Boston Cannons Overview
The Boston Cannons are a professional field lacrosse team based in Boston, Massachusetts, that competes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Founded in 2001, the team originally played in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) before joining the PLL following the 2020 MLL-PLL merger. The Cannons are one of the founding franchises of American professional field lacrosse and have established themselves as one of the most successful organizations in the sport, winning four professional championships across two leagues. The team plays its home games at Harvard Stadium and sports team colors of navy blue, red, silver, and white. Under the leadership of president Matt Dwyer and head coach Brian Holman, the Cannons continue to be a prominent force in professional lacrosse with a strong presence in the Boston sports community.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Boston Cannons were established as one of the original six teams when Major League Lacrosse debuted in 2001. The league was founded by Jake Steinfeld, Dave Morrow, and Tim Robertson, who envisioned creating a national professional lacrosse circuit. The Cannons were uniquely positioned among the inaugural franchises as the only team to maintain its original market presence throughout the entire MLL era without relocating or folding. From their first season in 2001 through 2003, the Cannons played their home games at Cawley Memorial Stadium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
In their very first season, the Cannons demonstrated immediate competitive spirit by finishing with a 3-11 record while still qualifying for the playoffs as the second-place team in their division. This sets the foundation for a franchise that would consistently compete for championships throughout its history. The organization quickly built a dedicated following in the Greater Boston area and established itself as a cornerstone of professional lacrosse in New England.
Growth Into Major League Lacrosse Competition
The Cannons steadily expanded their operations and competitive presence throughout the mid-2000s. In 2004, the team moved to Nickerson Field at Boston University, a venue that would serve as home through the 2006 season. The 2004 and 2005 seasons proved particularly successful, as the Cannons captured back-to-back MLL American Division championships, establishing the franchise as a dominant force in the league. This early success helped build the organization’s reputation and attracted top talent to the roster.
Prior to the 2007 season, the Cannons relocated to Harvard Stadium in Allston, a neighborhood within the Boston city limits. This move placed the team in one of the most iconic athletic venues in New England and created a strong alignment between the lacrosse franchise and the city’s rich sports heritage. The proximity to downtown Boston also positioned the team strategically for fan engagement and corporate partnerships. The Cannons qualified for the MLL playoffs in multiple seasons during this era, including runs from 2001 through 2006 and again from 2009 to 2011, demonstrating consistent competitiveness.
Boston Cannons Competitive Journey
The Boston Cannons have established a legacy of sustained excellence across more than two decades of professional lacrosse competition. From their humble beginnings as an expansion team in 2001 to their current status as a two-time defending PLL Championship Series title holders, the organization has evolved through multiple leagues while maintaining their commitment to winning and community engagement. The Cannons’ journey encompasses three distinct eras: their original MLL tenure from 2001 to 2020, their transitional period as the Cannons Lacrosse Club from 2020 to 2023, and their current incarnation as the Boston Cannons since the PLL assigned home cities after the 2023 season.
Early Seasons and Development (2001–2010)
The Cannons’ first decade of competition was characterized by steady growth and the development of a winning culture. After their inaugural 3-11 season in 2001, the team continuously improved its performance. The 2004 and 2005 American Division championships represented the franchise’s first major accomplishments, though the team sought the ultimate prize of a league championship. Throughout this period, the Cannons built a reputation for developing homegrown talent and maintaining roster stability.
The coaching leadership of Bill Daye proved instrumental during these formative years. Daye would become the franchise’s all-time leader in regular-season games coached with 72 victories, regular-season games won with 43, and playoff games coached with 6. His tenure established the defensive principles and team-first mentality that would characterize Cannons lacrosse for years to come.
Breakthrough to Championship Success (2011)
The 2011 season marked the pinnacle of the Cannons’ Major League Lacrosse era. Boston finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, their best performance since posting a 10-2 mark in 2005. The Cannons entered the playoffs as a legitimate championship contender and delivered when it mattered most. In the semifinal, Boston avenged a 2010 playoff defeat to the Chesapeake Bayhawks by defeating them 14-13 with a dramatic goal from Max Quinzani. This victory set up a championship showdown with the Hamilton Nationals.
The 2011 Steinfeld Cup final proved to be a classic, with the Cannons emerging victorious 10-9 to claim their first professional championship. The win made Boston the fifth charter franchise to win a championship in MLL history. Head coach Bill Daye stepped down one month after the victory, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, but his legacy as the architect of the Cannons’ first championship remained cemented in franchise history.
Transition Period and Continued Competition (2012–2019)
The years following the 2011 championship brought both challenges and continued competitiveness. The Cannons experienced coaching changes, including the dismissal of Steve Duffy in 2013 and the subsequent hiring of John Tucker. The 2015 season saw the team return to the playoffs as the fourth seed with an 8-6 record, only to fall to the New York Lizards 16-15 in overtime. Sean Quirk was announced as the sixth head coach in franchise history on October 8, 2015, beginning a new chapter in Cannons coaching leadership.
The 2019 season represented a significant milestone as the Cannons posted a 9-7 record, their first playoff berth since 2015. The team finished third in the league standings and faced the Denver Outlaws in the semifinal. Boston got off to an impressive start, leading by as many as six goals, but ultimately fell 17-15 to end their season. That year also marked the team’s first season playing at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, where they announced two sellouts following a $1.5 million renovation of the venue.
MLL Championship Return (2020)
The 2020 season took place under extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MLL condensed its schedule to five regular-season games played over seven days at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, with no fans in attendance. The Cannons finished fourth among six teams with a 3-2 record, and notably were the only team to defeat the Denver Outlaws during the regular season.
Heading into the postseason, the Cannons were scheduled to face the Outlaws in the semifinal. However, after a Chesapeake Bayhawks player experienced COVID-19 symptoms and eventually tested positive, Chesapeake and Connecticut withdrew from the tournament. This circumstance pushed the Cannons’ semifinal matchup against Denver back one day, with the game serving as the de facto championship. Boston defeated the Outlaws for the second time in two days, winning 13-10 to capture their second Steinfeld Cup and first in nine years. Newcomer attackman Bryce Wasserman, who had played for the Dallas Rattlers the previous season, was named league MVP for his outstanding performance during the championship run.
Premier Lacrosse League Era and Cannons Lacrosse Club (2021–2022)
On December 16, 2020, the Boston Cannons officially joined the Premier Lacrosse League as its eighth team. In a significant rebranding, the team dropped “Boston” from its name to become the “Cannons Lacrosse Club,” aligning with the PLL’s nomenclature that did not initially assign home cities to franchises. The roster was set through an expansion draft, and the team began PLL competition in the 2021 season. Sean Quirk was retained as head coach, providing continuity during the transition.
The Cannons played their first PLL game on June 4, 2021, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, falling to the Redwoods Lacrosse Club 12-11. The inaugural PLL season concluded with the Cannons finishing seventh in the league and falling in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the competitive challenges of the new league, the organization maintained more of its MLL roster than other migrating teams, preserving institutional knowledge and team chemistry.
Return to Boston Cannons Identity (2023–Present)
Following the 2023 PLL season, the league assigned home cities to each of its eight teams, allowing the Cannons to officially reclaim their Boston Cannons identity. This rebranding marked a return to the franchise’s roots and strengthened the connection between the lacrosse team and its loyal fanbase. The Cannons immediately benefited from the renewed identity, posting a 7-3 record in 2023, a significant improvement from their 3-6 performance in 2022.
In 2024, the Boston Cannons achieved their most significant success in the PLL era by winning the Championship Series. The team defeated the Philadelphia Waterdogs 23-22 in overtime to capture their first PLL championship. This victory was followed by an even more impressive feat in 2025, when the Cannons became the first team in PLL history to win back-to-back Championship Series titles. The 2025 championship saw Boston defeat the Utah Archers 21-14, with Matt Campbell leading the offense with 8 points including 7 goals and 1 assist. Campbell also won the Golden Stick Award for accumulating the most points throughout the series with 23 total. Additionally, Colin Kirst set a record for the most saves during the 6v6 tournament with 72 total saves.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Boston Cannons have built their competitive identity on a foundation of strategic excellence and team-first mentality. Throughout their history, the organization has emphasized defensive solidity and clutch performance in high-pressure situations, as evidenced by their multiple championship victories decided by narrow margins. The team’s success in both the MLL and PLL demonstrates their ability to adapt to different league formats and competitive landscapes while maintaining core principles of hard work and preparation.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The franchise’s history is marked by several defining moments that shaped its legacy. The 2011 Steinfeld Cup victory over the Hamilton Nationals 10-9 represented the team’s first major championship triumph. Nine years later, the Cannons captured their second MLL title in dramatic fashion during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The transition to the PLL brought new challenges, but the organization quickly adapted, capturing Championship Series titles in both 2024 and 2025 to become the PLL’s first repeat champions. The return of the “Boston Cannons” name after the 2023 season represented an emotional homecoming for players, staff, and fans who had supported the franchise through two leagues and multiple rebranding cycles.
Boston Cannons Achievements and Results
The Boston Cannons have established one of the most decorated resumes in professional lacrosse history. Across their participation in Major League Lacrosse and the Premier Lacrosse League, the franchise has accumulated four professional championships, two division titles, and a reputation for consistent postseason contention. The team’s ability to win championships in different eras and under varying competitive formats underscores the organizational excellence that has defined the Cannons since their founding in 2001.
Major League Lacrosse Achievements
The Cannons’ MLL era produced two Steinfeld Cup championships that remain franchise cornerstones. The 2011 championship came after a 9-3 regular season, with the team defeating the Hamilton Nationals 10-9 in the final. This victory validated years of consistent effort and established Boston as a premier destination for professional lacrosse talent. The 2020 championship held special significance as it represented the final MLL title before the league’s integration with the PLL, giving the Cannons the distinction of winning both the last MLL championship and serving as the only original franchise to successfully transition to the new league structure.
Premier Lacrosse League Achievements
The Cannons’ PLL era began with a transitional period as the Cannons Lacrosse Club, but the organization quickly found championship success. The 2024 Championship Series victory over the Philadelphia Waterdogs 23-22 in overtime marked the beginning of a new dynasty. Building on this foundation, the 2025 Championship Series win made the Boston Cannons the first team to achieve back-to-back PLL titles, defeating the Utah Archers 21-14. These consecutive championships have solidified the Cannons’ position as the premier franchise in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Division Achievements
Before their championship success at the league level, the Cannons established their competitive pedigree by winning back-to-back American Division titles in 2004 and 2005. These early divisional championships served as building blocks for the franchise’s ultimate goal of winning the Steinfeld Cup, which they achieved six years after their second division title. The consistency required to capture consecutive division championships helped develop the winning culture that continues to drive the organization today.
