Ben McIntosh Bio
Ben McIntosh (born May 28, 1991) is a Canadian professional lacrosse player who competes at the highest levels of both box and field lacrosse. He plays for the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and for the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). McIntosh was named to the All World Team at the 2018 World Lacrosse Championship, recognizing him as one of the top players in the international game.
A versatile athlete, McIntosh lines up as a forward and transition player in box lacrosse and as a midfielder in field lacrosse. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds, he combines size with skill to influence both ends of the floor. He has built his reputation as a consistent scorer and a dependable two-way presence since turning professional in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Ben McIntosh was born on May 28, 1991, in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in the Lower Mainland gave him access to one of the most active lacrosse communities in North America, where box lacrosse has deep roots. The sport is woven into the culture of British Columbia, and McIntosh developed his early skills in that environment.
Before his college career, McIntosh attended Western Reserve Academy, a preparatory school located in the United States. There he was named first team All Midwest in lacrosse, and he also earned recognition as a strong center on the school’s ice hockey team. His time at Western Reserve also put him on the same roster as future NCAA Goaltender of the Year Kyle Bernlohr, giving him a glimpse of high-level competition at a young age.
Path to Lacrosse
McIntosh’s path to professional lacrosse accelerated when he enrolled at Drexel University. He became a two-time All American and led the Drexel Dragons to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance, advancing all the way to the 2014 NCAA Quarterfinals. That same season he set the Drexel single-season record for goals with 48, a mark that still bears his name in the program.
His college success translated into national attention during draft season. McIntosh was selected first overall in the 2014 NLL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Rush, who had acquired the pick in a trade with the Minnesota Swarm. He was also picked 62nd overall in the 2014 MLL Collegiate Draft by the Denver Outlaws, signaling that he was regarded as a top prospect across both codes of the sport.
Ben McIntosh Career
Early Career (2015)
McIntosh made an immediate impact in his rookie NLL season with the Edmonton Rush in 2015. He appeared in 18 games as a starter, recording 37 goals and 49 assists for 86 points. That production earned him the 2015 NLL Rookie of the Year award, which he won with seven first-place votes.
That same year, McIntosh also began his Western Lacrosse Association career with the Maple Ridge Burrards after being the first overall pick in the 2013 WLA draft. In the MLL, he was selected by the Chesapeake Bayhawks in a 2015 supplemental draft, further expanding his professional footprint across North American lacrosse.
Edmonton Rush Era (2015–2020)
McIntosh’s tenure with the Edmonton Rush quickly turned into a championship run. He helped the Rush capture the 2015 NLL Champion’s Cup in his rookie year, adding a league title to his individual trophy. The franchise, which relocated and rebranded as the Saskatchewan Rush, continued its success, winning the Champion’s Cup again in 2016 and 2018 while reaching the NLL finals in 2017.
Beyond the NLL, McIntosh added WLA championships with the Maple Ridge Burrards in 2016 and 2018. His ability to translate his box skills into summer league dominance made him one of the most respected two-way players in Canada. In 2018, he was also named to the All World Team at the World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya, Israel, where Canada finished as runner-up.
Philadelphia Wings and PLL Era (2019–Present)
In 2019, McIntosh joined the Premier Lacrosse League for its inaugural season, playing for Paul Rabil’s Archers Lacrosse Club. He later moved to the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club in the 2020 PLL expansion draft, where he has continued to feature as a midfield contributor.
In mid-2020, McIntosh was traded from the Saskatchewan Rush to the Philadelphia Wings in exchange for Josh Currier, opening a new chapter in his NLL career. With Philadelphia, he has remained a regular in the lineup, bringing veteran scoring and leadership to a rebuilding franchise. Internationally, he added a World Indoor Lacrosse Championship title with Canada in 2019 in Langley, British Columbia.
Driving Style and Strengths
McIntosh is recognized for his well-rounded skill set on the floor. He blends a powerful shot with the playmaking vision to set up teammates, making him a threat both as a finisher and a creator. His transition play in the box game and his two-way work rate in field lacrosse allow coaches to use him in a variety of roles, from power-play forward to defensive midfielder.
Notable Events and Milestones
Some of the most memorable moments of McIntosh’s career include his 86-point rookie season, the 2015 NLL title, and his 2018 All World Team selection at the World Lacrosse Championship. He also set the Drexel single-season goal record with 48 in 2014 and won a World Indoor Lacrosse Championship with Canada in 2019.
Ben McIntosh Career Wins
Ben McIntosh has built a strong championship resume across multiple professional leagues. His collection of titles includes NLL Champion’s Cups, WLA league championships, and a World Indoor Lacrosse Championship gold medal with Canada.
NLL and WLA Highlights
In the NLL, McIntosh has won three Champion’s Cups, including titles in 2015, 2016, and 2018 with the Edmonton/Saskatchewan Rush organization. He was also named the 2015 NLL Rookie of the Year after a dominant first professional season. In the WLA, he captured league championships with the Maple Ridge Burrards in 2016 and 2018, the same summer he earned his All World selection on the international stage.
Other Wins and Performances
McIntosh contributed to Canada’s silver medal at the 2018 World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya and helped Canada win gold at the 2019 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Langley. He also helped Drexel reach the 2014 NCAA Quarterfinals, the program’s deepest run at the time.
Ben McIntosh Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed information about Ben McIntosh’s parents and family background is not publicly available in verified sources. His early development took place in British Columbia, a region known for producing many of Canada’s top lacrosse talents.
Personal Life
Public details about McIntosh’s personal relationships are limited. He is known to reside in North America while continuing his professional career with the Philadelphia Wings and Waterdogs Lacrosse Club.
2025 Season Performance
Ben McIntosh enters the 2025 season continuing his role with the Philadelphia Wings in the NLL and the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club in the PLL. With several seasons now in Philadelphia, he is expected to remain a veteran leader for a young Wings roster aiming to climb the standings.
His dual commitment to box and field lacrosse keeps him on a busy annual schedule, with NLL action in the winter and spring and PLL play in the summer. The Waterdogs continue to build around experienced midfielders, and McIntosh’s two-way game fits that identity.
As one of the few active players with both an NLL title and a World Indoor gold medal, McIntosh brings a championship pedigree to both locker rooms. His 2025 outlook centers on staying healthy, producing offensively, and helping his teams make a deeper push into the postseason.