Will Manny signs with Cannons in reunion with eight-time All-Star

Tell a friend to tell a friend: The Bunk Bed Boys are back.

On Monday morning, the Boston Cannons signed a veteran forward Will Manny for a one-year contract, returning to where it all began.

ALL ROADS LEAD BACK TO BOSTON 💣💥

We have signed forward Will Manny to a one-year contract via free agency. photo.twitter.com/PEBM4Q8jU1

— Boston Cannons (@PLLCannons) July 15, 2024

Manny was drafted by the Cannons in 2013 and spent 4 1/2 seasons with the Boom Squad in the MLL. Now in his twelfth professional season, the 32-year-old will be reunited with some familiar faces.

From the first season of the PLL until last year, when people thought of the Archers, two faces came to mind: Will Manny and Marcus Holman.

“The Bunk Bed Boys,” as they called themselves, were the faces of the Archers’ offense from 2019-2022. Inseparable on and off the court, the two seemed to play their best lacrosse when playing alongside each other. In four seasons as PLL teammates, they combined for 195 points.

But with both signings set to be free agents before the 2023 season and the Archers looking for a more youth-oriented offense, the two went their separate ways.

That same offseason, Marcus’ father, Brian Holman, was named head coach of the Cannons. His first call in free agency was, of course, to Marcus. Many expected Manny to sign with the Cannons as well, given his close ties to the Holmans.

Instead, Manny signed with the Whipsnakes for a brand new start. He led the team in points last season with 32 (15G, 1T, 16A) and fit in seamlessly on offense alongside Matt Rambo And Zed Williams.

The Whipsnakes had to make some tough decisions in training camp this year, with new faces as rookies TJ Malone Upon arrival, head coach and general manager Jim Stagnitta had to choose between proven success and experience in Manny, or taking a chance on the future cornerstone of Maryland’s offense in Malone.

Ultimately, Stagnitta opted for the youth academy and, in perhaps the most shocking training camp cut in PLL history, sent Manny to the player pool.

Since his surprise cut in late May, it has been a waiting game for the veteran, and now, on July 15, it seems only right that Manny returns to Boston.

Of Manny’s 449 career points – the 10th most in professional lacrosse history – more were scored in a Cannons uniform (208) than for any other team.

A franchise icon in the MLL days, the Cannons fan base always had a lot of love for Manny. The University of Massachusetts alumnus embodies everything Boston sports fans want in a player. He’s competitive, he works hard, and he’s passionate.

One of the fiercest competitors in the game, Manny certainly didn’t take being fired lightly. Now he gets a chance with the Cannons to show the rest of the league what they’re missing.

Of Pat Kavanagh still on the injured list and Jonathan Donville The Cannons needed to add some offensive depth to their roster. Now they get an eight-time All-Star with a chip on his shoulder.