Brodie Merrill needs no introduction. The all-time leader in ground balls and the man behind the namesake of the league’s long-stick midfielder of the year award, Merrill revolutionized the position and will have a lasting impact on the sport of lacrosse forever. 

Now, this week, Merrill will take on a new challenge in the 2024 Championship Series as the legendary former Boston Cannon reunites with his old squad as an assistant coach.

Merrill helped coach Team Canada to a gold medal in sixes in the 2022 World Games. Canada was the first team to win a gold medal in sixes and did so in dominant fashion, defeating the United States in the gold medal game 23-9. 

With his experience in sixes and success over the years as a coach at every level in every format of the game, Merrill brings a tried and true winning culture to the Cannons. For most of Boston’s roster along with Head Coach and General Manager Brian Holman, it’ll be their first time playing sixes. 

“The challenging part is the unknown,” said Holman. “I’ve never coached a game of this style of lacrosse before, but I’m really excited for the challenge. Nobody on our team [on the Championship Series roster] besides Marcus [Holman] has played in it before. I know just from talking to the guys how excited they are for the challenge too.”  

Certainly, it’ll be a huge advantage having Merrill along for the ride to provide guidance.

Merrill and the Cannons open up the Championship Series on Wednesday night against the California Redwoods at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.