How did the Boston Cannons secure their 2020 MLL Championship win. What were the key moments and players in the championship game. How does this victory fit into the broader history of Major League Lacrosse championships.
The Rise of the Boston Cannons: 2020 MLL Champions
The Boston Cannons etched their name in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) history by clinching the 2020 championship title. This victory marked a significant milestone for the franchise and added another chapter to the league’s rich legacy of competitive play and memorable moments.
Key Factors in the Cannons’ Championship Run
Several elements contributed to the Boston Cannons’ success in the 2020 season:
- Strong team cohesion and chemistry
- Exceptional coaching strategies
- Standout performances from key players
- Resilience in the face of a challenging season
These factors combined to propel the Cannons to the top of the league and secure their championship victory.
A Look Back: MLL Championship History
To fully appreciate the significance of the Boston Cannons’ 2020 win, it’s essential to understand the context of MLL championship history. The league has seen numerous thrilling title matches since its inception in 2001.
The Early Years: Establishing Dynasties
The inaugural MLL championship in 2001 saw the Long Island Lizards claim victory over the Baltimore Bayhawks. This match set the stage for what would become a fierce rivalry in the league’s early years.
Did the Lizards and Bayhawks dominate the early championships? Indeed, they did. The first five MLL championships featured either the Lizards or the Bayhawks, with each team securing two titles during this period. This early dominance helped establish these franchises as powerhouses in the league.
Expansion and New Contenders
As the MLL grew, new teams entered the fray, bringing fresh competition to the championship scene. The Philadelphia Barrage emerged as a formidable force, clinching three championships in 2004, 2006, and 2007.
When did the league see its first expansion teams compete for the title? The 2006 championship marked a significant milestone, as the Denver Outlaws, an expansion team, made it to the final in their inaugural season. Although they fell to the Barrage, it signaled the growing competitiveness of the league.
Memorable MLL Championship Moments
Throughout its history, the MLL championship has produced numerous unforgettable moments that have thrilled fans and showcased the sport’s excitement.
Overtime Thrillers
One of the most exhilarating aspects of championship games is the possibility of overtime play. The 2003 championship between the Long Island Lizards and Baltimore Bayhawks provided just such a moment.
How did the 2003 championship end? Kevin Lowe of the Lizards scored the game-winning goal in overtime, securing the trophy for Long Island and earning himself the championship MVP title. This nail-biting finish exemplifies the intense competition that MLL championships often deliver.
Record-Breaking Performances
MLL championships have also been the stage for exceptional individual and team performances. The 2006 final saw the Philadelphia Barrage set a record for the highest-scoring championship game, defeating the Denver Outlaws 23-12.
Which player stood out in the high-scoring 2006 final? Roy Colsey of the Barrage was named MVP for his outstanding contribution to the team’s dominant victory. Such performances not only secure championships but also etch players’ names in the annals of MLL history.
The Evolution of MLL Championships
As the league has grown and evolved, so too have its championship events. From venue changes to expanding fan bases, the MLL championship has undergone significant transformations since its inception.
Venue Selection and Attendance
The choice of venue for MLL championships has played a crucial role in the event’s atmosphere and attendance. Early championships were held in various locations, often drawing modest crowds.
What was the highest attendance for an early MLL championship? The 2004 championship game between the Philadelphia Barrage and Boston Cannons drew a record crowd of 8,200 fans in Boston, Massachusetts. This marked a significant increase from earlier years and highlighted the growing popularity of the sport.
Expansion and Geographic Diversity
As the league expanded, so did the geographic reach of its championships. The inclusion of teams from the western United States brought new energy and fan bases to the league.
When did the MLL first hold games in the western United States? The 2004 season saw the first MLL games played in the west, with matches held in Seattle and Denver. This expansion set the stage for future western teams to compete for championships, broadening the league’s national appeal.
Star Players and MVP Performances
MLL championships have been the stage for some of the sport’s greatest talents to shine. Many legendary players have left their mark on championship games, often earning MVP honors for their exceptional performances.
Lacrosse Legends in Championship Games
The early years of MLL championships featured matchups between some of the most renowned names in lacrosse history. Players like Casey Powell, Mark Millon, and Gary Gait frequently graced the championship stage, showcasing their extraordinary skills.
How many times did Gary Gait win the MLL championship MVP? Gary Gait was named MLL Championship MVP in 2005 while playing for the Baltimore Bayhawks. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Gait was serving as a player-coach for the team that season, demonstrating his versatility and leadership both on and off the field.
Breakout Performances
Championship games have also provided a platform for lesser-known players to make a name for themselves. Clutch performances in these high-stakes matches can catapult a player to stardom within the league.
Can a rookie make a significant impact in an MLL championship? Absolutely. The 2004 season saw Ryan Boyle of the Philadelphia Barrage win Rookie of the Year and then go on to contribute to his team’s championship victory. This demonstrates that in the MLL, talent can shine through regardless of experience.
The Impact of Championships on MLL’s Growth
Championship games have played a crucial role in the growth and popularity of Major League Lacrosse. These high-profile events have helped to increase the sport’s visibility and attract new fans.
Media Coverage and Exposure
As MLL championships have grown in stature, they’ve garnered increased media attention. This exposure has been vital in bringing the sport of lacrosse to a wider audience.
How has media coverage of MLL championships evolved? Over the years, coverage has expanded from local broadcasts to national television deals. This increased visibility has helped to grow the sport’s fan base and attract new sponsors to the league.
Inspiring the Next Generation
MLL championships serve as inspiration for young lacrosse players, showcasing the highest level of professional play. The excitement and skill on display during these games can motivate aspiring athletes to pursue the sport more seriously.
What impact do MLL championships have on youth lacrosse participation? While exact figures are difficult to pinpoint, there’s a general consensus that high-profile professional games, especially championships, contribute to increased interest and participation in youth lacrosse programs across the country.
Challenges and Triumphs: The Resilience of MLL
Throughout its history, Major League Lacrosse has faced various challenges, from competition with other leagues to navigating the complexities of professional sports management. The league’s ability to continue hosting exciting championships is a testament to its resilience and the dedication of its players, staff, and fans.
Adapting to Change
The MLL has shown remarkable adaptability in the face of changing sports landscapes and economic conditions. This flexibility has been crucial in ensuring the continuity of the league and its championship traditions.
How did the MLL adapt to challenges in recent years? The league has implemented various strategies, including restructuring team ownership, adjusting the season schedule, and exploring new markets. These adaptations have helped the MLL maintain its competitive edge and continue to provide thrilling championship contests.
The Future of MLL Championships
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, the future of MLL championships looks bright. The league’s commitment to showcasing top talent and providing exciting championship games bodes well for its continued success.
What can fans expect from future MLL championships? While predicting the future is always uncertain, it’s likely that MLL championships will continue to evolve. This may include innovations in game formats, enhanced fan experiences, and potentially even international expansion, all while maintaining the core excitement that has made these games a highlight of the lacrosse calendar.
In conclusion, the Boston Cannons’ victory in the 2020 MLL Championship is not just a singular achievement, but part of a rich tapestry of lacrosse history. From the early dominance of the Lizards and Bayhawks to the emergence of new powerhouses like the Cannons, MLL championships have consistently delivered thrilling contests and unforgettable moments. As the league continues to grow and evolve, these championship games will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of professional lacrosse, inspiring players and thrilling fans for years to come.
MLL Championship History: A Complete Guide
Major League Lacrosse has a long and exciting legacy, particularly surrounding its playoffs and MLL Championship history. We’re taking a look at all of the previous MLL Championships.
MLL Championship History
MLL Championship History Throwback Video
MLL Championships (2001-2018)
We’ve compiled the entire MLL championship history, including winners of the coveted Steinfeld Trophy and other interesting information. Let’s dive right in!
2001: Long Island Lizards vs. Baltimore Bayhawks
The Long Island Lizards took home the first-ever Steinfeld Trophy — named after MLL founder Jake Steinfeld — over the Baltimore Bayhawks at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A little over 6,700 people attended the first-ever outdoor pro lacrosse title match. These two teams actually played the first-ever MLL game on June 7, when Baltimore beat Long Island 16-13. Long Island would get the last laugh as it would win the first of its three MLL championships.
2002: Baltimore Bayhawks vs. Long Island Lizards
The 2001 finalists would once again meet in the MLL championship the following year in 2002 — this time the Bayhawks would take home the hardware. Baltimore demolished the Lizards 21-13 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio in front of 5,500 people. Casey Powell‘s Lizards were downed by the Bayhawks — led by Mark Millon and Gary Gait — in what was a matchup of some of the greatest lacrosse legends to ever play the game.
2003: Long Island Lizards vs. Baltimore Bayhawks
If these teams hadn’t gotten sick of each other at this point, then they must have excellent preventative healthcare. All bad jokes aside, this MLL championship proved to be a classic, as the Lizards would take things into overtime to win their second Steinfeld Trophy. Roughly 6,500 people attended the championship game at Villanova Stadium as Kevin Lowe was named the championship MVP after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
2004: Philadelphia Barrage vs. Boston Cannons
In what was the first MLL championship not played between the Lizards and Bayhawks, the Philadelphia Barrage took down the Boston Cannons, 13-11, in front of a championship record 8,200 fans in Boston, Massachusetts. Lacrosse legend Greg Cattrano was named the MLL Championship MVP. Philadelphia had virtually swept all of the regular season player awards, as Ryan Boyle won Rookie of the Year, Sal LoCascio was named Coach of the Year, Nicky Polanco won Defensive Player of the Year, Blake Miller won Offensive Player of the Year, and Cattrano took home Goalie of the Year honors. Talk about a star-studded roster. This season also marked the first time that the MLL played a game in the western United States as Baltimore took down Rochester in Seahawks Stadium on May 22 and Baltimore defeated New Jersey on June 5 at INVESCO Field in Denver.
2005: Baltimore Bayhawks vs. Long Island Lizards
Matching up against the same team four out of five consecutive years would certainly qualify as a rivalry. The Bayhawks defeated Long Island, 15-9, in Boston, Massachusetts in front of 6,800 fans. Gary Gait was named MLL Championship MVP for the Bayhawks, as he served as a player-coach for that season. Gait would intially retire following the 2005 season, but would come back to play one more season for the Toronto Nationals in 2009. For those keeping score, that makes the championship series between the two teams tied at 2-2.
2006: Philadelphia Barrage vs. Denver Outlaws
Talk about a shellacking. The Barrage handled the Denver Outlaws to the tune of a 23-12 championship victory. The MLL championship was played in Carson, California in front of 5,300 fans as Roy Colsey was named MVP. This was the year that marked the first expansion teams for the MLL, as the Outlaws, the Chicago Machine, Los Angeles Riptide and San Francisco Dragons would all join the league. The Outlaws had the most successful season out of all of the expansion teams, as they would make it to the title game following a 10-2 regular season record.
2007: Philadelphia Barrage vs. Los Angeles Riptide
In what would be the Barrage’s third MLL championship, the most of any MLL franchise at this point, Philadelphia beat the Los Angeles Riptide in Rochester, New York. The Riptide had an impressive 9-3 regular season record heading into the contest, as the Barrage’s regular season record was the same. Some first from this season in the league included John Grant Jr. breaking the league’s then-single season points record with 71 points, while an MLL record crowd of 19,793 fans turned out to watch the July 4th game between the Machine and Outlaws in Denver.
2008: Rochester Rattlers vs. Denver Outlaws
This would be the first MLL championship in MLL championship history for the Rochester Rattlers, as they would take down the Denver Outlaws in what was Denver’s second championship appearance. The game was played at Harvard in front of 8,400 fans who saw the former Maryland Terrapin Joe Walters take home the MLL Championship MVP award. The Rattlers would post a 16-6 final score over the Outlaws, sealing their championship victory.
2009: Toronto Nationals vs. Denver Outlaws
What’s the saying? Always the bridesmaid, never the bride? While that may have described Denver’s first three MLL championship appearances, that wouldn’t hold true forever. The Nationals won a close 10-9 matchup in the title game held in Annapolis, Maryland, but Denver would eventually find their stride and win three titles of their own over the next nine seasons. This was the only MLL championship for the Nationals. One major change from this season was when the league began to allow a fourth long pole to play at one time on the field in addition to the other three long poles. Interestingly enough, it was also the season where all three Powell brothers — Casey, Ryan and Mikey — would sit out from league play.
2010: Chesapeake Bayhawks vs. Long Island Lizards
In what would be the last time these two teams have met in the championship, the Bayhawks would take the 3-2 championship series lead in MLL titles as they took down the Long Island Lizards, 13-9. Kyle Hartzell would be named the MLL Playoffs MVP. Interestingly enough, the Lizards only posted a 7-5 record while the Chesapeake Bayhawks went 6-6 during the regular season, good for third and fourth place in the league at the end of the regular season, respectively.
2011: Boston Cannons vs. Hamilton Nationals
In what was an exciting 10-9 finish between Boston and Hamilton, the Cannons would seal their first-ever MLL championship title as Jordan Burke would be named playoffs MVP. Paul Rabil was named league-MVP while also winning Offensive Player of the Year, while Bill Daye took home Coach of the Year award for the Cannons. Brodie Merrill would be named Defensive Player of the Year for the Nationals.
2012: Chesapeake Bayhawks vs.
Denver Outlaws
Winning their league-best fourth MLL championship in MLL championship history, the Bayhawks defeated the Outlaws 16-6 at Harvard Stadium in front of 7,300 fans. Coincidentally, this was the exact same score that the Outlaws lost by when they faced the Rattlers in the 2008 MLL Championship. Ben Rubeor was named playoffs MVP, as Paul Rabil would pick up another Offensive Player of the Year award, while Brendan Mundort would win league-MVP for Denver.
2013: Chesapeake Bayhawks vs. Charlotte Hounds
When you’re good, you’re good. The Bayhawks would seal their fifth MLL championship over the Hounds, who were appearing in their first-ever MLL title game. John Grant Jr. was named playoffs MVP for the Bayhawks in a game held in Chester, Pennsylvania. This season would see another attendance record fall as 31,000 fans would attend the Denver Outlaws game against the New York Lizards.
2014: Denver Outlaws vs. Rochester Rattlers
Denver would finally win the first of its three MLL championships, as John Grant Jr. would return to the Mile High City to help lead the Outlaws to its title win. Grant would pick up playoff-MVP honors for the second year in a row, this time for the Outlaws. Of note from this season was when Tom Schreiber was drafted as the first overall selection by the Ohio Machine.
2015: New York Lizards vs. Rochester Rattlers
The New York Lizards would defeat the Rochester Rattlers, 15-12, led by a star-studded cast including league-MVP Greg Gurenlian, playoffs-MVP Paul Rabil and other stars like Rob Pannell, Ned Crotty and Tommy Palasek. This would be the Lizards fourth MLL championship.
2016: Denver Outlaws vs. Ohio Machine
In what was a high-scoring affair, the Outlaws would outgun the Machine 19-18 in front of 5,500 fans in Kennesaw, Georgia. Eric Law would take home playoff-MVP honors for the Outlaws as Denver would win its second championship in three years. The Atlanta Blaze were announced as a new MLL team for the 2016 season and would finish the year with a 4-10 record.
2017: Ohio Machine vs. Denver Outlaws
The Machine would win the franchise’s first MLL title against an Outlaws team bent on creating a dynasty. Marcus Holman took home playoff-MVP honors for the Machine in front of 7,500 fans in Frisco, Texas at the Dallas Cowboys practice facility as Holman would score three goals straight in four minutes in the fourth quarter and six goals overall to lead the Machine. This year marked a league-low average attendance with under 2,000 fans per game.
2018: Denver Outlaws v. Dallas Rattlers
In what was a rematch of the 2014 MLL championship, the Outlaws would seal their third MLL title as they defeated the Rattlers 16-12 in Charleston, South Carolina. Matt Kavanaugh would win playoff-MVP honors. This was a big year for the league in terms of milestones and events, headlined by the loss of Atlanta Blaze head coach Dave Huntley. Marcus Holman would score a league-record 11 goals over the New York Lizards on April 29, Paul Rabil became the league’s all-time leading scorer with his 542 point (a record since broken by John Grant Jr. ), and Kaisuke Iwamoto became the first player born in Japan to start in an MLL game. Iwamoto played the goalie position.
Conclusion
So, what does 2019 have in store? Chesapeake will be chasing their league-best sixth championship as they will need to beat the Atlanta Blaze in the semifinals to face the winner of Denver and Boston. The season series stands at 2-1 for the Bayhawks, while the Outlaws have an identical season series record over the Cannons. MLL Championship Weekend should not disappoint. Read the full preview here.
Boston Cannons win Major League Lacrosse championship
“Our guys just did a great job today,” said Boston head coach Sean Quirk, who guided the Cannons to the second MLL title in the history of the franchise. “They played a complete game.”
“It feels great. It’s definitely a wild time in the world right now, but to be able to come down here and compete like we did, and to be the last team standing, it’s awesome,” Uppgren said. “It’s a great feeling individually as a player, but it also feels great to bring back the trophy to the people of Boston and Quincy as a reward for all of their support.”
The Cannons won the 2020 Major League Lacrosse championship Sunday.Boston Cannons
Cannons midfielder Frank Brown a 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pounder out of Hobart College, also withdrew from the tournament Saturday, citing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason he would not play in the league championship game Sunday.
“COVID-19 is terrifying,” Brown wrote on Twitter Sunday morning. “The thought that I could contract the virus or give it to someone else while not knowing is terrifying. That being said, I made the decision to leave Annapolis yesterday and not compete in today’s game.”
“At the end of the day, those guys who did opt out, they are just as much a part of the team as the ones who were out on the field [Sunday],” Uppgren said. “It was great playing with them all year, and while we knew that every player had to make their own decisions, we were going to support them no matter what they decided to do. ”
Despite losing personnel, Uppgren and Quirk credited captains and veterans like Marrocco, Cockerton, Zach Goodrich, Mike Skudin, Challen Rogers, Kyle Jackson, Justin Pugal and Timmy Edwards as players who had a sizable role in helping the team keep its focus.
Quirk said because of the lineup changes, they were making tweaks to their game plan as late as Saturday night.
“Honestly, I give these guys a lot of credit,” Quirk said. “We didn’t have three starters, essentially, but these guys bought in, man. They bought in and grinded it out [Sunday]. I’ve been coaching a long time, and for these guys to do it the way they did, it made me extremely proud.”
The Cannons were originally scheduled to face the top-seeded Denver Outlaws in the semifinals Saturday, but the game was postponed after an unidentified MLL player tested positive for COVID-19.
The league immediately placed all players on the four remaining teams into quarantine and tested all at-risk individuals Saturday morning.
Chesapeake and Connecticut, who originally were scheduled to face off in Saturday’s other semifinal, dropped out of the tournament after receiving results of tests conducted Saturday morning, meaning the Cannons would face Denver in the championship.
Uppgren conceded that there was some history between the two teams — Denver knocked Boston out of the playoffs last year — but in the end, he was just happy to be part of the team that was left holding the trophy at the end.
“There was a revenge storyline there,” he said with a laugh. “But in the end, we just focused on ourselves, playing one minute at a time and doing our jobs. Nick was phenomenal in goal — that Denver offense was very talented, and they were pouring it on all week. The face-off group did a great job scrapping for loose balls, and on offense, we were able to capitalize on our opportunities.”
Globe correspondent Jenna Ciccotelli contributed to this report.
MLL 2020 Season to be Week-Long in Annapolis Starting July 18
The Major League Lacrosse 2020 season will be played in Annapolis, with games starting July 18 culminating in a championship July 26. Games will be held at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium and will be shown on a combination of ESPN linear networks and ESPN+.
“Lacrosse fans missed their spring seasons and are now eager and excited to see a return of the game this summer,” said MLL Commissioner Alexander Brown in a news release. “While celebrating what will be our 20th anniversary season, MLL has great respect for the responsibility that comes with returning to the field. We have been working closely with our local, state, and national health officials to make decisions based on the latest medical and public health advice available. We look forward to returning to Annapolis and again providing the very best our sport has to offer.”
The release confirms and expands upon a mid-June Inside Lacrosse report of plans for the tournament in Annapolis. At that time, Brown said the league was considering single locations or multiple weekends in team cities.
Navy-Marine Corps is the home of the Chesapeake Bayhawks and is no stranger to MLL events, including the 2019 all-star game.
“Given the current environment, developing a comprehensive action plan to bring the MLL season to life in Annapolis has been a monumental lift and we are extraordinarily grateful to Governor Hogan, Mayor Buckley, County Executive Pittman and Executive Director of Maryland Sports, Terry Hasseltine,” said Bayhawks president Mark Burdett in the team’s release. “We are indebted to Naval Academy Athletic Association, for all their help and cooperation. We are also deeply grateful for our longstanding partnership with Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), the official hospital and orthopedic surgeons of the 2020, 20th Anniversary MLL season. We are full- steam ahead and excited be to back in Annapolis this summer.”
Players have two days of training camp starting Thursday, July 16, then a triple-header kicks off the action Saturday. The abridged regular season will go every day through Friday, July 24, with two games daily. The top four seeds advance to the championship weekend, with semifinals held Saturday, July 25 and a champion crowned that Sunday. Times have not yet been released.
“The Bayhawks have been the pinnacle of lacrosse in Maryland, the nation’s epicenter of lacrosse, for twenty years,” said Governor Larry Hogan in an MLL news release. “As we gradually reopen the state for business and entertainment, it is great to see national organizations like Major League Lacrosse invest in Maryland.”
The league said there will not be fans onsite to protect the health and safety of players and staff. “MLL, under the guidance of a team of medical professionals from all six MLL markets, has developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health and safety of the players, staff and all personnel onsite for the 2020 season. MLL has established a COVID Safety Protocol Officer to oversee the adherence and execution of the safety plan,” the release said. “Additionally, MLL is working closely with their partner, Cascade, to offer players access to their newly developed Face Shield, a completely clear, physical barrier designed specifically for SEI-Certified Cascade Helmets. ”
Sources have said teams compiled 25-man rosters with five reserves. Players will stay at the nearby Westin Hotel.
The 2020 season is MLL’s 20th and features a lot of change. Outside of the unique circumstances because of COVID-19, an offseason restructuring sees the return of the Philadelphia Barrage plus the addition of the Connecticut Hammerheads. The six-team league now operates as a single entity.
“Maryland fans are hungry for live sports to begin again, and we are thrilled to be working with Major League Lacrosse and the Chesapeake Bayhawks to make it a reality as early as mid-July,” said Executive Director of Maryland Sports, Terry Hasseltine in a Bayhawks’ news release. “Mark Burdett and the Bayhawks are a first-class organization that brought us a comprehensive plan, addressing all levels of regulation and safety required to get back on the field. MLL’s 20th anniversary season will have an immediate positive economic impact in our state, supporting many businesses that have been most affected by the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming Major League Lacrosse and their players to Maryland in July. I look forward to joining fans around the Chesapeake region in cheering on the Bayhawks as they aim to bring another MLL title back to Maryland.”
Full Schedule
Saturday, July 18
Philadelphia Barrage at Chesapeake Bayhawks
New York Lizards at Boston Cannons
Connecticut Hammerheads at Denver Outlaws
Sunday, July 19
Chesapeake Bayhawks at New York Lizards
Denver Outlaws at Philadelphia Barrage
Monday, July 20
Boston Cannons at Chesapeake Bayhawks
Philadelphia Barrage at Connecticut Hammerheads
Tuesday, July 21
Philadelphia Barrage at Boston Cannons
Denver Outlaws at New York Lizards
Wednesday, July 22
Connecticut Hammerheads at New York Lizards
Chesapeake Bayhawks at Denver Outlaws
Thursday, July 23
Boston Cannons at Connecticut Hammerheads
New York Lizards at Philadelphia Barrage
Friday, July 24
Connecticut Hammerheads at Chesapeake Bayhawks
Denver Outlaws at Boston Cannons
Saturday, July 25
Semifinals: Seed 4 at Seed 1
Semifinals: Seed 3 at Seed 2
Sunday, July 26
Championship
Full Announcement From MLL
Boston, MA, July 2, 2020 – Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today the updated 2020 regular season schedule. This season, beginning July 18th, will be played entirely in the city of Annapolis, Maryland. The season will be one-week long and will host all six MLL teams. The week will conclude with a final-four playoff, crowning the 2020 MLL champion the weekend of July 25-26. The Major League Lacrosse season will air on the ESPN Networks and ESPN+.
“Lacrosse fans missed their spring seasons and are now eager and excited to see a return of the game this summer,” said MLL Commissioner, Alexander Brown. “While celebrating what will be our 20th anniversary season, MLL has great respect for the responsibility that comes with returning to the field. We have been working closely with our local, state, and national health officials to make decisions based on the latest medical and public health advice available. We look forward to returning to Annapolis and again providing the very best our sport has to offer.”
Games will be played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the home of 2019 MLL Champions, the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Major League Lacrosse has had a presence in the Chesapeake region since the inception of the league in 2001. In 2019 MLL hosted the All-Star Game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Hosting the league’s 20th anniversary season in Annapolis builds on the great lacrosse tradition of the region.
“The Bayhawks have been the pinnacle of lacrosse in Maryland, the nation’s epicenter of lacrosse, for twenty years,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “As we gradually reopen the state for business and entertainment, it is great to see national organizations like Major League Lacrosse invest in Maryland.”
MLL, under the guidance of a team of medical professionals from all six MLL markets, has developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure the health and safety of the players, staff and all personnel onsite for the 2020 season. MLL has established a COVID Safety Protocol Officer to oversee the adherence and execution of the safety plan. Additionally, MLL is working closely with their partner, Cascade, to offer players access to their newly developed Face Shield, a completely clear, physical barrier designed specifically for SEI-Certified Cascade Helmets.
To protect the health and safety of players and staff, there will not be fans onsite for the 2020 MLL season.
Boston Cannons crowned MLL champs
Jay N. Miller
| For The Patriot Ledger
The Boston Cannons capped off this most unusual Major League Lacrosse season on Sunday afternoon with a nationally televised 13-10 victory in the championship over the Denver Outlaws at Navy & Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis.
This was the Cannons’ first MLL crown since 2011, and only their second in the 20-year history of the league.
“This is why I came to Boston,” said Bryce Wasserman, the big attackman acquired in an off-season trade, who scored a goal and an assist Sunday and was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player for 2020. “I was well aware of the history of the Boston area and its many sports championships, and that’s what I wanted to be doing, winning championships. Winning is just not an option in Boston, it’s an expectation.”
One Cannon who was also immersed in Boston area sports tradition was attack John Uppgren, a 2016 Tufts grad who emerged this past week as a crucial part of the Cannons offense. Uppgren, who graduated as the all-time scoring leader in Tufts lacrosse, netted five goals and an assist Sunday to lead the Boston offense.
“The Cannons organization has been pushing and pushing towards this ever since I joined the team in 2016,” said Uppgren, “and it is a really topnotch organization. Whether it’s the owner, the team president (Norwell’s Ian Fredette), the coaches, or the medical staff, everyone is focused and the definition of professional in everything they do.”
“And the fans we had last summer at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy were so great to us all,” added Uppgren. “It’s just a great feeling that we were able to win this championship, for those fans to be rewarded for all their support of our team and our sport.”
The MLL adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting a tournament instead of a full season. Boston capped the regular season with a 10-8 win over Denver on Friday.
The Cannons were supposed to play Denver in the semifinals on Saturday, but that game ended up being the final when three Chesapeake BayHawks tested positive for COVID-19. The Bayhawks’ opponent, the Connecticut Hammerheads, also withdrew from the tournament which pushed the Denver-Boston matchup to the final.
While all 25 Outlaws, agreed to play, five Cannons opted out. Playmaker Randy Staats’ wife just had a baby last Wednesday, for instance, and so he decided caution was the right path, along with fellow offensive stars Frank Brown and Bryan Cole, and defenders Matt Gilray and Jason Brewster. The Cannons did have a spare player they could activate in midfielder Kyle Weber.
“Saturday was definitely a bit of whirlwind,” said Uppgren. “We certainly did miss those guys who didn’t play, because they all made big contributions on and off the field. But playing with just 21 is not so unique–we’re used to playing with that shorter roster during a regular MLL season.”
Duxbury goaltender Nick Marrocco was particularly outstanding in the second half, denying MLL legend John Grant Jr. multiple times as the 20-year vet tried to end his career with another title. Marrocco finished with 10 saves and Boston bested their foes 28-20 in shots on net.
The Outlaws’ ace faceoff man, Max Adler from Bentley and Northfield Mount Herman High, did finish with a 14-11 edge over Cannon Kevin Reisman, but Reisman battled him evenly through the second half, and Denver never sustained any momentum.
“We persevered today, that’s what we did,” said Cannons coach Sean Quirk. “Down four guys, we had to rely on our depth. We adapted to the smaller roster, and it was no different than what we played with last year. We just had so many guys step up today, like John Uppgren, a D-3 college player who just turned in an absolutely great game. Our defense played incredible, and goalie Nick Marrocco was just lights out all day.”
Uppgren and UMass product Ben Spencer got Boston started with a pair of goals within the game’s first four minutes. Starting at 5:26 of the first period, Outlaws scoring star Dan Bucaro pumped home three goals in 80 seconds. Fourteen seconds after that, the 45-year old Grant Jr. bulled his way in for a goal, and Denver had a 4-2 advantage.
But the Cannons went back to their patient passing game, and regained the lead before the period was over. Mark Cockerton fed Uppgren for a tally, Reilly O’Connor set up Cockerton, and then Challen Rogers made a neat pass to Uppgren for another score, and a 5-4 Boston lead after one period.
It might’ve been a bit discouraging when Denver’s Chris Aslanian broke loose on a fast break and netted a two-point goal, to put the Outlaws ahead 6-5 early in the second period. But Cockerton tied the score a minute later. And in one of the first half’s pivotal plays, defender Justin Pugal unleashed a long-range blast that netted the Cannons their own two-pointer, three seconds before halftime, for an 8-6 Boston advantage at the break.
The Cannons kept their adversaries off the scoreboard for a 13-minute stretch over the second and third periods, as their lead increased with three quick goals in the first five minutes of the third quarter. Wasserman scored 24 seconds into the frame, and then the playmaking firm of Cockerton and Uppgren appeared, with Uppgren making a picture-perfect pass to Cockerton for the goal that made it 10-6, while four minutes later, Cockerton returned the favor, feeding Uppgren for the 11th Boston goal.
Denver answered with three consecutive goals but Uppgren and Rogers scored for Boston, offsetting yet another Aslanian tally, for a 13-10 Cannons lead after the third period before the scoreless final frame.
“Late in the game, Nick Marrocco made a low save on John Grant Jr. that really sealed the game for us, I felt,” said Quirk. “A goal there would’ve given them life, and when he stoned them like that, you could see their disappointment. Pugal is an absolute beast, and don’t forget he’s coming back from ACL surgery eight or nine months ago. The way Pugal has performed all week has been a huge part of our success. Charlie Ford, on the other hand, hadn’t even gotten into a game until Friday’s first game against Denver. But he came in with fresh legs and really provided some good physical play defensively.Those guys locked it down.”
Wasserman agreed it has been a wild week, but he was savoring the winner’s circle.
“We have to credit our defense for stepping up to chill that Denver offense, which is excellent,” said Wasserman, who is in law school at the University of Miami in the off-season. “I think the chemistry we were able to develop on our team was a result of this tournament-like format–we’re all in the hotel together, so we got to know each other and talk lacrosse all night.”
“These last two teams we played (Connecticut and Denver) were the best two teams I have ever played against in my life, so it is really satisfying,” said Wasserman.
“I know we are all so grateful to the MLL for figuring out how to put this tournament together,” Uppgren said. “It absolutely reminded me of going to a summer lacrosse camp, where you’re all staying the same dorms. But as soon as we all got on the field, some degree of normalcy returned. This is the game we’ve all been playing for 20 years or so, and whatever else is going on in the world right now, this is the game we love and it felt amazing to be able to get back to it.”
Meanwhile, all that depth the Cannons had to draw on and develop means they now have even more solid talent to utilize next season, when everyone hopes they’ll be back in the Quincy stadium.
“We are already looking forward to the 2021 season,” said Quirk.
Major League Lacrosse will stage a nine-day tournament to pick a champion.
Major League Lacrosse is back in business for the short term.
MLL plans to compress its regular season and playoffs into a nine-day tournament played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.
The teams will assemble on July 16 for two days of practice. The Boston Cannons will open the tournament on July 18 with a match against the New York Lizards.
The Cannons were scheduled to begin the season on May 30 against the Lizards in Hempstead, N. Y., before MLL closed down in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve been in weekly head coaches calls ever since COVID hit,” said Cannons coach Sean Quirk. “We had a players committee that got involved and the model that we have moving forward seemed to make the most sense.
“Certainly, every organization, coaches, players, front office staff got together on health and safety issues and all that good stuff and now we are headed for Annapolis.”
MLL is celebrating its 20th anniversary season and the Cannons and Lizards are two of the league’s original franchises.
The six MLL teams will play each other once in a five-game regular season over seven days. The top four teams will meet in the playoffs on July 25-26.
The tournament is a television event with all MLL games on ESPN while the Cannons will be available locally on NBC Sports Boston.
The Cannons won their only MLL title in 2011, but Quirk feels the team, built around draft picks and job-specific offseason acquisitions, has an opportunity to end the drought.
The Cannons went 9-8 in 2019 and were eliminated in the opening round of the MLL playoffs, 17-15, by the Denver Outlaws.
“We are due for one,” said Quirk. “We really are and this is my fifth year with the team and we have really been building.
“I thought last year we took some incredible steps to get towards that championship level. The playoff experience that these guys had last year helped and they have really worked hard because they want to win the championship.
“We are going to do everything we can to bring a championship to Boston this year.”
The Cannons had a solid nucleus in place up front but added sizable pieces in the offseason that should bolster the attack. Attackman Mark Cockerton led the Cannons with 43 goals, nine assists and 37 ground balls.
Kyle Jackson worked Cockerton’s flank and finished with 24 goals, seven assists and 24 ground balls in 15 games. Midfielder Challen Rogers was active in transition and potted 18 goals with 11 assists and 15 ground balls. All three players are from Canada.
The Cannons traded for a pair of snipers who will compete with the incumbent trio for playing time. Attackman Bryce Wasserman scored 35 goals with 12 assists last season for Dallas. Midfielder Bryan Cole netted 39 goals with 14 assists for Atlanta.
“These are two of the top-five players in the league and they are going to add a lot of offensive punch along with the guys we have,” said Quirk.
“I think offensively we are in pretty good shape.”
UMass lacrosse alumnus Ben Spencer recounts Major League Lacrosse bubble, Cannons’ championship
The last two months were quite the journey for UMass lacrosse alumnus Ben Spencer as he won the Major League Lacrosse championship with the Boston Cannons — and it all started with a simple phone call in June.
Cannons assistant coach John Klepacki was on the other end. Spencer had been picked up by the team earlier in the year, and at the time expected to make his debut when the MLL season was originally scheduled to embark in May.
But, even under uncertain circumstances, Spencer was prepared to compete.
“Coach Klepacki asked me if I was ready to play for this season,” Spencer said. “Coming off of a gap year, I knew I really wanted to get into it, so I was more than willing to play.”
Spencer spent the rest of the month ramping up his training routine and getting in shape for the MLL. Much like other sports leagues such as the NBA and NHL, the MLL knew that there was only one way they’d be able to hold a safe season: a bubble.
The league calendar was slated to consist of 11 official days: two training days, a seven-day regular season where the league’s six teams each play each other once, and a two-day, four-team playoff.
Players were asked to remain inside the “bubble” of Westin Hotel and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, and all were tested for COVID-19 before arrival. Temperature checks were taken every day, and those who didn’t pass were immediately administered a COVID-19 test.
“There were guidelines put in place, and I didn’t leave my room in order to respect those requests,” Spencer said. “The only times I would leave are to get food, practice, or to get ready for a game … for the most part, it wasn’t very challenging to do.”
Playing in such a short timeframe was also a unique aspect of the competition, but Spencer felt that his Cannons handled the challenge well.
“It’s definitely challenging to just do two training sessions and then have to go into five games, but in a lot of ways we were able to figure out things as we went on,” Spencer said. “Everyone in the league was in the same boat and had to combat that issue, and I guess we did it better than anyone else.”
The Cannons oscillated between close wins and close losses throughout the five-game regular season, ending the week with a 3-2 record and a spot in the four-game playoffs.
But, despite the best efforts of the MLL, the bubble burst at the end of the regular season. Prior to the two semifinal matches, multiple players tested positive for COVID-19. By the time the dust settled, the Connecticut Hammerheads and Chesapeake Bayhawks both forfeited and withdrew from their semifinal contest out of safety concerns.
This left the other semifinal matchup between the Cannons and the top-seeded Denver Outlaws as the final game of the tournament, and the de facto championship. Multiple Cannons’ withdrew from the championship bout due to their own personal safety concerns.
Spencer was one of the players who decided to push on, but noted that there was mutual respect regardless of what each individual decided.
“For the guys that didn’t end up competing, it was no hard feelings,” Spencer said. “As a group, we decided each of us would make that decision individually for what was best for ourselves. I think for the teams that ended up forfeiting, they made the right decision as a team, and it was a selfless one.”
Spencer added that despite the quick shift from a semifinal game to what became the championship, his teammates felt no different about the goal in front of them.
“It doesn’t change anything,” Spencer said. “You have to go out and compete. They were the top seed, so it felt like every game was a championship game at that point anyways. We just wanted to be the last team standing.”
And they were. In a tightly contested final match, the Cannons defeated the Outlaws, 13-10, securing their second MLL championship and first since 2011.
Spencer contributed to the cause in a big way early in the game, scoring the second goal for the Cannons about four minutes in, increasing the advantage to 2-0.
“I had an initial dodge, and then got it back,” Spencer said, recounting his goal. “I knew that if I get a step on my man I’m going to the cage if nobody splits me … I just went for it. If they weren’t going to respect us one-on-one, we were just going to go downhill right to the rack.”
Both teams traded scoring runs over the next three periods, with the Cannons ahead after three quarters. The game shifted into a much more defensive battle for the final frame, as neither team was able to score throughout the period.
“We weren’t trying to take the air out of the ball on offense — we weren’t gonna change the way we played,” Spencer said of the drought in the final quarter. “Obviously we didn’t land on any of our scoring opportunities, but it says a lot about our defensive group to be able to make stops when we’re not scoring on the other end. If there’s one thing you don’t want gone in the fourth quarter, it’s your defense, so credit to them for holding on and stopping them.”
The victory secured the Cannons the championship in what was indisputably the most unique season in MLL history. But, despite the chaos of the last two months, the championship tastes just as sweet for Spencer.
“At the end of the day, all of the guys are there to compete,” Spencer said. “You play for each other, you play for the coaches, you play to win. If you’re the last team standing, that’s all that matters, so the feeling doesn’t really change. If you’re holding that trophy, that’s the most important thing. ”
How Major League Lacrosse’s one-week season came about
Major League Lacrosse commissioner Sandy Brown knew he needed to get creative.
When the COVID-19 pandemic took centerstage in the United States in March, the MLL quickly realized there was little chance it would be able to start the season May 30, as scheduled. And beyond that, Brown accepted it was likely going to be very difficult to have a season that resembled anything the league has done before.
And this was a milestone year for the MLL — the league’s 20th anniversary season. No one involved wanted to see it completely eliminated. And Brown didn’t want to become egotistical. He was open to new ideas.
After working with players, doctors, coaches, other sports commissioners and seeing what worked in leagues around the world, the MLL decided on a one-week season. It would be short in time, but an action-packed schedule.
“I think there’s a lot of people in the world who would like to see 2020 in the rearview mirror, but there’s always something unique — whether it’s us or the NBA or any sport,” Brown told Newsday in a phone interview. “ The MLS, NWSL, you name it. This year, there will be an asterisk next to it.”
All six teams in the league, including the New York Lizards, traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, to play at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium starting July 18. The top four teams advance to a single-elimination playoff July 25, with the championship July 26 on ESPN at 2 p.m. All 18 games are being shown on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPN+.
Each team plays five regular-season games over seven days before the playoffs. (The Lizards have lost their first two games.) All players, coaches and staff had to pass a COVID-19 test before traveling to Annapolis. They are tested every day, stay at The Westin hotel, wear a mask and can only leave for games and runs.
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With the NBA and NHL on the verge of starting games within their bubbles, the MLL wanted to get its season in with limited competition.
“When you look at the other leagues that are coming back and returning to play and finding the television windows, this proved to be optimal for us,” Brown said. “And I think it was absolutely the right call.”
Brown said the return has run smoothly thus far. Players agree. But it hasn’t necessarily been easy. Players have dealt with the condensed schedule, heat that can reach up to 120 degrees on turf and working full-time jobs from their hotel room. But the desire to play is at the forefront. Back in March, Lizards attack Andrew Pettit was unsure if he’d be playing lacrosse this year. So he doesn’t mind.
“I think there were a lot of uncertainties with the virus in general and sports were obviously a big one,” he said. “The league’s been able to put out something that seemed safe enough to pull off and I think the MLL’s done a great job putting this together. I certainly feel safe here.”
Pettit also has no issues with the bubble-based lifestyle.
“If you’ve been taking any precautions the whole time with your normal daily life, this is really no different,” he said. “We’re still wearing a mask around the hotel and trying to stay inside, so if you’ve been doing that the whole time, it’s really not that different. You just get to play lacrosse now.”
Dylan Molloy, a Lizards attack, Setauket native and 2013 graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, said he never had doubts about wanting to return to play.
“I was very excited about the new format,” said Molloy, a Newsday All-Long Island selection as a senior. “I was very excited to see this style and how the tournament style would go. It’s definitely been different, but it’s a very cool changeup to be able to be with the guys non-stop and extremely focused for the 10 days.”
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John Grant Jr.
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When using text, please include a link to this page.
John Christopher Grant, Jr. (born November 7, 1974) is a professional lacrosse player who has played in the Major Lacrosse League, the National Lacrosse League and the Ontario Lacrosse Association. Grant Jr. was named coordinator of the men’s lacrosse offensive at Johns Hopkins University in 2020.
Personal Site
Grant is the son of John Grant, Sr., former star of the Ontario Lacrosse Association and the original Philadelphia Wings.Grant Jr., known as the Junior, holds a degree in physical education from the University of Delaware. He is married to Rygen Rogers and has one daughter, born in 2010.
career OLA
Grant began his career with the Ontario Lacrosse Association of the Peterborough Lakers in the OLA Junior A Lacrosse League. In 1994, he was named the OLA League’s Most Valuable Player for Junior Lacrosse, and in 1993, 1994 and 1995 he was the league’s top scorer. In 1995, Grant moved into the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) with the Peterborough Lakers, where he received the Rookie of the Year award.In 2000, Grant received the MSL Most Valuable Player award. In 2002 and 2003, Grant moved west, playing in the Lacrosse Western Association with Coquitlam Adanax, earning All Star recognition.
Grant returned to the Peterborough Lakers in 2004 and led the team to victory in the Mann Cup, earning the Mike Kelly Memorial Trophy as Most Valuable Player in the competition. In 2006 and 2007, Grant won the Mann Cup again with the Lakers, earning his second Mann Cup MVP in 2007.
Grant changed into a Peterborough Lakers suit from the Lacrosse Main Series on July 9, 2009, returning surprisingly early from surgery. In 2010, Grant and the Peterborough Lakers won the Mann Cup again, beating the New Westminster Salmon.
College Career
Grant was drafted by the Buffalo Bandits in 1995, but he did not sign, instead going to college at SUNY Morrisville, where he stayed for two years, playing for future Yale coach Andy Shay. Grant moved to the University of Delaware and played the 1998 and 1999 seasons, teaming up again with Shay, who moved there as an assistant, with Fightin ‘Blue Hens, who were 23 and 8 during that time.Grant made the all-American USILA team his junior season, but really caught the country’s attention in his senior class.
In 1999, Grant scored 56 goals, 54 assists and 110 points, becoming the nation’s leader in assists and points and setting school records in both categories. He was named USILA National Collegiate Player of the Year and was awarded the Jack Turnbull Award as National Attacking Player of the Year. Grant was the first All-American USILA team in Delaware. John led the school to its first-ever NCAA quarter-finals, as well as its first season with 14 wins, with victories over multi-year lacrosse in North Carolina, the Navy and Towson, as well as 4 other top 20 teams.
Grant’s 1999 110-point season is currently ranked tenth on the NCAA’s individual singles leaderboard, while Grant is ranked 13th in career points per game. He was the last Division One player to average over 6 points per game for an entire season (1999) until Lyle Thompson did so in 2013.
In 2010, Grant was inducted into the NCAA Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Career NLL
The grant was drawn up by the Buffalo Bandits in the third round of the 1995 competition.He was never signed by the Outlaws, opting to go to college instead, returned to the draft four years later when he was first recruited by the Rochester Knights in 1999 in the NLL Draft and was named NLL Rookie of the Year for the 2000 season. He has several franchise records including most goals (347) and most points (719). Grant also tied for the fifth time in NLL history in terms of goals, third in assists per game, and 12th in points in NLL history.He also has several team records in one season, including most goals (54), most assists (60) and most points (111). Grant is also the overall leader of the team in terms of the number of goals in the playoffs (47) and points (82).
In 2007, Grant set a National League lacrosse record with 15 points in a single match (9 goals, 6 assists) for a win over the New York Titans, which has since been beaten by Mark Stinhewis. He was named Player of the Week Cum Laude for his record achievement.After the regular season, Grant was named the 2007 NLL MVP, and then on May 12, 2007, Grant ended his standout season with the Champions Cup MVP as the Knights beat the Arizona Sting 13-11 to win their second championship. On May 25, 2007, Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy presented Grant with the Key to the City in recognition of the Knights Championship.
Grant missed the entire 2009 season due to urgent surgery to remove an infection in his knee. In 2010, Grant returned to form, playing 15 of his team’s 16 games, although Rochester missed the playoffs.
On October 27, 2010, Grant (plus defender McAllen) was traded to Colorado Mammoth in exchange for 2010 NLL goalkeeper Matt Wink, as well as transition players Matt Zasha and Brad Self. Draft picks were also traded in a trade, which the Nighthawks said they performed to mitigate the effects of an aging roster, despite not wanting to deal with Grant after such a long and successful stay in Rochester.
After a strong debut season with Mammoth, in which he scored 83 points (equivalent to his 2010 total), Grant experienced one of the best years of his career in 2012.He scored his 1000th career point in January and his 500th career goal in March. set a new NLL record with 116 points in a season and was named MVP for the second time in his career.
Career MLL
He played for the Rochester Rattlers in their first season in 2001 and finished second in the league with 59 points (41 goals, 3 points, 15 assists) in 14 games. He was also named the MLL All-Star and received the league’s striker of the year award. After not playing in the league from 2002 to 2004, he returned to the Rattlers for the 2005 season.In 2007, Grant broke the league point record in a single season with 71 points, and was named Forwarding Player of the Year for the second time and was awarded the Major League MVP Lacrosse. In 2008, Grant led the league in scoring with 64 points (47 goals, 4 two-pointers, 13 assists) and was named Major League Bud Light 2008 Most Valuable Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Grant and the Rattlers won the MLL Championship in 2008 with a 16-6 defeat to Denver. It was the Rattlers’ first MLL title.
He, along with the rest of the franchise and the Rattlers’ roster, moved to the Toronto (later Hamilton) Nationals when the franchise was bought by a new group of owners in 2009.
On June 14, 2011, it was announced that Grant Jr. had been traded to the Long Island Lizards for a second round pick in the 2012 college draft, which would be a round 4 pick unless Grant Jr. reports. Nationals general manager Jody Gagemdash – the same GM that replaced Grant from Knighthawksmdash – cited the desire to move with a younger roster as a factor in deciding the deal.
In February 2012, Grant Jr. was traded to the Chesapeake Bayhawks, along with defender Michael Simon, in exchange for attacker Brendan Mandorf and the 16th pick in the 2014 Collegiate Draft in September 2013. He spent two and a half seasons with the Bandits before being traded to his sixth team, The Ohio Machine, in June 2016 after starting with the Bandits in Season 2-6. In the final game of the regular season, Jr. Grant scored ten goals, scoring a huge win over the New York Lizards, finishing in the playoffs for Car and becoming the first MLL player to score 10 goals in the game.Grant Jr. helped “Machine” get to its first championship game that summer, but faced his former team at the Denver Outlaws, which won seven straight wins. The Machine pulled a huge lead and Jr. Grant lost his first championship game, 19-18, in a match lagging behind the weather. Grant Jr., 42, announced his retirement from the league on April 19, 2017.
Return from pension
On May 27, 2019, John Grant Jr. announced that he would be returning to the Denver Outlaws playing field.He has already worked as an assistant coach for the Outlaws for the past two years, but in the summer of 2019 he will be playing the role of coach. At 44, Grant Jr. will become the oldest active Major League lacrosse player. He only needed five points to surpass Paul Rabil as the top scorer in MLL history. He hit that mark on June 9 with an 18-16 win over Atlanta Blaze.
On July 9, the league announced that 44-year-old John Grant Jr. had been selected for the MLL All Star match. As of July 9, Grant Jr. is ranked 11th in the league in terms of points (18), scoring 10 goals and assisting eight assists.
Coaching career
Grant coached the Major League Lacrosse Denver Outlaws.
In 2020, he was appointed Coordinator of the Men’s Lacrosse Offensive at Johns Hopkins University.
International Lacrosse Quarry
In 2006, Grant and Gary Gate led the Canadian national lacrosse team to a historic 2006 Lacrosse World Cup win over the United States (15–10). Grant led the points and assists tournament and was selected to the All-World team.He has also represented Canada in the following events:
World Lacrosse Championship, Silver Medal
Heritage Cup, Silver Medal
World Lacrosse Championship, Silver Medal
World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, Gold Medal
Heritage Cup Gold Medal
Championship Lacrosse World Championship, gold medal
World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, gold medal
World Lacrosse Championship, silver medal
World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, gold medal
Achievements
1994 OLA Junior Most Valuable Player
1995 MLS Rookie of the Year
US National University Player of the Year 1999
1999 National College Striker of the Year
2000 NLL Rookie of the Year
2000 MSL Most Valuable Player
2001 MLL Best Attacker of the Year
World Cup 2003 Indoor Lacrosse Years (Canada)
2004 Heritage Cup Champions (Canada)
2004 Mann Cup Champions (Peterborough Lakers)
Mann Cup Most Valuable Player 2004
2006 Lacrosse World Championship (Canada)
2006 2006 Lacrosse World Championship – World Team
2006 Mann Cup Champion (Peterborough Lakers)
2007 NLL Most Valuable Player
2007 NBL Champions Cup Champion (Rochester Knighthawks)
2007 NLL Champions Cup Most Valuable Player
2007 Lacrosse World Champion (Canada)
2007 MLL Abusive Player of the Year
2007 MLL Most Valuable Player
2007 Mann Cup Champion (Peterborough Lakers)
20 07 Mann Cup Most Valuable Player
Best Forward 2008 MLL
2008 MLL Most Valuable Player
2008 Steinfeld Cup Champion (Rochester Rattlers)
2009 MLL Steinfeld Cup Champion (Toronto Nationals)
2010 Mann Cup Champion (Peterborough Lakers)
2010 World Lacrosse Championship – All World Team (Top Attacker)
2012 NLL Most Valuable Player
2012 MLL Steinfeld Cup Champion (Chesapeake Bayhawks)
2012 Mann Cup Champion (Peterborough Lakers)
2013 MLL Steinfeld Cup Champion (Chesapeake Bayhawks)
MLL Steinfeld Cup Champion (Denver Outlaws)
Statistics
NLL
Ref –
Major League Lacrosse
Ref –
Canadian Lacrosse Association
University of Delaware
– (a) 11th place in the men’s division of the NCAA I “Single Season Total Points”.
– (b) 15th Place in the NCAA Men’s Division I Career Points – Per Game
1999 Game Magazine of the Season
Awards
Text on this page is based on Wikipedia page translation by John Grant Jr.
Material used under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License
United States men’s national lacrosse team
USA Men’s National Lacrosse Team won ten of the thirteen Lacrosse World Championships, most recent in 2018.Team USA finished second in three other field lacrosse tournaments, losing to Canada in 1978, 2006 and 2014.
Team organized by US Lacrosse National Governing Body. The squad is usually made up of professional lacrosse players who play in the Major League of Lacrosse or the Premier League of Lacrosse.
Competition achievements
Olympic Games
Games | Representative | End | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
1904 St. Louis | St. Louis Athletics Association | Silver |
World Championship
Team USA against the MLL All-Stars in 2006.
Year | Location | |
---|---|---|
1967 | Toronto, Canada | Gold |
1974 | Melbourne, Australia | Gold |
1978 | Stockport, England | Silver |
1982 | Baltimore, USA | Gold |
1986 | Toronto, Canada | Gold |
1990 | Perth, Australia | Gold |
1994 | Manchester, England | Gold |
1998 | Baltimore, USA | Gold |
2002 | Perth, Australia | Gold |
2006 | London, Canada | Silver |
2010 | Manchester, England | Gold |
2014 | Commerce City, USA | Silver |
2018 | Netanya, Israel | Gold |
Team 2018
American Lacrosse announced the final 23-man squad for the 2018 Lacrosse World Cup on January 7, 2018.
2014 Team
US Lacrosse ended their 23-man squad on June 30, 2014, removing eight players who were on the roster for the USA Team All-Star vs. MLL All Star on June 26, 2014.
Initial Attack
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ned Crotty | Duke 2010 | 2010 | New York | Won the 2010 NCAA Championship, 2010 Tewaaraton Trophy winner, 1st All-American Team 2009 and 2010. |
Brendan Mundorf | UMBC 2006 | 2010 | Chesapeake | Played for Australia in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship, 2012 MVP MLL. |
Rob Pannell | Cornell 2013 | New York | Won Tevaaraton in 2013, will attack from behind a cage |
Other forwards
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Markus Holman | UNC 2013 | Ohio | 1st Team All-American in 2013 | |
Kevin Levale | Massachusetts 2003 | Rochester | His younger brother Mike Levale (Syracuse 2008) was on the 2010 team, a spare on the 2010 team. | |
Garrett Tool | Army 2013 | Florida |
Starting Midfielder
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kevin Buchanan | Ohio State 2008 | Boston | ||
Paul Rabiel | Johns Hopkins 2008 | 2010 | Boston | Won the NCAA Championship 2005 and 2007; 1st Team All-American in 2006, 2007 and 2008 |
Max Seibald | Cornell 2009 | 2010 | New York | Won Tewaaraton in 2009 |
Other midfielders
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Matt Abbott | Syracuse 2009 | Chesapeake | Won two NCAA Championships (2008 and 2009).), 1st team All-American in 2009, his father and grandfather played poorly in Syracuse, assistant coach with his brother Mike at Colgate, second in the US team with four goals in the victory over the MLL All Starts on June 26, 2014 … | |
Dan Burns | Maryland 2011 | Chesapeake | Walk in college | |
Kyle Harrison | Johns Hopkins 2005 | 2006 | Ohio | Won the 2005 NCAA Championship, won the Tewaaraton 2005. |
David Lawson | Duke 2013 | Rochester | Won the 2010 and 2013 NCAA Championships, 1st Team All-American in 2013. |
Throw-in
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chris Eck | Colgate ’08 | Boston | won 60% of faceoffs in 2014 MLL | |
Greg Gurenlian | PA ’06 | New York |
Protection start
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tucker Durkin | Johns Hopkins 2013 | Chesapeake | 1st Team All-American in 2012 and 2013 | |
Michael Evans | Johns Hopkins 2009 | Chesapeake | Won the 2007 NCAA Championship, 1st Team All-American in 2009. | |
Li Zink | Maryland 2004 | Denver Outlaws | Best MLL Defender 2012 & 2013, 1st Team All-American 2004, Deputy Team 2010 |
Other protectors
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mitch Belisle (D / LSM / SSDM) | Cornell 2007 | Boston | 1st Team All-American in 2007, short and long stick at MLL | |
Jesse Bernhardt (D / LSM) | Maryland 2013 | Chesapeake | 1st Team All-American in 2013, led Team USA with six goals against MLL All Star Team on June 26, 2014. | |
Kyle Hartzell (D / LSM) | Salisbury 2007 | New York |
Goalkeepers
name | College | Previous US lineups | 2014 MLL Team | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drew Adams | Pennsylvania, 2009 | New York | As a rookie, played with 2010 goalkeeper Brian Dougherty. | |
Jesse Schwartzman | Johns Hopkins 2007 | Denver | Won the NCAA Championship 2005 and 2007. |
Team 2010
Attackers
name | College | Previous US lineups | Record |
---|---|---|---|
Ryan Boyle | Princeton 2004 | 2002, 2006 | Played MLL 2014 for Boston.Withdrew from the US Qualifying Pool in 2014. |
Ned Crotty | Duke 2010 | ||
Mike Levey | Syracuse 2008 | Skipped the 2011, 2012 and 2014 MLL seasons due to regular work at NBC | |
Brendan Mundorf | UMBC 2008 | ||
Ryan Powell | Syracuse 2000 | 2006 | 2010 – Captain of the US team, operates the Rhino Lacrosse in Portland, Oregon. |
Drew Westervelt | USMB 2008 | In the 2014 MLL All-Star game against the USA, with the 2014 USA training squad. |
Midfielders
name | College | Previous US lineups | Record |
---|---|---|---|
Kevin Cassez | Duke 2003 | 2002, 2006 | Lehigh Weak Coach, Assistant Coach, 2014 USA |
Kyle Dixon | Virginia 2006 | ||
Stephen Peyser | Johns Hopkins 2008 | ||
Paul Rabiel | Johns Hopkins 2008 | ||
Chris Schiller | Pennsylvania 1999 | ||
Max Seibald | Cornell 2009 | ||
Alex Smith | Delaware 2007 | ||
Matt Striebel | Princeton 2001 | 2002, 2006 | |
Matt Zash | Duke 2006 |
Protection
name | College | Previous US lineups | Record |
---|---|---|---|
Joe Chinoski | Maryland 2009 | Assistant Lacrosse Trainer at Mount St.Mary’s, Volunteer Assistant Trainer at Duke in 2013. | |
DJ Driscoll | Notre Dame 2006 | ||
Eric Martin | Salisbury 2004 | ||
Ryan McClay | Cornell 2003 | 2002 | |
Sean Endowed | Johns Hopkins 2001 | Lacks Head Coach of Team Towson | |
Kyle Sweeney (LSM) | Georgetown 2003 | 2006 | In the 2014 MLL All-Star game against the USA, with the 2014 USA training squad. |
Goalkeepers
name | College | Previous US lineups |
---|---|---|
Brian Dougherty | Maryland 1996 | 1998 |
Adam Fullerton | Army 2008 |
Four-time national team member
Player | Position | College | Lineups USA |
---|---|---|---|
John DeTommaso | Protection | Johns Hopkins | 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 |
Winnie Sombrotto | Midfielder | Hofstra | 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 |
Three-time national team member
Players are listed alphabetically by last name.
Player | Position | College | Lineups USA |
---|---|---|---|
Ryan Boyle | Attack | Princeton | 2002, 2006, 2010 |
Jim Burke | Protection | Cortland | 1982, 1986, 1990 |
Kevin Cassez | Midfielder | Duke | 2002, 2006, 2010 |
Zach Colburn | Protection | Pennsylvania | 1990, 1994, 1998 |
Ned Crotty | Attack | Duke | 2010, 2014, 2018 |
Jim Darkangelo | Midfielder | Towson | 1978, 1982, 1986 |
Norm Engelke | Midfielder | Cornell | 1982, 1986, 1990 |
Sal LoCascio | Goalkeeper | Massachusetts | 1990, 1994, 1998 |
Larry Quinn | Goalkeeper | Johns Hopkins | 1986, 1990, 1994 |
Paul Rabil | Midfielder | Johns Hopkins | 2010, 2014, 2018 |
Matt Striebel | Midfielder | Princeton | 2002, 2006, 2010 |