Tehoka Nanticoke facts for kids
Nanticoke with the Buffalo Bandits in 2023
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| Born | January 18, 1998 Six Nations, Ontario |
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| Nationality | Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 230 pounds (104 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shoots | Right | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Attack (Field), Forward (Box) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| NCAA team | Albany (2021) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| NLL draft | 3rd overall, 2021 Buffalo Bandits |
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| NLL team | Buffalo Bandits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PLL team | Carolina Chaos | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 2021– | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Tehoka Nanticoke (born January 18, 1998) is a professional lacrosse player from the Iroquois people. He plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). He also plays for the Carolina Chaos in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Tehoka is famous online for his amazing trick shots and great skills.
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Early Life and Lacrosse Beginnings
Tehoka Nanticoke was born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. His older brother, Chancey Hill, taught him how to play lacrosse from a young age. Chancey showed Tehoka many unique moves and shots. These special skills became a big part of Tehoka's game.
Tehoka was noticed early on by scouts. He was recruited to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. This is a special school for athletes. There, he became one of the best players on his team. In 2016, he decided to play college lacrosse for the University at Albany. Many people thought he was the top college lacrosse recruit in 2017.
College Lacrosse Journey
At first, Tehoka wasn't sure about playing lacrosse in college. But his mother, Catherine, encouraged him. He chose to play at the University of Albany. He liked how coach Scott Marr focused on offense.
In 2018, Tehoka had a great first year at Albany. He scored 49 goals and made 32 assists. The next fall, he took some time away from the team for personal reasons. He later left the UAlbany men's lacrosse program.
Professional Lacrosse Career
The Buffalo Bandits picked Tehoka Nanticoke third overall in the 2021 NLL Draft. This was a big step in his career.
He also joined the Carolina Chaos in the PLL on March 5, 2022.
NLL Player Stats
Here are some of Tehoka Nanticoke's stats from his time in the NLL:
| Tehoka Nanticoke | Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||||||
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| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | LB | PIM | Pts/GP | LB/GP | PIM/GP | GP | G | A | Pts | LB | PIM | Pts/GP | LB/GP | PIM/GP |
| 2022 | Buffalo Bandits | 18 | 32 | 19 | 51 | 53 | 47 | 2.83 | 2.94 | 2.61 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 6 | 2.33 | 2.67 | 1.00 |
| 2023 | Buffalo Bandits | 13 | 21 | 18 | 39 | 31 | 26 | 3.00 | 2.38 | 2.00 | 6 | 15 | 8 | 23 | 18 | 6 | 3.83 | 3.00 | 1.00 |
| 2024 | Buffalo Bandits | 16 | 27 | 16 | 43 | 37 | 10 | 2.69 | 2.31 | 0.63 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 2.40 | 2.00 | 0.40 |
| 47 | 80 | 53 | 133 | 121 | 83 | 2.83 | 2.57 | 1.77 | 17 | 27 | 22 | 49 | 44 | 14 | 2.88 | 2.59 | 0.82 | ||
| Career Total: | 64 | 107 | 75 | 182 | 165 | 97 | 2.84 | 2.58 | 1.52 | ||||||||||
GP–Games played; G–Goals; A–Assists; Pts–Points; LB–Loose balls; PIM–Penalty minutes; Pts/GP–Points per games played; LB/GP–Loose balls per games played; PIM/GP–Penalty minutes per games played.
Playing for His Nation
Tehoka plays for the Haudenosaunee Nationals. This team represents the Iroquois Confederacy in international lacrosse. He played for the under-19 team in the 2016 FIL U-19 World Championship. He also joined the 2019 FIL Indoor World Championship team.
Tehoka's Unique Playing Style
Tehoka Nanticoke is known for being a very skilled and talented player. Even in high school, he became popular online for his amazing moves and trick shots. In 2017, one of his goals was featured on ESPN's top ten plays. He scored it with one hand, behind his back, and between his legs!
He is also a very strong and physical player. He weighs over 200 pounds. This often helps him push past opposing defenders. Sometimes, his physical style of play can lead to penalties.
Personal Life and Cultural Roots
Tehoka is a member of the Mohawk Nation. He was one of eight Indigenous players on the Albany team in 2018. His family is very connected to their culture and traditions. Many of his grandparents are "faith keepers." This means they help protect and share the Mohawk culture, language, and traditions.
His family has a history of standing up for their people. His grandfather was part of protests at Wounded Knee. His mother spent a summer at the Occupation of Alcatraz.
Tehoka is very proud of his cultural heritage. He chooses not to cut his hair. He believes lacrosse, also called the "Medicine Game," has spiritual meaning. He follows the Longhouse Religion and speaks the Mohawk language fluently.
