The Minto Cup: 2026 and 2027s

The finals are set for the Minto Cup between the Coquitlam Adanacs and Orangeville Nothmen. The Minto Cup is the crown jewel of Canadian box lacrosse, but it's also a proving ground for the future of field lacrosse. The 2026 and 2027 players who suited up in this year's tournament showed exactly why college coaches love players with box backgrounds. Their quick decision-making, finishing touch, ability to thrive in tight spaces, and understanding of two-man games all translate seamlessly to the field. Here are the standouts who showcased box-honed skills that will make them dangerous in the field game.    Originally a 2026 and now reclassified as a 2027, [player_tooltip player_id='143262' first='Max' last='Kruger'] has been one of the most creative and entertaining players in this year's Minto Cup. The Northmen head coach's son has filled the stat sheet with 7 goals and 7 assists through his first three games heading into the finals against Coquitlam. His scoring ability borders on unbelievable at times, using deception and creativity to finish on the doorstep against top-tier defenses. Just as impressive is his playmaking, routinely throwing behind-the-back passes that most players wouldn't even attempt. What separates Kruger, though, is his knack for delivering in clutch moments—when the Northmen need a big play, the ball seems to find his stick.   On the field, those same traits make him a dangerous offensive weapon. His box background is evident in his deception, quick release, and ability to place shots with pinpoint accuracy. Blending creativity, confidence, and a clutch mentality, Kruger has the tools to swing momentum in an instant and elevate any offense he's a part of.     [player_tooltip player_id='143260' first='Ayden' last='Matthews']' box background has translated seamlessly to the field, making him one of the premier prospects in the 2027 class. The younger brother of Liam Matthews—arguably one of the best players in the OJLL this summer and a top scorer for Penn State in the spring—Ayden has clearly inherited the same competitive edge and scoring touch. Despite being one of the youngest players on the floor, he has already made his mark at the Minto Cup with 11 points through the first three games, proving that age is no barrier when skill and IQ are this advanced.   The lefty brings a true box mentality to the field game. He thrives in tight spaces, scoring inside with defenders draped all over him, while also stretching defenses with a deceptive release that beats goalies from range. His creativity allows him to generate offense from situations that most players would reset, and his toughness ensures he's never shying away from physical play. With his blend of skill, vision, and finishing ability, Matthews projects as the type of player who won't just contribute—he'll consistently fill the stat sheet and elevate his teammates at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='143267' first='Cash' last='Frijters'], a 2027, was the second-leading scorer for the Raiders in the Minto Cup, an impressive showing for such a young player on a big stage. His box background is evident in the way he plays with poise and creativity, and those skills will translate seamlessly to the field game. He reads the floor exceptionally well, constantly manipulating defenders with his eyes and body language to hold their attention while cutters open up space elsewhere.   Frijters is shifty and slick with the ball, using quick footwork and deceptive movements to free his hands for a shot. He's equally dangerous off-ball, where his knack for timing backside cuts and finishing in tight spaces makes him a constant scoring threat. With his blend of IQ, deception, and finishing ability, Frijters is the type of player who forces defenses to stay locked in at all times—or risk getting burned.     [player_tooltip player_id='143273' first='Kyan' last='Berar'] has appeared in all four games for the Adanacs in the Minto Cup, showcasing the tools that make him one of the more intriguing defenders in his class. His box background translates well to the field, particularly in his footwork—quick and disciplined enough to stay attached to opposing attackmen. At 6'4”, Berar leverages his size and length to disrupt passing lanes and apply relentless pressure in one-on-one situations.   Already committed to the University of Utah, Berar is a defender with a high ceiling. His field game is still developing, but with his size, athleticism, and box foundation, he has all the ingredients to become a difference-maker at the next level.     The righty has put together an outstanding summer in the box, racking up 126 points through 37 games. His playmaking ability jumps off the stat sheet with 86 assists in the OJLL, a testament to his elite vision and unselfishness. On the field, those same skills translate seamlessly. Teammates trust him in tight spaces, knowing he can handle tough passes inside and use his deception to move goalies and finish plays.   Sanderson also has a knack for delivering in big moments. On August 11th, he buried the overtime winner against Whitby in Game Six to help the Northmen capture the Iroquois Trophy. While he stands at just 5'7”, his creativity, poise, and consistent production make him a player you can't overlook. His ability to generate offense in multiple ways ensures he'll continue to be a threat at the next level.     The High Point commit is a playmaker who shines in both the box and the field game. On the field, he's most dangerous operating from the lefty wing, where his skill set forces defenders into difficult matchups. As a dodger, he's equally effective going topside or getting underneath, making it impossible for defenders to shade him one way.   Add a pick to the equation, and Costigan becomes nearly unguardable. He has the vision and creativity to thread passes to the slip man in tight windows, but he's just as comfortable using that attention to free his hands and let his own shot fly. With his blend of IQ, versatility, and scoring punch, Costigan is poised to thrive at the next level—especially in John Crawley's free-flowing offense.

The finals are set for the Minto Cup between the Coquitlam Adanacs and Orangeville Nothmen. The Minto Cup is the crown jewel of Canadian box lacrosse, but it's also a proving ground for the future of field lacrosse. The 2026 and 2027 players who suited up in this year's tournament showed exactly why college coaches love players with box backgrounds. Their quick decision-making, finishing touch, ability to thrive in tight spaces, and understanding of two-man games all translate seamlessly to the field. Here are the standouts who showcased box-honed skills that will make them dangerous in the field game.