Chrome LC has signed short-stick defensive midfielder Harrison Bardwell to a Championship Series contract.

Bardwell was a mainstay for Cornell’s defense in the midfield for his entire collegiate career. An undrafted free agent, he played a key role in Cornell's deep playoff run last season, helping lead them to the championship. 

Now with the Championship Series, Bardwell will get his first real chance to show what he can bring to a professional roster.

“Being a defensive midfielder, his athleticism speaks for itself,” remarked Chrome head coach Tim Soudan. “He’s tough, he’s got good size, and Coach Kerwick couldn’t say enough good things about him.” 

Matt Kerwick, the former Cornell head coach and now assistant coach with the Chrome, shares a strong connection with Bardwell having recruited him. Soudan said it came down to a coach’s choice in the sense they decided to “go with what they know.”

“We know he fits our culture and that’s just as important as what he can do for us on the field. He’s a great, hard-working kid and a team guy. He fits all our criteria.”

Soudan lauded Bardwell’s natural athleticism in particular, something that’ll certainly help the team out in such a fast-paced version of the game. Having a defensive-minded guy with speed in this unique Olympic-style of play is a huge asset to any team. 

The Championship Series will give Bardwell a unique opportunity to showcase his skill set on the professional stage. Given the unique set of skills required to play short-stick defensive midfield, it could be an integral week for the young defender. 

Bardwell’s one of the first Championship Series signings of the offseason. The PLL trade window will close on December 2nd.

The Championship Series comes to The St. James in Washington, D.C. from February 22nd through 26th as the top four teams from the 2022 regular season compete against one another in a round robin style tournament. Learn more about the Championship Series here.