The Iroquois Nationals returned to international play with an emphatic 23-3 win over Ireland on Saturday in the opening game of the world indoor lacrosse championships.
Stu Hill scored five goals for the Iroquois, Dean Hill and Cody Jamieson got four each, Jeff Shattler fired in three and Roger Vyse and Andy Secore struck for two each. Cory Bomberry had a goal and three assists, while Thomas Montour and Holden Vyse also scored.
Vancouver's Brian Gillis scored two goals for Ireland and Kevin Owens also scored.
The Iroquois Nationals field lacrosse team had been the centre of some controversy last July when they were barred from entering the United Kingdom while using their aboriginal Haudenosaunee passports. As a result, the Iroquois were unable to compete in the world field championships in Manchester.
Aside from that incident, every international lacrosse tournament includes a team of American and Canadian players of Iroquois First Nations descent as an acknowledgment of the sport's roots. The Six Nations that comprise the Iroquois are in Ontario, Quebec and New York.
There were no problems with the Haudenosaunee passports for the event in Prague.
"Getting over the border with our passports is really big," said Shattler in a release. "It's nice to be here. It's a blast to be out there on the floor. Who would have thought we'd be in Prague playing lacrosse? Travelling with these guys is an awesome experience.
"It's great for Team Iroquois to be represented here with our passports. That's a huge movement for lacrosse and for our nation."
Edmonton's Shattler was named the National Lacrosse League's Most Valuable Player and Transition Player of the Year after scoring 29 goals and 46 assists with the Calgary Roughnecks in 2011.