MLL Boston Cannons

Cannons Announce 23-Man Protected Roster for 2015 Season

September 19, 2014 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release


(BOSTON, MA) - The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced their 23-man protected list for the 2015 MLL season this morning. Unprotected players automatically enter the league player pool and can be selected by any team in the Supplemental Draft taking place on December 17th.

This is the core group of guys we want to have lead a new and exciting group of players in 2015. This is the first step in getting the MLL Championship trophy back to Boston," said Cannons GM Kevin Barney.

The Cannons 23-man protected list includes veteran anchors and top scorers from 2014; Paul Rabil, Will Manny, andKevin Buchanan. The Cannons have also protected five of their draft picks from 2014; Rob Emery, Austin Kaut, Scott McWilliams, Jack Reilly, andErik Smith.

"We had to make some difficult choices based on geographic availability, market value of players, and positive impact of the Cannons Organization," added Cannons Head Coach John Tucker. "There is a great deal of talent on this roster and we look forward to acquiring the right additional pieces to move us in a positive direction.

Notable veterans who were not protected include Stephen Berger and Ryan Boyle, as both players have informed the team of their plans to retire after successful careers. Berger is a 10 year MLL veteran, his last season and a half being spent with the Cannons. Boyle is an 11 year veteran, spending 6 seasons with the Cannons. They were the Cannons 3rd and 4th leading scorers respectively last season.

Cannons Vice President and GM,Kevin Barney, weighs in on Berger's retirement, "While Stephen only joined the Cannons during last season, he brought to our team everything we hated about playing against him. He brings a contagious energy, enthusiasm and desire to win every time he steps onto the field. He plays a full 60 minutes of no quit every game. His love and passion for the game of lacrosse will be missed by fans, teammates and coaches."

Cannons Head Coach John Tucker adds, "I have always been impressed with Steven's attitude, effort and creative ability. He had a wonderful season for the Cannons - perhaps his best year in the MLL - and we are extremely grateful for all of his hard work these past two years."

Coach Tucker praises Boyle, "A brilliant tactician - fearless leader - but most of all, a winner. It has been a true honor for me to be a small part of his extraordinary career."

Kevin Barney adds, "On behalf of the entire Cannons organization and fan base I want to thank Ryan for being a part of the Cannons family for the past 6 seasons. He is one of those special players that is every GM desires to have."

Following the December 17th Supplemental Draft, the 2015 MLL Collegiate Draft will take place on Friday, January 23rd where each team will have the opportunity to fill their 40-man roster. The event will take place during the 2015 US Lacrosse National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. The Cannons currently hold the 4th, 12th, 14th and 19th overall picks in the college draft.

Boston Cannons 2015 Protected Roster

Brent Adams - Midfielder

Mitch Belisle - Defenseman

Owen Blye - Attackman

Martin Bowes - Midfielder

Kevin Buchanan - Midfielder

Craig Bunker - Faceoff/Midfielder

Jordan Burke - Goalie

Jim Connolly - Attackman

Chris Eck - Faceoff/Midfielder

Rob Emery - Midfielder

Austin Kaut - Goalie

Will Manny - Attackman

Eric Martin - Defenseman

Scott McWilliams - Defenseman

Brodie Merrill - Defenseman

Brendan Porter - Midfielder

Paul Rabil - Midfielder

Scott Ratliff - Defenseman

Jack Reilly - Defenseman

Matt Smalley - Midfielder

Erik Smith - Midfielder

Mike Stone - Midfielder

Kyle Sweeney - Defenseman

Check out the Boston Cannons Statistics



Major League Lacrosse Stories from September 19, 2014


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