U17 Canada East Rivalry Challenge: Players to Watch

Canada's East Development Team will showcase a mix of 2027s and 2028s at the Rivalry Challenge this week, bringing a style of play shaped heavily by their box lacrosse roots. That background gives Canadian players a unique skill set—stick protection in tight spaces, creativity in two-man games, and the ability to finish from all angles—that translates perfectly to the Sixes format they'll see throughout the weekend. For these young standouts, it's not only a chance to measure themselves against top U.S. talent, but also an early glimpse at players who could one day represent Canada on the world's biggest stage, at the Olympics.    Ward's box background has shaped him into one of the most difficult players to guard on the field. He operates like a quarterback, directing the offense and setting up teammates, while also being a relentless off-ball threat who constantly finds ways to get open. In transition and two-man games, Ward excels at anticipating plays, often spotting cutters before the ball even touches his stick. Off ball, he's a nightmare to defend, thriving in give-and-go situations and punishing defenders who ball-watch. When it comes time to finish, his lightning-quick wrists make him deadly on quick sticks and just as effective stepping down into a shot. Ward's creativity and box-influenced skill set give Canada East a versatile playmaker who can impact the game in multiple ways.     At 6'4" with a wide base, Kellough takes up a massive portion of the cage and makes it difficult for shooters to find openings. His size allows him to move pipe to pipe with surprising ease, giving him strong coverage on both high-percentage and low-angle looks. Beyond his physical presence, Kellough's quick reactions make him one of the more exciting goalies to watch. Even when shooters seem to have him frozen, he finds ways to get a piece of the ball—whether that's with his stick or by throwing his body in front of the shot. That mix of size, mobility, and pure competitiveness makes him a backbone for the Canada East defense.     The righty from Ontario is set to be a major factor for Canada East this weekend at the Rivalry Challenge. Thompson is a legitimate goal scorer who can beat defenses in a variety of ways thanks to his diverse skill set and high lacrosse IQ. Thompson's toolbox is deep—he has soft hands, catches everything thrown his way, and finishes with creativity, using quick sticks and twisters to keep defenses off balance. His shooting mechanics are deceptive, with a quick, unusual windup that leaves goalies guessing. Off ball, his IQ shines as he times screens, recognizes when defenders lose focus for even a split second, and makes them pay immediately. Thompson has all the makings of a breakout performer, and this weekend could serve as his coming-out party on the national stage.     Nyarko's game has plenty of flash and flair, making him one of the most entertaining players to watch. The lefty isn't the biggest on the field, but he plays with a swagger that keeps defenders and goalies on edge. His quick feet and even quicker release allow him to gain separation and fire off shots in an instant. Nyarko's creativity shows up in both his feeds and his finishing, where he constantly leaves opponents guessing. He displays a high IQ in two-man games and uses deceptive finishes—whether in tight or on step-downs—to generate goals. With his skill, confidence, and flair, Nyarko is the type of player who can swing momentum in Canada East's favor at any moment.     Howe is a quick lefty attackman who makes his mark with both dodging and finishing ability. With the ball, he attacks defenders using short, choppy steps that allow him to change direction suddenly and gain separation. Once he gets a step, he has the speed and confidence to create high-quality looks. Off ball, Howe shows strong IQ, staying active without clogging the offense and putting himself in the right spots to capitalize. As a finisher, he's efficient and precise, able to place the ball where he wants with a quick release that consistently beats goalies. With his blend of speed, lacrosse IQ, and scoring touch, Howe is poised to be an important offensive piece for Canada East at the Rivalry Challenge.     Brozek plays like he's powered by an endless motor. He's the type of player who always gives maximum effort, excelling in the dirty work—ground balls, wing play, and off-ball movement. His speed and relentless energy make him a valuable defensive midfielder and a constant threat in transition. Offensively, Brozek is a headache to cover. He times his cuts well and punishes defenders who ball-watch, consistently putting himself in dangerous scoring spots. With his work rate and versatility, Brozek is the kind of player who could really shine when Canada East shifts into the Sixes format this weekend.

Canada's East Development Team will showcase a mix of 2027s and 2028s at the Rivalry Challenge this week, bringing a style of play shaped heavily by their box lacrosse roots. That background gives Canadian players a unique skill set—stick protection in tight spaces, creativity in two-man games, and the ability to finish from all angles—that translates perfectly to the Sixes format they'll see throughout the weekend. For these young standouts, it's not only a chance to measure themselves against top U.S. talent, but also an early glimpse at players who could one day represent Canada on the world's biggest stage, at the Olympics.