Josh Byrne Bio
Josh Byrne is a Canadian professional lacrosse player who competes for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League and the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse. A versatile forward in box lacrosse and attacker in field lacrosse, he is recognized as one of the premier playmakers in the sport. Byrne was named the 2024 NLL Most Valuable Player and has captured multiple league championships across both the indoor and outdoor games.
Born on April 15, 1994, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Byrne was selected first overall by the Buffalo Bandits in the 2017 NLL Entry Draft. He has also represented Canada on the international stage, earning medals at the World Lacrosse Championship, the World Games, and the World Lacrosse Box Championships.
Early Life and Background
Josh Byrne was born in New Westminster, British Columbia, to an Irish father and a Trinidadian mother, giving him a multicultural upbringing in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. He grew up in a region with a deep tradition of box lacrosse, and the sport became a central part of his childhood. Byrne attended New Westminster Secondary School, where he continued to develop his skills among some of the most competitive junior lacrosse programs in Canada.
As a teenager, Byrne played junior lacrosse for his hometown New Westminster Salmonbellies of the BC Junior A Lacrosse League, gaining valuable experience against top young talent in the province. His early play in British Columbia helped establish the foundation for a professional career, as he developed a reputation as a skilled scorer and creative playmaker.
Byrne later moved south to continue his education and athletic career in the United States. He played collegiately at ASA College and Nassau Community College in New York before transferring to Hofstra University for the 2016 to 2017 season. At Hofstra, he delivered an outstanding senior campaign, scoring 71 goals and recording 111 points in 29 games, a performance that helped propel him to the top of the 2017 NLL Draft.
Path to Lacrosse
Byrne’s progression through the Canadian junior ranks with the New Westminster Salmonbellies provided the springboard for his professional career. His performance in the BC Junior A Lacrosse League drew the attention of Western Lacrosse Association scouts, and in 2016 he was selected first overall by the Burnaby Lakers in the WLA draft. In 16 regular-season games with the Lakers, he tallied 12 goals and 33 assists, demonstrating the vision and passing ability that would later define his style.
His outstanding senior season at Hofstra University elevated his draft stock further, as he ranked among the most productive scorers in collegiate lacrosse. The combination of junior success, strong college production, and high-end athleticism made him the clear choice for the Buffalo Bandits at the top of the 2017 NLL Entry Draft. He was also selected 19th overall by the Chesapeake Bayhawks in the 2017 Major League Lacrosse draft, confirming his status as one of the most sought-after prospects in the sport.
Josh Byrne Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Byrne began his professional career in 2017 with the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and the Chesapeake Bayhawks in Major League Lacrosse. In his rookie NLL season, he made an immediate impact, earning the 2017 NLL Rookie of the Year award. He split his time between indoor and outdoor lacrosse, gaining experience at the highest levels in both formats.
With the Chesapeake Bayhawks, Byrne played the 2017 and 2018 Major League Lacrosse seasons, contributing as a young attacker in one of the league’s most established organizations. He continued to develop his field game while sharpening his indoor skills during the NLL season, building the all-around profile that would soon make him a star.
Premier Lacrosse League Breakthrough (2019–2021)
When the Premier Lacrosse League launched in 2019, Byrne joined Chaos Lacrosse Club and quickly became a central figure for the organization. He helped lead Chaos to PLL Championship game appearances in 2020 and 2022, and ultimately to the PLL Championship in 2021. His field lacrosse abilities allowed him to play a leading role in the league’s early years.
Byrne’s time with Chaos included appearances in two league title games and the 2021 championship victory, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer. He ranked among the team’s most productive attackers during the PLL regular season, using his shooting and playmaking skills to set up teammates and create scoring opportunities.
Buffalo Bandits Era (2017–Present)
Byrne has remained with the Buffalo Bandits throughout his NLL career, evolving from a promising rookie into one of the league’s brightest stars. After reaching the NLL Cup Finals in 2019 and 2022, he helped the Bandits capture NLL Cup championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. His consistent production has been a hallmark of Buffalo’s dynasty.
In 2024, Byrne was named the NLL Most Valuable Player, a recognition of his offensive impact and leadership on the floor. He was also named the Finals MVP that same year, highlighting his ability to deliver in the biggest moments. In April 2022, Byrne opted to leave Chaos and the PLL, choosing to focus on box lacrosse with Six Nations in Major Series Lacrosse and the Bandits, citing health concerns and a desire to play alongside several of his teammates.
Driving Style and Strengths
Byrne is a left-handed forward whose game is built on creativity, vision, and scoring instincts. He excels at setting up teammates with precise passes while also being a dangerous finisher around the net, and his ability to play both indoor box lacrosse and outdoor field lacrosse at a high level sets him apart from most peers. His competitive drive and hockey-style background in British Columbia have helped him develop a physical, hard-to-defend presence in tight spaces.
Notable Events and Milestones
Byrne’s signature moments include leading the Bandits to NLL Cup titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as winning the 2021 PLL Championship with Chaos. He was named the 2024 NLL MVP and Finals MVP, and he earned a World Games gold medal in 2022 and a World Lacrosse Box Championship in 2024 while representing Canada.
Josh Byrne Career Wins
Josh Byrne has built a championship resume across multiple leagues and international competitions. He has won three NLL Cup titles with the Buffalo Bandits, a PLL Championship with Chaos, and major international gold medals with Canada at the World Games and the World Lacrosse Box Championships.
Buffalo Bandits Highlights
Byrne has won NLL Cup championships with the Buffalo Bandits in 2023, 2024, and 2025, forming part of one of the most successful runs in franchise history. He reached the NLL Cup Finals with the Bandits in 2019 and 2022 before finally breaking through in 2023. He was named the 2024 NLL Most Valuable Player and the Finals MVP that same year.
Other Wins and Performances
In the Premier Lacrosse League, Byrne won the 2021 championship with Chaos Lacrosse Club, after reaching the title game in 2020 and 2022. Internationally, he won a World Games gold medal with Canada in 2022 in Birmingham and a World Lacrosse Box Championship in 2024 in Utica, while also finishing as a runner-up at the 2018 and 2023 World Lacrosse Championships.
Josh Byrne Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Byrne was raised in New Westminster, British Columbia, by an Irish father and a Trinidadian mother, a multicultural background that shaped his early life in the Lower Mainland. He grew up surrounded by a strong lacrosse community in British Columbia, which has produced many of Canada’s top box lacrosse players.
Personal Life
Byrne is a Black Canadian and has been an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement alongside his longtime teammate Dhane Smith. The two co-host a podcast called The Dhane and Josh Show, discussing lacrosse, life, and culture. Byrne continues to reside in the lacrosse hotbed of southern Ontario and British Columbia while pursuing his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NLL season, Josh Byrne continued his role as one of the central figures behind the Buffalo Bandits’ pursuit of another championship. The Bandits captured the 2025 NLL Cup, extending their dynasty with Byrne playing a leading offensive role throughout the campaign. His performance reinforced his standing among the league’s elite forwards.
Byrne’s chemistry with teammate Dhane Smith remained a defining feature of Buffalo’s attack, with the duo continuing to headline one of the most productive scoring combinations in the league. His experience from the 2023 and 2024 championship runs allowed him to provide leadership to a deep Bandits roster in 2025.
Looking beyond 2025, Byrne is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bandits and to continue representing Canada in international competition, including the World Lacrosse Championship and box championship events. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and postseason experience positions him as a central figure in the sport for years to come.
