Two Canadian-born players were drafted in the first round of the 2023 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) college entry draft last week.
Owen Grant, a defenseman from Delaware, was selected by the Redwoods with the second overall pick. Will Bowen, a defenseman from Georgetown/Carolina, was selected by the Chaos with the seventh overall pick.
Grant and Bowen are the first Canadians to be drafted in the first round of the PLL draft since 2019. They are also the first two Canadians to be drafted by the Redwoods and Chaos, respectively.
The PLL has eight teams that play 11 games rotating through various host cities over the season.
Grant is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman from Oakville, Ontario. He played college lacrosse at Delaware, where he was a three-time All-CAA selection. Grant is known for his athleticism and his ability to create turnovers. He is also a very good communicator and leader. He is a great addition to the Redwoods, and will make an impact on the team right away and become a star in the PLL.
Bowen is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound defenseman from Toronto, Ontario. He played college lacrosse at Georgetown and Carolina, where he was a two-time All-Big East selection. Bowen is known for his size and his ability to defend the opposing team’s top offensive players. He is a very physical defenseman, strong in one-on-one matchups, and he is also very good at using his size to his advantage. He is also very good at clearing the ball and getting his team into transition. Bowen also has the potential to be a star in the PLL.
Both Grant and Bowen are excited to start their careers in the PLL. “I’m really excited to join the Redwoods,” Grant said. “They’re a great team with a lot of talented players. I’m looking forward to learning from them and helping them win games.”
Grant and Bowen are expected to make an immediate impact in the PLL.
The selection of Grant and Bowen in the first round of the PLL draft bodes well for lacrosse in Canada.
Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in Canada, and it is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.
The success of Grant and Bowen in the PLL will help to inspire other young Canadian players to pursue lacrosse as a career. It will also help to raise the profile of lacrosse in Canada and attract more fans to the sport.