LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Fourth and last place might not be the story-book start the Deh Cho Warriors were looking for, but members of the territory's newest competitive handgames team are excited about joining the fray.

"It has been awhile since a team (from Fort Simpson) has got involved in traditional handgames," said Warrior team member Joe Villeneuve.

The Deh Cho Warriors play handgames in Meander River, Alta., in August. From left are Ernest Deneyoua, Johnny Denethlon, Joe Villeneuve, Walter Landry, Jerry Antoine and two youth from Meander River who helped the team out. - photo courtesy of Joe Villeneuve

The nine-man team made its competitive debut at a tournament in Meander River, Alta, back in August. A trip Villeneuve was still buzzing over recently.

"This was the first time I've ever been in a real competition and it's been a real good learning experience," he said.

Competing against seven other teams, including squads from Fort Providence, Wrigley and various communities in Alberta, the Warriors placed in the middle of the pack with a fourth-place result.

Villeneuve said the Warrior's finish was impressive considering most members of the team have not played handgames competitively before.

But win or lose, tournament competition in other communities has its own rewards.

"Just travelling among your friends, going off and competing. (It's) a lot of fun," said Villeneuve.

The Warriors' fourth-place game was an exciting one for Skyler Deneyoua.

"(He) made the final call and advanced us past Wrigley (and into fourth place)," said Villeneuve.

"He was kind of shocked, too. He asked 'did we win, did we win?'"

The Deh Cho Warriors placed the highest in the tournament of the teams from the Dehcho region.

The winner of the tournament was a team from Bushe River, Alta. - the team went through the tournament undefeated.

The Warrior's second tournament was a bit closer to home. Travelling to Tulita for the VM Memorial Handgames tournament the Warriors joined a much larger field of 28 teams.

There was also more pressure to perform in Tulita.

"You're there to play. You get one shot at it, and if you lose a best out of three then that's it," Villeneuve said.

Prior to leaving for the Labour Day weekend tournament Villeneuve said the Warriors were excited to be travelling to the tournament and were looking forward to the experience.

"It'll be a good experience to be on that side of the river again. I've been there before, just not during the summer. It'll be a nice change," said Villeneuve.

He said even if they lose, they will still be able to enjoy the long weekend in Tulita and "just enjoy the drum dances and the feast and the community, the scenery and the sights."

Knocked out of contention early the team had lots of opportunity to relax.

"We didn't do so good. We got knocked out on Friday night, and we got to play Saturday against Fort Good Hope, but apparently those guys are more experienced than us and took us out," said Villeneuve.

Despite the loss Villeneuve said the Warriors managed to have a great trip

"We had a blast down there," he said.

"Just to sit down with the rest of the communities and watch and compete, and to get a good feel of what to expect in the future - it was a real eye-opener for our group."

After acquiring a taste for competition Villeneuve said the Warriors are excited to continue playing.

"We're talking, down the line, about doing some fundraising so we can actually get some money so we could place it towards travel expenses, accommodations, food, stuff like that," he said.

"Drum dances, food, selling hot dogs, whatever else we can do."

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The Deh Cho Warriors current roster:

Jerry Antoine

Joe Villeneuve

Raymond Horassi

Devon Horassi

Darius Sabourin

Johnny Denethlon

Skylar Deneyoua

Preston Mcleod

Brandon Norwegian

Timmy Lennie