The 2025 season of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is set to kick off this weekend with a series of four exciting matchups in Albany, New York. Fans will get their first glimpse of the league’s new campaign on Friday and Saturday, with teams battling it out on the field in a showcase of talent and anticipation.
This weekend’s slate is particularly special for the Contemporary York Atlas, who will host two games on their home turf. It also marks the debut of the reigning champions, the Utah Archers, providing an early opportunity to assess their title defense. Additionally, all eyes will be on the 2025 PLL draft class, as analysts and fans alike scrutinize the newest group of prospects entering the league.
Below, find a comprehensive schedule of the weekend’s fixtures, complete with key statistics, player updates, and broadcast details to enhance your viewing experience.
Season Predictions and Expectations
Contemporary York Atlas vs. Carolina Chaos
Friday, 6 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Injury Report:
- Atlas: Gavin Adler is listed as questionable due to a groin strain; Cole Williams is also questionable with a hamstring injury; Max Krevsky remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
- Chaos: Gannon Matthews, Sergio Perkovic, and Shane Knobloch are all on the PUP list.
Spotlight on the Chaos
Blaze Riorden continues his ascent up the PLL all-time saves leaderboard, currently sitting in eighth place with 1,041 saves-just one shy of teammate Austin Kaut’s total of 1,042. The league’s all-time leader, Drew Adams, holds an impressive record of 1,966 saves, setting a high bar for Riorden to reach.
Head coach Roy Colsey aims to improve the Chaos’ ball retention this season, especially after finishing with the league’s lowest success rate in clearing the ball at just 38.6% in 2024. In comparison, the Atlas led the league last year with a 56.4% clearing percentage, highlighting the importance of ball control in this matchup.
Atlas Highlights
Jeff Teat, the reigning Jim Brown MVP, set a new single-season points record in 2024 with 64, surpassing the previous mark by 20 points. Named one of the team’s captains this offseason, Teat is just one goal away from tying Eric Law for the most goals in Atlas franchise history.
Trevor Baptiste is closing in on a career milestone, sitting just 30 faceoff wins behind Alex Smith for fifth place on the league’s all-time list. Greg Gurenlian remains the leader with 2,263 faceoff wins.
California Redwoods vs. Denver Outlaws
Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Injury Report:
- Redwoods: Cole Kastner is questionable due to a PUP designation.
- Outlaws: Logan Wisnauskas is questionable with a hamstring injury.
Family Rivalry on Display
This game features a compelling family storyline: brothers Pat and Chris Kavanagh, who recently led Notre Dame to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, will face off for the first time in PLL. Pat, drafted sixth in 2024, now plays for the Outlaws, while Chris, the tenth overall pick in 2025, suits up for the Redwoods. Their older brother, Matt Kavanagh, a former Outlaws champion in 2016 and 2018, retired this offseason, adding a layer of legacy to this matchup.
Redwoods’ Key Players
Andrew McAdorey, selected second overall, is returning to the Redwoods after playing for coach Joe Spallina’s youth team from third grade through high school. Rookie Chris Kavanagh will sport jersey No. 96, a tribute to NHL stars Mikko Rantanen and Pavel Bure, reflecting his admiration for hockey legends.
Outlaws’ Star Power
The Denver squad boasts three Tewaaraton Award winners on their roster this season: Pat Kavanagh (2024), Brennan O’Neill (2023), and Logan Wisnauskas (2022). Meanwhile, veteran Eric Law is just three goals shy of reaching 300 for his career, aiming to climb higher on the league’s all-time scoring list. He currently ranks seventh with 297 goals, trailing Kieran McArdle (302) and Brendan Mundorf (316).
Maryland Whipsnakes vs. Utah Archers
Saturday, 1 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN+
Injury Report:
- Whipsnakes: No injuries reported.
- Archers: Matt Moore is questionable due to a hip injury.
Rematch of the 2024 Championship
This game rekindles the rivalry from last year’s final, where the Utah Archers emerged victorious. The Archers are aiming for their third consecutive PLL title, a feat only achieved by the Philadelphia Barrage (2006-07), Chesapeake Bayhawks (2012-13), and Maryland Whipsnakes (2019-20). Utah’s pursuit of a historic three-peat would cement their dominance in league history.
Whipsnakes’ Key Contributors
Rob Pannell, returning to the team after four seasons with the Redwoods, is focused on capturing his first PLL championship. He trails the league’s all-time assists leader, Ryan Boyle, by just five assists, with 292. Pannell’s playmaking ability remains a critical asset for the team.
TJ Malone made headlines in 2024 by scoring 13 goals with his right hand and 11 with his left, showcasing his versatility. Only a few players, including Michael Sowers, Tom Schreiber, and Dox Aiken, have scored five or more goals with both hands in a single season.
Archers’ Key Players
Tom Schreiber, who missed last season’s playoffs due to injury, is back and eager to reach the 200-goal milestone for his career. His return adds significant firepower to Utah’s offense.
With Malone’s role in the offense, he will frequently match up against Mason Woodward. Last season, Malone struggled against Woodward, converting only 1 of 11 shots (9.1%) when directly defended, compared to a 27.4% success rate against other defenders.
Saturday Night Showdown: Boston Cannons vs. New York Atlas
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Injury Report:
- Cannons: No injuries reported.
- Atlas: Gavin Adler questionable (groin strain), Cole Williams questionable (hamstring), Max Krevsky on PUP.
Historic Rivalry Renewed
This matchup revives a fierce rivalry from the 2025 Championship Series, where Boston staged a dramatic comeback. Trailing 22-19 with just 26 seconds remaining, the Cannons scored twice in quick succession to force overtime and ultimately won the game. The result left the Atlas pondering what might have been had they sealed the victory earlier.
Cannons’ Standout Players
Marcus Holman begins the season with 345 career goals, ranking third all-time behind Paul Rabil (355) and John Grant Jr. (393). His scoring prowess remains a key component of Boston’s offense.
Defensively, Garrett Epple earned the 2023 Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year award and continues to be a disruptive force, generating numerous turnovers. Since 2019, he has caused 112 turnovers, far ahead of second-place Cade van Raaphorst with 73.
Atlas’ Rising Stars
Drafted third overall in 2023, Brett Makar significantly improved in 2024 after transitioning from long-stick midfield to close defense. Opponents shot just 25.4% when Makar was the closest defender, down from 35.4% in 2023, highlighting his defensive impact.
Meanwhile, rookie Matt Traynor, selected sixth overall, is expected to bring fresh energy to the team. Having starred at Penn State last season, he traded his blue jersey for a different shade, eager to make his mark in the league.
