Earlier today, Cannons LC announced they added close defenseman Cade van Raaphorst to the 25-man roster via waivers. 

Van Raaphorst, a 2022 PLL All-Star, was released by Atlas LC exactly a week ago in a move that came as  a surprise to some. The former three-time All-American at Duke ended up as the odd-man-out in the Bulls’ new defense that features two rookie poles in Gavin Adler and Brett Makar. 

This is a major pick up for the Boom Squad, and it comes at no cost. CVR is a proven talent in his fifth season as a pro, and has caused double digit turnovers in three consecutive seasons. Players of his caliber aren’t available from the player pool often, if ever. 

The 6’1”, 215-pounder immediately enhances a Cannons defensive unit that has struggled at times early on despite looking improved from a season ago. Through two games, the Cannons have given up a league-high 30 goals, six more than any other team. To this point in his career, van Raaphorst has displayed one of the more well-rounded skill sets in the league for a pole.

“I think he’s going to be a phenomenal addition to our unit defensively,” Cannons defensive coordinator Mikey Thompson said plainly.

“He's just got a real knack for causing turnovers, picking the ball up off the ground and making plays in transition… He's going to be great on those loose balls in front of the net, he's going to be great leaking up and being another two-point threat for us, and he's got a great stick in terms of knocking down passes.”

The numbers corroborate Coach Thompson’s assessment. Last season, van Raaphorst scored three two-point goals, tied for the second most in the league. Since the start of 2021, only Liam Byrnes (35), Garrett Epple (35), and new teammate Jake Pulver (32) have caused more turnovers than van Raaphorst (27). 

The Cannons had the roster spot available after they released midfielder Stephen Rehfuss prior to the season opener. Rehfuss was picked up by Atlas LC last week after the Bulls’ dropped van Raaphorst. 

CVR has not played yet this season, but will likely make his debut on Friday night when the Cannons (0-2) take on Chrome (1-1) in Columbus. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 8:30 P.M. ET.