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Cannons Champ Series

Four big takeaways from 2025 Lexus Championship Series rosters

By PLL Beat Writers | Jan 7, 2025

An eight-time All-Star debuting for the reigning champion Boston Cannons. Some intriguing new faces on the Maryland Whipsnakes (though not the one they recently traded for). A very different New York Atlas squad from the team's last Championship Series appearance. A balanced and dangerous Utah Archers outfit.

Here are our beat writers' biggest takeaways from the 2025 Lexus Championship Series rosters, which were released Tuesday. 

Boston Cannons: Cannons ready to run it back with new and old faces

The Cannons are heading into the Championship Series as the reigning champs, bringing a mix of fresh faces and familiar talent ready to defend their title.

Perhaps the biggest storyline is, of course, the long-awaited debut of Will Manny, who signed as a free agent with Boston in July but didn’t suit up during the regular season. Known for his sharp-shooting and offensive smarts, Manny is poised to make an immediate impact. Another exciting addition is Carter Parlette, who’s not only making his Cannons debut, but also stepping onto the pro stage for the first time. As a defensive middie, Parlette is expected to play a key role in transition alongside Jeff Trainor, Ethan Rall and Bubba Fairman, a group that thrives on creating fast-break opportunities.

However, the roster isn’t without its changes. The most notable absence is Matt Kavanagh, who scored the game-winning goal in last year’s Championship Series title game. Even without “Clutch Kavanagh,” the Cannons have certainly assembled a balanced squad, anchored by their offensive powerhouses in Asher Nolting, Marcus Holman and Matt Campbell.

With a strong focus on transitional play and a clear drive to defend their title, the Cannons are primed to make another serious run at the Championship Series crown. – Sarah Griffin

Maryland Whipsnakes: A formidable group, but no Matt Brandau

On paper, it feels like this Whipsnakes team is well-positioned for a run at the Champ Series title.

I really like their two-way midfield depth; Ryan Conrad, Roman Puglise, Jack Koras, Colin Heacock and Wheaton Jackoboice are all athletes in the middle of the field that should be the engine of this roster.

Attackmen Matt Rambo and TJ Malone will be more of offensive threats, and the return of All-Star midfielder Brad Smith will excite Whipsnakes fans.

Couple all of that with the additions of Jacob Angelus, a shifty attacker from Hopkins, Dylan Pallonetti, a lefty shooter by way of Stony Brook, and Tate Gallagher, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound midfielder, and the Whipsnakes look in good shape. Not to mention Brendan Krebs and Will Mark holding it down between the pipes.

Of note is that newly acquired attackman Matt Brandau is not on the roster because rosters for the Champ Series were set before Brandau's trade from the Philadelphia Waterdogs on Dec. 16. – Adam Lamberti

New York Atlas: Can Bryan Costabile lead the Atlas back into the Sixes spotlight?

The Atlas’ point production in Sixes will likely be led by Xander Dickson and Connor Shellenberger, two of the more prominent scorers on the most efficient offense in the league in 2024. But New York will need Bryan Costabile to return to his past Championship Series form and again capitalize on the shorter two-point arc.

Costabile put up a runner-up 37 points in the 2023 round-robin tournament, the last time the Atlas qualified, and is only one of two players from that roster, along with Koby Smith, to return to the St. James with the Atlas in 2025.

The most notable absentee is, of course, Jeff Teat, who put up a PLL-record 64 points this regular season. But another big loss is Dox Aitken, who was one of the Atlas’ best downhill dodgers off the faceoff last season. Though there are few faceoffs to worry about in Sixes, Aitken’s presence in transition and pure athleticism in a game that requires back-and-forth sprints will be missed. – Lauren Merola

Utah Archers: Utah adds needed offensive firepower

The Archers’ 2025 Champ Series roster is reloaded with offensive talent. Mac O’Keefe and Grant Ament will add stretch shooting and a dodging threat, which the club missed last February.

Meanwhile, Beau Pederson, Mason Woodward, Piper Bond and Connor Maher make up a stellar defensive unit that can make plays on the other end. That should make offense and substitution easier, while the club’s near-perfect balance of righties and lefties will ensure balance on either side of the offense. – Zach Carey

The 2025 Lexus Championship Series will be held Feb. 11-17 at The St. James in Springfield, Va. Click here to view the full tournament schedule.  

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