Lacrosse, the game the Iroquois believe was given to them by the Creator, is Canada’s oldest organized sport, dating back hundreds of years before Canada even existed as a country. From the beginning, lacrosse was considered more than just a game, as First Nations people played it to settle disputes, assist in the healing process and to prepare for war. This is the story and legacy of Gaylord Powless, the young Mohawk lacrosse player from the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, where his family has lived and played lacrosse for over 200 years.


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The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Lacrosse

Lacrosse, the game the Iroquois believe was given to them by the Creator, is Canada’s oldest organized sport, dating back hundreds of years before Canada even existed as a country. From the beginning, lacrosse was considered more than just a game, as First Nations people played it to settle disputes, assist in the healing process, and to prepare for war. This is the story and legacy of Gaylord Powless, the young Mohawk lacrosse player from the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, where his family has lived and played lacrosse for over 200 years.

In 1964, at 17 years of age, Gaylord Powless (centre) won the Tom Longboat Award and the National Lacrosse Association’s All-Star Award.
Courtesy of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
In 1964, at 17 years of age, Gaylord Powless (centre) won the Tom Longboat Award and the National Lacrosse Association’s All-Star Award. Courtesy of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Early Life and Introduction to Lacrosse

Gaylord grew up watching lacrosse from a young age influenced by his father, Ross Powless, who was also a lacrosse superstar. To say Gaylord was born with a stick in his hand is an exaggeration, but by age two he received his first stick and quickly learned under the tutelage of his father how to pass, shoot, and make plays. Under his guidance, Gaylord and his siblings learned to love lacrosse.

Gaylord Powless - Canada Jersey

A Gifted Player Faces Challenges

By the time he was 12, he was already a very gifted player and became the target of hard physical play and racial taunts. He would face this throughout his career. In these early years, Gaylord often retaliated with rough play and fighting and either spent too many minutes in the penalty box or was thrown out of many games.

Gaylord Powless - playing lacrosse

Learning and Growth: The Path to Greatness

It was at this time in his life that his dad taught him the greatest lesson of all. Ross Powless shared the historical Seneca legend with his son, which states; “One who rejoices in the pleasure of any game does not act or respond with an angry spirit.” In short, his lesson was that even a rough full-contact sport like lacrosse could be played fairly and with integrity. Gaylord worked at this ideal, and in learning to control his anger, he got himself on the path to becoming one of the greatest players of all time.

A Champion On and Off the Field

From the beginning of his organized playing days all the way to becoming pro, Gaylord was a champion. In his youth, he led the Oshawa Green Gaels to the National Junior Championship four consecutive years and personally won the national skills competition, the sportsmanship trophy, and the Most Valuable Player award each of these years.

Gaylord Powless - tribute (1)

Unmatched Skill and Craftiness

Sportswriters say Gaylord’s instincts for the game were uncanny. Chuck Miller, chair of the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, used to call the best players in the game crafty. In the case of Gaylord’s play, he said he was “unbelievably crafty.” Even though the opposing players knew he was coming, Gaylord Powless had more unexpected and tricky moves than anyone could counter.

Legacy Beyond the Field

In 1977, Gaylord’s career was cut short by injuries forcing him to retire at age 30. Though his competitive playing days were over, Gaylord continued to market the sport by playing in various arenas around North America to promote the game. For over 20 years, he also gave back extensively to his community by coaching lacrosse, ice hockey, figure skating and promoting activities for Elders.

Gaylord Powless - tribute

Gaylord Powless Successes

  • Gaylord Powless: A legendary figure in lacrosse known for his exceptional skill and sportsmanship.
  • Oshawa Green Gaels: Powless played a pivotal role in leading this team (Oshawa Green Gaels) to national prominence in Canadian junior lacrosse.
  • National Lacrosse Association (NLA): Demonstrated remarkable abilities as a marquee player, significantly contributing to the sport’s profile in the National Lacrosse Association.
  • National Lacrosse League (NLL): Continued to excel against top North American talent, reinforcing his status as one of the all-time greats in lacrosse.
  • Canadian Senior Lacrosse Champions: Competed at the highest levels, often leading his teams to victory and showcasing his leadership and skill.
  • Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA): Set records and earned numerous awards, highlighting his impact and dedication to the game.

Expanding the Legacy of Gaylord Powless

Gaylord Powless, born into a family deeply rooted in the Six Nations of the Grand River’s history, was the eldest of 14 children. His lineage, tracing back to ancestors who migrated from New York State post-American Revolution, imbued him with a rich cultural and sporting heritage.

From as early as two years old, Gaylord was not just holding a lacrosse stick but captivating audiences with his skills during halftime shows at senior games, a testament to the early influence of his father, Ross Powless, a lacrosse legend in his own right. Ross’s dedication to his sons’ lacrosse education, including constructing a practice backdrop in their backyard, laid the foundation for Gaylord’s exceptional abilities.

Despite the challenges of racial taunts and physical play that targeted him from a young age, Gaylord’s journey was marked by a significant turning point when he embraced his parents’ teachings on temperance and focus, reshaping his approach to the game.

His tenure with the Oshawa Green Gaels under Jim Bishop’s guidance was nothing short of legendary, leading the team to four consecutive Minto Cup victories and setting new records in junior lacrosse.

Gaylord Powless - oshawa gaels

Gaylord’s prowess on the field was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Jim McConaghy Memorial Award and the Tom Longboat Award, celebrating his unparalleled skill and sportsmanship. Transitioning to a professional and senior lacrosse career, Powless continued to dazzle fans and opponents alike, playing for teams like the Detroit Olympics and the Brantford Warriors, and later moving to the Western Lacrosse Association. Despite the physical toll of the sport leading to his retirement, Gaylord’s post-playing career was marked by his commitment to his community, coaching youth in lacrosse, hockey, and figure skating, and supporting activities for Elders.

gaylord powless - oshawa gaels (1)

Gaylord Powless’s legacy extends far beyond the lacrosse field. His induction into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, alongside his father Ross, as the only father-son duo, his recognition in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and his posthumous honour in the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, all speak to the profound impact he had on the sport and his community. His story is a testament to resilience, skill, and the enduring power of family and cultural heritage in shaping a sporting legend.

gaylord powless family

FAQ

What is the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame?

The Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame is one of Canada’s sports hall of fames and was established in 1965 in New Westminster, British Columbia, honours individuals who have significantly contributed to the sport of lacrosse in Canada. The Canadian Lacrosse Hall includes players, coaches, and officials. It serves as a museum and hall of fame, preserving the rich history and celebrating the achievements of those who have left a lasting legacy in the sport.