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4 days ago | premierlacrosseleague.com | Zach Carey

Since Brendan Lavelle arrived at training camp a week and a half ago, the Archers have voided his legal name. Instead, they call him “Spider,” which is his walkie talkie call sign assigned by captain Ryan Ambler. The explanations for why he’s called “Spider” are different depending on who you ask. Some players say it’s because “you get caught in his web.” Others suggest Lavelle’s stature looks like a spider.

1 week ago | premierlacrosseleague.com | Zach Carey

As Brett Dobson approached the UAlbany dining hall deep in the campus flooded with ‘60s post-modern architecture, the neon pink walkie talkie in his right hand crackled. Five of Dobson’s teammates had spotted him as they exited the dining hall 30 yards away. “We’ve got Grease Ball approaching, over,” came one of their voices through the airwaves. Dobson, upon hearing his call sign, lifted the walkie talkie to respond. “Confirmed, I’m 30 seconds out.

1 week ago | premierlacrosseleague.com | Zach Carey

The first day of scrimmages at training camp finished up on a gorgeous Monday evening in Albany. The Philadelphia Waterdogs defeated the Carolina Chaos 13-8, the Boston Cannons beat the California Redwoods 10-5, the Utah Archers toppled the New York Atlas 10-7 and then the Maryland Whipsnakes handled business against the Denver Outlaws, winning 8-4. There was plenty to gather and glean from Monday’s action and the first four days of camp.

4 weeks ago | premierlacrosseleague.com | Zach Carey

Ahead of the College Draft each May, Utah Archers assistant coach Brian Kavanagh sends head coach and general manager Chris Bates dozens of trade ideas. He pitches dream trade scenario after dream trade scenario. Most of the time, they don’t work out. Occasionally, though, one hits. When Kavanagh sent Bates a proposal the week before the 2025 draft to trade with the Carolina Chaos to move up from pick No. 8 in the first round to No. 5, Bates was intrigued. “Huh, it might have legs,” he responded.

1 month ago | premierlacrosseleague.com | Zach Carey

Yet again, the Utah Archers staged a surprise on draft night. Instead of sitting tight at pick No. 8 in the first round, the Archers were aggressive, trading up to No. 5 to go get their guy: Brendan Lavelle. They followed that up with a value selection, adding Harvard’s Sam King with the second pick in the third round. Utah then proceeded to take a swing with Richmond’s Mitchell Dunham at 21st overall and added a versatile offensive depth piece in Bryce Ford at pick No. 32.