Preview

Six Nations Rebels Open 2026 Season Tonight Against Welland Raiders

By Benchside Media

The Six Nations Rebels begin their 2026 Ontario Junior B lacrosse season tonight with a home-opener matchup against the Welland Raiders at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. Opening faceoff is set for 8:00 p.m.

For Six Nations, this is more than just Game 1. The Rebels enter the new season with high expectations after a strong 2025 campaign that saw them finish 14-6 in the regular season, sweep the Hamilton Bengals in the first round, and eventually fall to Elora in the next round. Head coach Blue Hill is back for his second season behind the bench, and the Rebels return a core group that includes starting goaltender Ryder Johnson, who Hill called a key piece for this year’s team.

Tonight’s opener gives Six Nations a chance to set the tone early in front of a home crowd. The Rebels have traditionally been one of the stronger Junior B programs in Ontario, and the expectation around this group is simple: compete near the top of the West and build toward another long playoff run.

Welland comes into the season looking to push forward after a difficult 2025 campaign. The Raiders finished last season at 1-19, but a new season brings a clean sheet and a chance to start building momentum right away.

The Raiders’ 2026 roster includes captain Ben Bartley, assistant captains Braxton Bibeau, Lucas Pannucci, and Liam Stickland, along with goaltenders Aaron Gross, Kiaus Lalonde, and Jack Forbes. Welland also recently added Jack Forbes, Brad Green, and Rowan Edwards in a trade with the Hamilton Bengals.

What To Watch

The biggest storyline is how quickly Six Nations can establish its pace. Home openers can be emotional, especially with a returning group and high expectations. If the Rebels can control possession, push transition, and get comfortable early, they can put Welland under pressure quickly.

For the Raiders, the first period matters. Welland needs to stay organized, avoid chasing the game, and make Six Nations earn every offensive chance. A strong opening 20 minutes would give the Raiders confidence and keep the home crowd from taking over too early.

Goaltending will also be a major factor. Six Nations has confidence in Ryder Johnson, while Welland’s crease group gives them multiple options as they begin the season. Early saves, especially on special teams, could shape the direction of the game.

Benchside Media Key Matchup

Six Nations’ returning core vs. Welland’s reset

The Rebels have the advantage of continuity. They know what a playoff push feels like and have players returning from last year’s successful regular season. Welland, meanwhile, is trying to write a new story after a tough year. That contrast makes tonight interesting: one team is trying to prove it can take another step, while the other is trying to show it is not the same group from last season.

Game Details

Matchup: Welland Raiders at Six Nations Rebels
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Iroquois Lacrosse Arena
League: Ontario Junior B Lacrosse League

Final Word

Tonight is the first real test for both teams. For Six Nations, it is about protecting home floor and showing why expectations are high. For Welland, it is about proving early that this season can be different.

Either way, Junior B lacrosse is back, and the Rebels-Raiders matchup gives fans an early look at two teams starting the 2026 season from very different places.