A former Wallaceburg District Secondary School student has been drafted into the National Lacrosse League.
Waukiigan Shognosh, 18, was selected 14th overall by the Buffalo Bandits, making him the first goalie chosen in the 2025 draft. A member of Walpole Island First Nation, Shognosh began his education at Riverview Central School before attending WDSS from Grade 9 through the first semester of Grade 12. He later moved to Peterborough to billet with the Lakers Jr. A while finishing his final semester.
Shognosh credited several WDSS teachers — including Mr. Odonahue, Ms. Youlton, Mr. Dundee, Mr. White and Ms. Isaac — for helping shape his experience. He said leaving Wallaceburg for Peterborough was “pretty challenging” but necessary to pursue his dream.
While at WDSS, Shognosh balanced academics with a growing lacrosse career that quickly drew attention. He was drafted second overall by the Peterborough Lakers in the 2024 Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League draft and went on to win the Sanderson Memorial Award as the league’s top goaltender. Before that, he played Junior B with the Wallaceburg Red Devils, earning Rookie of the Year honours, and won two gold medals with Team Ontario.
“Being drafted by the Buffalo Bandits is beyond a dream come true and means the world to me,” he said. “I’ve wanted this my whole life and all the hard work and dedication has led up to this moment.”
The Lambton Kent District School Board congratulated Shognosh on his achievement, calling his story an example of perseverance and the impact of supportive educators.
