Rookie of the Year finalist Connor Shellenberger will not participate in the 2025 Lexus Championship Series, the New York Atlas announced Saturday.

The All-Star Atlas attackman was ruled out for the Championship Series for medical reasons. Christian Mulé replaced him on New York's roster. 

Shellenberger finished his first PLL regular season with 26 points (15G, 11A) in eight games, including a three-goal, five-assist performance in his professional debut. The former Virginia star missed New York's final regular-season game with a foot injury and did not play in the team's semifinal loss to the Maryland Whipsnakes.

Mulé played his final year of collegiate lacrosse at Syracuse in 2024. He previously attended Lehigh, where he tallied 183 points during his tenure with the Mountain Hawks.

At Syracuse, Mulé started all 18 games at attack for the Orange, finishing with 44 points (25G, 19A). 

“Chris is someone I have always kept my eye on while he was at Lehigh and also Syracuse,” Atlas acting head coach Steven Brooks said. “He works his butt off and has a great knack for scoring as well as play-making for those around him whether it be with the ball or without.” 

Mulé signed with the Whipsnakes ahead of the 2024 season but was cut once the team roster was trimmed down to 25 players. The Championship Series will be his pro debut. 

“One thing I’m most excited for is to prove myself, prove to myself and to everybody that I could play at this level,” Mulé said. “Obviously, I tried out in the summer and it didn’t work out with the Whipsnakes, but this is just another opportunity to go out there and show how much lacrosse means to me.”

The Atlas will open Championship Series play against the Whipsnakes on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. ET at The St. James in Springfield, Va.