists (9). He was named a Second Team All-Pro in his second pro season. Jamieson played his college lacrosse at Syracuse University and netted the overtime game-winner in the 2009 Division I National Championship Game.

Smith was one of the anchors of a tough Rochester defense that limited Edmonton to a record-tying low six goals in the Championship Game. Over three seasons, he has played in 42 games. The rugged defenseman appeared in the 2011 NLL All-Star Game and has twice won the team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. Smith played college lacrosse at Syracuse University, where he won back-to-back national championships.