After announcing his retirement from playing professional lacrosse last September, seven-time All-Star Kyle Hartzell is returning to the Boston Cannons as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator.

“I’m excited to return to this team as a coach, after the privilege of playing under this coaching staff last year. It stands out as one of the best experiences in my 16-year career,” he stated. “I’m honored to build on the foundation that Coach [Mikey] Thompson established with this exceptional group of men.”

Hartzell’s storied career began in 2008 with the San Francisco Dragons in the MLL, and ended with the Cannons. The LSM won two professional championships in his career (2010, 2015), along with a gold medal as a part of Team USA in 2018.  

Though he was with the Cannons for just one season, the veteran leadership and experience he brought to the organization made it a no-brainer to bring him back on as a coach.

“Kyle Hartzell is an all-time competitor, lacrosse-mind, and coach,” said Cannons head coach and general manager Brian Holman. “We’re thrilled to have him back with the Boston Cannons organization.”

Hartzell will take the reins of a new-look Cannons defense following the free agency signing of Garrett Epple, and a trade with the Maryland Whipsnakes for Bryce Young. As Boston looks to follow up their breakout season and chase the PLL Championship, they certainly made a championship-caliber addition with their new coach.