Cannons Position Preview: Attack

          We are officially 64 days away from the Cannons first game of the season against the Charlotte Hounds in Charlotte. As we get closer and closer to the season kicking off, I am going to take a look at the Boston Cannons roster and give you my thoughts on the players at all positions Attack, Midfield, Defense, Long-Stick Midfielder, Short-Stick Defensive Midfielder, Goalie, to Face-off. As of now the Cannons have a pretty deep roster, and have the potential to make a shot at a title run this year. Just all depends on how these players play together as a team.

     The Cannons Attack may not be as deep as it was last year but it definitely still has some great depth, with some great rising stars who could be threats in the league for years to come. All these players are currently listed on the Boston Cannons roster on their official website as Attackmen.

     First up we are going to look at some of the guys who are listed on the Cannons roster but I don't think have a chance to play a game for the Cannons this year and most likely will just be practice players:

Tom Compitello Stony Brook '11

Tom Played at Stony Brook from 2008 through 2011 and recorded 68 goals and 78 assists in 51 games for the Seawloves. Compitello's great career at Stony Brook made him a interesting prospect in the 2011 MLL Collegiate draft and in the 5th round the Cannons took a shot on him selecting him 28th overall in that draft. In fact Compitello never played a game for the Cannons that season and eventually was let go come time for the 2012 Supplemental Draft, where he was picked up by the Hamilton Nationals (no longer exist) in the 6th round 47th overall. There Compitello played in a total of two games, and scored two goals (his only two career MLL points) in a game against the Denver Outlaws. Compitello was once again let go at seasons end, and was selected in the 2013 Supplemental Draft by the Denver Outlaws in the 2nd round 15th overall. In that season for Denver he played in 1 game recording no points, and was once again let go at seasons end. Compitello had been out of the league for two full season, when in this years 2016 Supplemental draft the Cannons selected him in the 14th round with 120th pick. I think this is just a last chance for Compitello and I can't really seeing him getting anytime unless a lot of injuries happen to the Cannons.

Greg Rogowski Merrimack College '09


Greg Rogowski played his college ball at Division 2 power Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts from 2006 through 2009. Rogowski had been a star at Merrimack helping put them on the map and building what is now a often powerhouse in division 2 lacrosse in Merrimack. Rogowski helped anchor Merrimack to not only its first ever NCCA Tournament appearance, but as well as its first Final Four appearance. Rogowski's numbers might blow you way just by seeing them at his time at Merrimack he produced 313 points (School record) with 213 goals (School record) and 100 assists. He was also an All-American all four years at Merrimack as well. Rogowski has found more success in the Indoor league rather than the field game he was selected three times once in 2012 by the Rochester Rattlers, then in the Supplemental draft in 2013 by the Hamilton Nationals and then in 2014 by the Denver Outlaws, things never worked out in Rochester, Hamilton or in Denver never playing a game. The Cannons selected Rogowski in the 7th round with the 60th pick. Rogowski can only hope to get a chance to get on the field and try and show the success that he had back at Merrimack but that will be difficult with the talent the Cannons already have at Attack.

This player is the first guy they take from Practice Squad or if someone is missing games or injuries happen at the Attack Position:

Beau Wood Tufts '14

Beau Wood was apart of the beginning of the empire that is now known as Tufts lacrosse and Wood was a big part in creating. Wood who played at Tufts from 2011-2014, every year Wood was apart of the Tufts team they made the tournament. In his freshmen year losing in the National Championship game to Salisbury 19-7, then the following year losing to Cortland St. 12-10 (who would lose to Salisbury in title game that year), then once again lost in the tournament this time in the 2nd round losing to RIT 14-5 (who lost in title game to Stevenson). Wood had broke at in his sophomore and junior years as a starter but exploded his senior year scoring 73goals and dishing out 30assists to produce 103pts and helped Tufts start the streak of back-to-back titles beating Salisbury 12-9 in the 2014 title game. Wood's goal scoring threat really helped back him a threat at Tufts, his success in college helped give him a chance in the MLL when in 2015 the Rochester Rattlers gave him a chance, Wood played in one game but never did anything for the Rattlers and was let go at seasons end. In this years Supplemental Draft the Cannons took a chance and selected the Tufts product in the 5th round 42nd overall. I personally think Wood does have the ability to play at this level, I think if anyone is hurt, or has to miss a couple of games I think Wood might be the first player they call and tell to suit up.

The Rookies:

John Uppgren Tufts '16

John Uppgren was selected in this years Collegiate draft in the 6th round 49th overall, Uppgren who is currently a Senior at Tufts University is a big time player. Uppgren is a guy from around the Boston area since he goes to Tufts, and really is an excellent player and there is so much to rave about him. I know you are probably think, D3?? Why would anyone take someone who couldn’t play D1, and to that I say some lacrosse players are late bloomers or would have rather gone to a better school educational then play at a lesser school that is Division one. But I will let Uppgren’s numbers speak for himself as a Freshmen he put up 23 goals and had 11 assists, not a bad first year. If you think that year was impressive Uppgren followed it up with a impressive year in which he scored 66 goals and dished out 58 assists. And just last year he produced 76 goals and had 54 assists. Uppgren is an exciting player to watch with his great ability to get to the net and finish and he has not afraid to have a fancy finish. Uppgren is currently on a mission to help Tufts 3-peat, once that mission is over his next one will be to help the Cannons win a title and I think he can do that. The way I am looking at it Uppgren might be the 5th or 6th Attackmen for the Cannons and I think that's scary with the talent he has. And when he gets his chances he will make a big impact so watch out for Uppgren this season. And one final note Uppgren is a winner so expect him to bring that winning mentality to the Cannons as well.

Matt Thistle High Point '16

Matt Thistle is one of those players you love to watch. He is a 3-Time Captain at High Point, and was a great pick in this years Collegiate Draft when the Cannons selected him in the 7th round 59th overall. Thistle grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts so he is a local Boston guy and you know he will have no excuse to miss a practice or a game because he is from around here. Just watching Thistle makes me feel confident that he could be a great addition if he is ever called upon to step up for the Cannons. Possibly one of the big reasons why Thistle fell towards the end of the draft this year was his size Thistle is 5’7, but he actually uses his height to his advantage using his height to sneak pass defenders and avoid taking brutal hits. Thistle also posses great speed that he uses to blow passed his defenders. Thistle also has an array of moves he can use to create separation and get his shot off. Thistle is also not afraid to fight through defenders and actually embraces contact, and when Thistle gets in close he has the ability to have some nifty finishes to beat the keeper. Thistle reminds me at times of Joey Sankey, Sankey and Thistle both have in common that they are very small Attackmen and use their small size to their advantage to help them finish. And we saw how well Sankey had of a season last year so you never know. People might think I am crazing by saying that but you rarely ever see High Point games on TV so you have to go find tape of him and watch him he posses some of the same skills but I think is a lesser man's version of Joey Sankey but that might be what the Cannons are looking for. In all Thistle is a never say die player and I think if he gets the chance he might be like Tom Brady and make the most of his chances expect him to be the 5th or 6th Attackmen for the Cannons.

The Anchors:
John Glessener Army '15

John Glessener became a big part of the Cannons Attack last season when he got the chance to play. Glessener only got to play in 4 of the Cannons 14 regular season games producing 7 goals (3 2pt-goals) and dishing out 2 assists. Glessener really made his name heard in the playoffs last year when the Cannons fell in a crazy Overtime game to the eventual Champion the New York Lizards. In that game Glessener scored two goals and really helped the Cannons stay in the game. Glessener made a name for himself in his little playing time by using his big body to power through defenders at 6'3 215lbs, Glessener is one scary and big Attackmen. Glessener's shooting ability makes him a scary good Attackmen when you possibly add him in the starting lineup with a great feeder in Will Manny and fellow goal scorer David Emala that is jury scary. Just imagine when Glessener also plays in more than a third of a season for the Cannons the numbers he could produce could be scary good.

Wells Stanwick Johns Hopkins '15

Wells Stanwick the younger brother of Steele made his name known with the way he played during his senior year at Johns Hopkins last year and helped carry that play into his time last for the Cannons when he got the chance to step on the field. Wells played in 7 of the Cannons 15 games last year producing a total of 9 points with 5 goals and 4 assists. Only having an opportunity to see Wells play in a little less than half their games last year definitely makes me think he has a chance to be something special. Wells has the ability to score but at times it seems like Wells would rather set his teammates up which is something he does very well. Wells is a great quarterback behind X who can really set up his teammates and draw the slides to come to him a little early because teams know of his great ability to feed the rock, but if that slide doesn't come Wells is also very capable of finishing as well. If Will Manny misses anytime this year Wells could step in and fill his role easily, and I think having Wells as an option as possible a 4th Attackmen is a scary thing to think about, but I also believe it is possible he could start.

David Emala North Carolina '13

What can anyone say but David Emala came out of no where to have a breakout season last year for the Cannons. Emala had spent the previous season before suiting up with the Charlotte Hounds where he produced no points. Then he was selected in the 2015 Supplemental Draft by the Cannons in the 2nd round 12th overall. Emala was immediately given a chance to shine for the Cannons last year, playing in all 15 of the Cannons games last year. Emala had a breakout year producing 33 goals along with 6 assists totaling 39 points. Emala really became the Cannons go to scoring Attackmen last year being someone that the Cannons knew could always provide them with instant offense. Emala lead the Cannons in goals and really provided a great finisher and shooter and by teams trying to lock him off would then leave a mismatch with Will Manny having the advantage. The dynamic duo of Manny and Emala helped lead the Cannons in being such an effect group last year. Emala's fantastic year helped him be named the 2015 MLL Brine Most Improved Player award. Don't expect anything to change this season, in fact expect Emala to continue to build of last season and see if he can have an even better season.

Will Manny UMass '12

The Captain Will Manny has spent his entire MLL career with the Boston Cannons since he was selected in the 2nd round of the 2012 MLL draft 14th overall. Ever since that day Manny has been nothing but great for the Cannons stepping up and answering the bell every time the Cannons asked him to step up. Manny showed in the 2014 season that he could be star of the Cannons offense when he produced 52 points that year being the teams second leading scorer behind Paul Rabil who produced 54 points for the Cannons that year. Then after shipping Rabil away Manny really took over the leadership role and showed it big time last year. Manny produced 46 points, and 29 goals (1 2pt-goal) and 16 assists. Manny produced 46 points in only 13 games, missing 2 games last year. Manny was an MLL All-Star last year and really took the name of the Cannons star player. I don't expect Manny to slow down anytime soon and I expect him to be the anchor of this Cannons Attack this season.

Now here is my depth chart for the Boston Cannons Attack:

Starter Will Manny UMass '12

Starter David Emala North Carolina '13
Starter John Glessener Army '15

4th Wells Stanwick Johns Hopkins '15

5th Matt Thistle High Point '16

6th John Uppgren Tufts '16

7th Beau Wood Tufts '14

8th Tom Compitello Stony Brook '11

9th Greg Rogowski Merrimack College '09

Cannons Acquire All-Star Goalie Tyler Fiorito

     The Cannons have solved their Goalie problem! And it did not take them that long to make a move.

     After the recent news of long time starting Goalie Jordan Burke’s retirement the Cannons did not wait to make a move acquiring Chesapeake Bayhawks Goalie Tyler Fiorito.

     The deal sent the 2015 MLL All-Star goaltender Tyler Fiorito and a supplemental draft pick to the Cannons. While the Cannons send their 2016 first round pick, Virginia midfielder Greg Coholan, midfielder Tyler German, attackman Ryan Young and a 2017 MLL Collegiate Draft first round pick to the Chesapeake Bayhawks

     The deal gives the Cannons a trusty goalie in Tyler Fiorito who played outstanding last year for the Bayhawks since their starting goalie from the previous year Kip Turner (a former Cannon) was out all year with an injury. Fiorito played big for the Bayhawks although they went 6-8 with Fiorito in between the pipes. He had an outstanding year by the numbers, having 255 saves last year to lead all goalies, as well as leading all goalies in save percentage at 60.6% and allowed only 166 goals in his 830 minutes of playing time last year.

     Fiorito is the answer in between the pipes I think following the retirement of Burke. Fiorito had an excellent year last year and I expect him to continue to play at that high of a level this year.

     It is sad to see Greg Coholan go before he even got to suit up a game I think it was the right move because the Cannons are in desperate need of a proven Goalie and that is what Fiorito is. It also makes sense to get rid of Ryan Young as well who really did not do much for the Cannons last year and I think he would have a tough time seeing the field with the Cannons deep Attack core as well. The one thing I am a little nervous about is that first round pick I feel like the Cannons gave up a great deal to get Fiorito and I think it will all end up working out but I am a little worried about giving up that first round collegiate draft pick though.