Cannons Position Preview: Short-Stick Defensive Midfielders

As we get closer and closer to the season kicking off, I am going to take a look at the 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.

When you look at short-stick defensive unit for the Cannons it's pretty scary to see how much talent they have at this position. These three players really bring a great mind-set of defense first to this team.

The Rookie:

Jake Matthai North Carolina '16

In this years' Collegiate Major League lacrosse draft the Cannons selected a big guy from North Carolina in the 5th round 41st overall his name Jake Matthai. Matthai has been a impact player for the Tar Heels since he stepped on campus has been a big part of the Tar Heels in his time there on the defense of side of the ball. Let me just say this Jake Matthai is a beast he stands at 6'6 230 lbs. that is one bad man right there, one of those guys you don't want to have running at you in any game. In his freshmen year Matthai saw action in 17 games that year but had not been completely turned into a defensive midfielder yet. That year he had four goals and two assists and scooped up 10 ground balls and had two caused turnovers. Matthai's sophomore year saw him officially change to a full time defensive midfielder playing in every game that year, Matthai recorded five goals on the season had 14 ground balls, and had caused three turnovers on the year. Matthai continued to play well and his junior year he once again played in every game, he had 21 ground balls on the year and caused 5 turnovers on the year. Matthai also added 2 goals and 3 assists on the year. Matthai entered his senior year this season, as a captain for the Tar Heels, Matthai has played well so far this season for the Tar Heels, so far this year Matthai has one goal and two assists on the season as well as 12 ground balls in only 5 games played. Matthai should have a big impact this season for the Cannons he has the size and the strength to play in the MLL so it won't surprise me if he immediately steps in and sees sometime at the position as a one-two punch along side Josh Hawkins.

Young Gun:

T.A. Demoulas Bentley '15

Just last year the Cannons selected T.A. Demoulas in the 8th round 56th overall. The Lowell, Massachusetts native was a key part of Bentley lacrosse in his time there seeing time in 54 games in his time at Bentley starting in 51 of those games. In his four years Demoulas scooped up 150 ground balls including a career high 58 ground balls in his Junior year. That year Demoulas also had a career high 15 turnovers that season, and had 41 caused turnovers in his career at Bentley. Demoulas did not see any time playing for the Cannons last year but it is possible he could see some playing time this year. Demoulas is a local guy so in all honesty it would not surprise me if played a game since he lives close.

The Stud:

Josh Hawkins Loyola '13

Josh Hawkins is the dream short-stick midfielder, people aspire to play like him and have the impact he has when he steps on the field. Hawkins really came into the spotlight in his junior year at Loyola when he helped lead the GreyHounds to a National Championship that year, and left behind a fantastic career finishing with 172 ground balls, but Hawkins also has some offensive game to scoring 26 goals in his 4 years at Loyola. In the 2013 MLL collegiate draft Hawkins was selected in the 1st round 5th overall by the Hamilton Nationals (no longer exist). Sadly Hawkins did not get to spend much time in Hamilton only playing in 3 games for them scoring 2 goals and had 8 ground balls. Approaching the trade deadline in Hawkins rookie year he was traded to the Charlotte Hounds to help them make a post-season run. Hawkins played in 5 more regular season games for the Hounds scoring 3 goals and picking up 12 ground balls. Hawkins did have the chance to help the Hounds in a playoff run that season but it did not end the way he probably dreamed it to end, seeing the Hounds lose in the title game that year to the Chesapeake Bayhawks 10-9. Hawkins in the playoff run had 1 assist and picked up 5 ground balls. In Hawkins 2nd season in the MLL things seemed to be looking good for Hawkins he played in every game that year for the Hounds scoring 6 goals and dishing out 2 assists and had a career high 32 ground balls that season. Then came the 2015 season Hawkins started the year playing for the Hounds playing in their first 7 games he had 3 goals and had added 14 ground balls. But come trade deadline time Hawkins was once against dealt away this time he was coming home, traded to the Boston Cannons. The Amherst, Massachusetts native was coming home and in his time returning back to Boston he continued to play well. Hawkins finished the season playing for the Cannons playing in 6 games, he scored 3 goals and dished out 3 assists as well as picking up 14 ground balls. Hawkins added an even better defense first player to the Cannons roster to make them look even better. Hawkins also helped the Cannons give the Lizards a game in the playoffs last year scoring 2 goals and picking up 1 ground ball in the game. The way Hawkins plays is a little different from other defensive midfielders, he does have that defense first mentality but he can play offense. In fact Hawkins has a really good shot, and knows how to put his shot on net, and he doesn't take bad shots either. I expect Hawkins to play in every game this year since his job is located in Boston working for the newly started Lacrosse Sports Network which is a TV network completely dedicated to lacrosse, where he co-hosts his own show, check out some quality stuff.

Short-Stick Defensive Midfielders Depth Chart:

Starter: Josh Hawkins

2nd: Jake Matthai

3rd: T.A. Demoulas 

Cannons Position Preview: Midfielders

As we get closer and closer to the season kicking off, I am going to take a look at the 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 Midfield position gives the Cannons a real added depth this season after making some moves to bring in some big name Midfielders during the off-season. Guys who can add depth to the Cannons Midfield unit and can help them make a deep unit that has a scary 1-2 punch line of Midfield units. This Cannons Midfield unit can honestly hang with some off the best group of Midfielders on any other team as well. This unit might be the best core group the Cannons have had at the Midfield position ever.

Practice Squad Players:

Mike Begley Marist '15

Mike Begley was a 2016 Supplemental draft pick by the Cannons in the 4th round. Begley had a successful career at Marist scoring 76 goals 36 assists in his career giving him 112pts in his time at Marist. Begley was a goal scoring threat at Marist but just right now I don't think he will see any playing time for the Cannons because the Cannons already have a strong 7 Midfielders right now.

Martin Bowes Hartford '12

Martin Bowes who hails from Quincy, Massachusetts is a local guy which makes sense why the Cannons selected him in the 8th round 64th overall in the 2012 college draft. Bowes being a local guy will mean he can help the Cannons as a member of the practice squad but I can't seeing him seeing any serious time anytime soon with this deep core of Midfielders the Cannons have.

Harrison Cotter Endicott College '15

Harrison Cotter is an Endicott College guy, he was selected in this years Supplemental draft. It makes sense because he played for Quirk in his time at Endicott and I am sure he knows the work ethic Coach Quirk is looking for. I think having someone who knows the way Quirk likes his team to play will help the team a little bit but can't see Cotter touching the field at least this season.

Sean Lawton Western New England '14

Sean Lawton was on Cannons practice Squad last year, and I don't think that is changing anytime soon. He had an outstanding career at Western New England and I think he brings something unique to the Cannons practice team.

Micheal Maggio Lasell College '09

Micheal Maggio was selected in 10th Round (75th Overall) in the 2014 Supplemental Draft. Maggio the Winchester, MA native has spent the last couple of season with the Cannons. Maggio first played for the Cannons in 2013 playing in one game for them and registered his only career MLL goal in that game. Maggio did not play a game in the 2014 season for the Cannons but did play in one game last season doing nothing in the game though. Maggio who graduated from Lasell College in 2009 did leave behind a good legacy there. He is seventh on their all-time scoring list with 95 goals and 40 assists, a total of 135 points. Maggio is a local guy so it's possible he might suit up for the Cannons in one game this year.

Spencer Schnell Ohio Wesleyan University '14

Spencer Schnell joined the Boston Cannons origination last February when the Cannons added from the MLL Player pool. Schnell had a successful career at Ohio Wesleyan University where he graduated in 2014. In his time there he recorded 148 points with 102 goals and 46 assists. Schnell seems to have the ability to score and could be a great scoring threat if the Cannons need one. But Schnell spent last season on the Cannons practice squad and I think that might stay the same this year as well.

The Rookie:

Challen Rogers Stony Brook '16

Challen Rogers was the sole Midfielder the Cannons selected in the 2016 MLL Draft draft him with the 32nd pick overall in the 4th round. Rogers was the Cannons 3rd overall pick at the time. But after dealing Greg Coholan who the Cannons picked with their first selection for the team and sixth overall. Coholan was dealt in the trade for goalie Tyler Fiorito, so now Rogers is the only Midfielder that the Cannons selected in the draft this year, that can play both ways. The Canadian product has been a big part of Stony Brook's offense since he stepped on campus. Rogers is a slick midfielder who uses his big 6'4 frame and 220 lbs. of weight to body and bully his defenders to the net. Rogers has played in every game for the Seawolves since he stepped on campus and only did not start one game his Sophomore year, but outside of that game he started every other career game. Entering Rogers' senior season he already has had an impressive career totaling 149 points coming into this season with 70 goals, and 79 assists. So far this season Rogers has 5 goals and 12 assists giving him 17 points for the season. Rogers' has been a big part of the Seawolves success so far this season helping them to a 4-1 record and being ranked the #15 team in the country to date. Rogers is the due it all guy on the offensive end he can score he can pass he can do it all and he could be a big part of this Cannons core midfield group if he wants to be. The big question is though will he choose Box or field lacrosse? If he chooses field there is no doubt he could be an impact this season with his size and ability.

The Playmakers:

  

Rob Emery Virginia '14

Rob Emery was selected in the 2014 collegiate MLL draft in the 3rd round 17th overall. Emery has helped the Cannons ever since he stepped on the field. Emery left behind a solid career at Virginia with 96 points and 73 career goals. Emery was a big time goal scorer coming to the Cannons and really tried to continue to bring his ability to score to the Cannons and he has done that. Emery got the chance in his rookie season to show what he was made of in 2014. Emery played in 10 games that year scoring 10 goals on the year and dished out 2 assists. Emery showed the Cannons that he had the ability to score goals and could still do that in the big time. Emery followed up his rookie season with a better 2015 season. Emery played in 12 games last year scoring 12 goals (1 2-pt goal) and dished out 5 assists finishing with 18 points on the year. Emery has displayed a great scoring ability in his time with the Cannons. In fact in his MLL career he is averaging a goal a game, not to bad. Expect Emery to build on the season he had last year and maybe even have a little better if the Cannons give him more chances to play.

Michael Rooney Stony Brook '15

Michael Rooney the recent Stony Brook graduate spent the season following his college graduation not playing in Major League Lacrosse at all! If you look at his career numbers at Stony Brook you would wonder why no one took a shot on him last year. But this year the Cannons decided not to miss out on Rooney when the Cannons selected him in this years Supplemental Draft  taking him in the 1st round (6th overall). Rooney left behind a remarkable career at Stony Brook. Rooney graduated as the all-time leader in assists (121) and points (253) in school history. Rooney also set single-season school records for assists (63) and points (111). Rooney is also one of two players in Stony Brook history to record 100 goals and 100 assists in a career. If you look at the numbers Rooney looks like a stud, and it is possible he might. The one thing that might be against Rooney is his size standing at only 5'9. But the way you have to look at Rooney I think is as such great feeder. Rooney set records at Stony Brook with assists so expect him to be a big time feeder from the Midfield for the Cannons. And you can't forget he will be teaming up with his teammate from his time at Stony Brook Rogers. The duo had played together on the same Midfield line since Rooney's sophomore year, Rogers' freshmen year. Now that will be exciting just looking at the ability that Rooney has to find the open guys will be something fun to watch this year when he has the chance to suit up for the Cannons. From the way it looks I think he might be a second line Midfielder and the Cannons second line will have some great players. 

Justin Turri Duke '12

Justin Turri was acquired by the Cannons on the Collegiate draft day in which the Cannons dealt Scott Ratliff along with some other pieces to the new expansion team the Atlanta Blaze. Part of the trade sent Turri to Boston trade from Atlanta. Turri who had an outstanding career at Duke producing 122 points in his career there. Turri was originally selected in 2012 MLL Collegiate draft by the Charlotte Hounds in the second round 9th overall. In Turri's rookie season things just did not seem to work for him he only saw the field in 8 games scoring 4 goals and dishing out 5 assists. Turri was then dealt to the Denver Outlaws in the following season for a 2nd round collegiate draft pick in 2013. Turri played well in Denver playing in 15 games (1 of them being a playoff game), Turri finished the year 9 goals (2 2pt-goals) and dished out 4 assists totaling 15 points. The chance for a breakout year was there but just hadn't happened yet, But then in 2014 it all clicked but not before some crazy off-season moves. The Outlaws parted ways with Turri shipping him to the Lizards for Matt Gibson. Then Turri once again got traded this time on collegiate draft day when Turri was shipped to the Rattlers for the 3rd and 4th picks overall in the draft, along with the Lizards giving up their 2nd and 32nd overall picks. That trade must have changed the way Turri played because everything clicked once he stepped foot in Rochester in 2014 he played in every game for the Rattlers scoring 19 goals (2 2pt-goals) and dished out 13 assists giving him 34 points on the season. Turri was named the MLL's Most Improved Player. Turri helped lead the Rattlers all the way to the title game before they fell to the Outlaws in the Championship game but in the playoffs Turri also added 2 goals and 3 assists. After a remarkable 2014 season people would think things would only get better but for Turri they didn't he only played in 11 games and had 5 goals (2 2pt-goals) and had 4 assists giving him 11pts on the year. Turri was eventually made available in the Expansion draft with the new team of the Atlanta Blaze and Turri was actually selected by the Blaze before he was traded on draft day to the Cannons. Turri is probably hoping this will be his last stop and won't be traded anymore if he plays like the way did in 2014 it's possible this could be his last stop. Turri provides even more depth to this great Cannons team and the thing seems to be whenever Turri is surrounded by good players he makes those players look even better which makes him look better too. So expect another breakout year from Turri.

Brent Adams Fairfield '12

Brent Adams has been a big part of the Cannons since he arrived in Boston. Adams was originally selected in the 7th round 53rd overall by the Cheasapeake Bayhawks, before the Cannons acquired Adams via a trade. Adams had a successful college career at  Fairfield University where he was a 2012 All-American selection and two time All-ECAC First Team selection following the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In Adams time at Fairfield Adams started 40 of 53 games, recorded 100 points (68 goals, 32 assists). Adams actually spent his rookie season with the Bayhawks playing in only 6 games and scoring 1 goal and dished out 1 assist. Going into the 2013 season Adams was dealt to the Cannons. In his first season with the Cannons Adams didn't do much scoring only 4 goals and had 1 assist in 12 games.  Adams had a better second season with the Cannons scoring 15 goals (1 2pt-goal) and had 1 assist playing in all 14 games. Then last year Adams once again had a great season playing every game scoring 17 goals (1 2pt-goal) and had 6 assists giving him 24pts in the regular season. He also had 1 goal in the Cannons playoff loss last year to the Lizards. Adams provides the Cannons with a great goal scoring threat. Adams numbers show that he is more of a scorer then a feeder, although he does have the ability to set guys up he is more of a scoring threat. Don't expect that to change this year and do not expect Adams goal scoring to go down much either.

The Generals:

Kevin Buchanan Ohio St. '08

Kevin Buchanan has been in the league since 2008 that is a long time. In Buchanan rookie year he spent his time with the Los Angeles Riptide (No longer exist) Buchanan played in 9 regular season games for them scoring 8 goals and had 5 assists. Buchanan also got to play in the postseason that year scoring a goal in their only tournament game. In 2009 Buchanan spent his season with the Washington Bayhawks (became the Chesapeake Bayhawks). In that season Buchanan played in 6 games scoring 6 goals and had 7 assists. Then in 2010 Buchanan was traded from Washington with 3 Draft Picks in exchange for John Christmas, Ray Megill and Mike Levin on January 28, 2010 and was sent to the Cannons. Once the Cannons acquired him Buchanan really became a stud player in the MLL, and almost the face of the Cannons. In his first season with the Cannons Buchanan played in 12 games scoring 20 goals (2 2pt-goals) and handed out 11 assists giving him 33 points for the regular season. The Cannons made the postseason that year but fell in the first round, Buchanan though had 3 goals and 1 assist in the loss. He was also chosen to the All-Star game for the first time that season. In 2011 things were different Buchanan only played in 9 games but still scored 20 goals (1 2pt-goal) and had 5 assists. Buchanan helped lead the Cannons to a title in the 2011 season. In the postseason Buchanan played in both games and scored 2 goals in the title run. In 2012 he Played in 12 games for the Cannons had a 31 goals (1 2pt-goal) and added 10 assists, for a career high total of 42 points. He was also named to the 2012 MLL All-Star game for the the 2nd time in his career. In the playoffs that year he scored 2 goals and added 1 assist in the Cannons playoff loss to the Bayhawks. 2013 he played in 12 games 20 goals (1 2pt-goal) and 10 assists. He added 2 goals and a assist in a playoff loss that year. In 2014 he played in 13 games for the Cannons had a career high 32 goals and added 9 assists. Last season Buchanan played in 11 games scored 21 goals (1 2pt-goal) and added 8 assists for 30 points on the season, this was Buchanan's 6th straight season with at least 20 goals, and his 6th straight season with at least 25 points. He is currently 7th on the Cannons all-time games played list with 70, currently 3rd on the Cannons all-time goals scored list with 144, currently 5th on the Cannons all-time assist list with 53, and currently 5th on the Cannons all-time points list with 203. Buchanan is pretty much a stud for the Cannons and he is really one of the anchors not only of the Midfield but the team in general. Even though Buchanan has been in the league for a while don't expect that to slow him down, expect another great year from the seasoned veteran.

Max Seibald Cornell '09

What can you say but Max Seibald has been great ever since he came into the league. In the 2009 collegiate draft Seibald was drafted 2nd overall by the Denver Outlaws after having a historic career as a member of the Cornell Big Red. In Seibald's rookie season he played in 10 games scoring 9 goals (2 2pt-goals) and added 1 assist. Seibald also played in two playoff games that year and had a assist in the playoff run but the Outlaws would fall in the title game to the Toronto Nationals (who became the Hamilton Nationals who now don't exist). The following year Seibald really settled into his own and had a breakout year scoring 20 goals (2 2pt-goal) and added 8 assists in only 9 games. Seibald also added 2 goals in the Outlaws first round playoff loss.  In 2011 he played in 9 games scored 12 goals (3 2pt-goals) and added 2 assists. In 2012 Seibald was traded to the Long Island Lizards (now New York), their he played in 13 games scored a career high 24 goals, including a career high 4 two point goals, and added 11 assists, and had a career high 39 points. In 2012 he also had two goals and a assist in the Lizards playoff loss. In 2013 he played in 6 games scored 5 goals, including 2 two point goals and added 2 assists. In 2014 he played in 11 games scored 17 goals, including 2 two point goals and added 2 assists. Seibald also had 2 goals in the Lizards playoff loss. By the end of that season a change was made and it was a big time move. On January 5th 2015 the New York Lizards made a deal that got their hands on Paul Rabil but the twist was Max Seibald would be sent to the Cannons. Seibald joined the Cannons and helped impact the team right away. Seibald played well for the Cannons playing in all 14 games. Seibald had 17 goals (2 2pt-goals) and dished out 9 assists. Seibald would be a big factor in the Cannons playoff battle against his former team a game the Cannons would lose in dramatic overtime fashion but Seibald never gave up. Seibald had 2 goals in that game both 2 point goals. Seibald was a big factor in the Cannons offense last year and things won't be changing this year.

Here is my Midfield depth Chart for the Cannons:

Line 1: Max Seibald, Kevin Buchanan, Brent Adams

Line 2: Justin Turri, Michael Rooney, Rob Emery

7th man: Challen Rogers

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.