The Boston Cannons open their season at home this afternoon as they take on the two-time defending champion Chesapeake Bayhawks. Boston has seen plenty of overturn in an offseason after they failed to make the playoffs.
Boston will have Paul Rabil in the lineup, a rarity since he typically plays NLL when the season begins, but he skipped the 2014 NLL season. Matt Poskay will be out as he is still coaching NCAA.
Brodie Merrill is in the lineup for the first time after he was traded from Florida to the Cannons. Joining him is Martin Cahill from the Launch. Boston also added LXM midfielders Brendon Porter and Eric Martin, though Martin will be out to start the season.
Audio: Paul Rabil on Toucher and Rich
The Bayhawks have not seen much turnover from their championship squad, however they have added former MLL MVP Brendan Mundorf from the Denver Outlaws, and midfielder Peet Poillon from the Charlotte Hounds.
For the Cannons the key will be the chemistry of their rebuilt defense and how well it holds back the strong attack of the Bayhawks. Along with Merrill they have Mitch Belisle and Kyle Sweeney, a veteran crew.
The Cannons and Bayhawks split their series last year 1-1, but the Bayhawks made the playoffs while the Cannons sat at home. The Cannons should come out with more energy as they try to use their rebuilt roster for a playoff run.
