Simard, Hanson Selected in NLL Entry Draft Thursday

Former Canisius men's lacrosse players Alexis Simard and Micah Hanson were both selected during the 2026 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, presented by Capelli Sport, on Thursday.

A native of Terrebonne, Quebec, Simard was chosen by the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock with the 17th overall pick, becoming the ninth Golden Griffin in program history to be taken in the first round. Hanson, a Black Earth, Wis., product, was selected in the fifth round (57th overall) by the Buffalo Bandits.

The selections of Simard and Hanson increase the Canisius total of NLL draft picks to 20. It also marks the fifth time in program history and the first since 2020 that multiple Canisius players have been selected in the same draft class.

"It's an exciting day to add another pair of Griffs to the NLL with Alexis and Micah being drafted," Canisius head coach Mark Miyashita said. "We are thrilled to see both of them take the next step in their respective lacrosse careers and look forward to seeing them play at the next level."

A four-year member of the program, Simard capped his career by earning All-MAAC First Team distinction in 2026 after starting all 13 games played. The team's leader with 20 caused turnovers, he ranked second on the team with 31 ground balls and finished with career highs in goals (5) and points (6).

In 54 career games with the Griffs, Simard tallied 13 goals and added six assists for 19 points. He wrapped up his career as the program's all-time leader in caused turnovers with 58 while also chipping in 113 ground balls.

Hanson, meanwhile, wrapped up his collegiate career by earning All-MAAC Second Team honors after ranking second in the league and 10th nationally with a career-best .618 face-off winning percentage. He also finished the campaign fourth in the league and 12th in the nation in ground balls per game (7.00). Hanson recorded double-digit face-off wins in 11 games, highlighted by a program-record 24 victories at the "X" in the Griffs' regular-season finale against Marist on April 22.

During his time on Main Street, Hanson established program marks for career face-off wins (739) and career ground balls (465). The MAAC Face-off Specialist of the Year and an All-MAAC First Team pick as a sophomore, Hanson also chipped in 11 goals and 11 assists in 60 career games played in Blue and Gold.

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Players Mentioned

#48 Micah Hanson: FO; 5' 9"; Senior

#22 Alexis Simard: LSM; 6' 1"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#48 Micah Hanson
: 5' 9"; Senior
: FO

#22 Alexis Simard
: 6' 1"; Senior
: LSM

Players Mentioned

#48 Micah Hanson

#22 Alexis Simard

Players Mentioned

#48 Micah Hanson

#22 Alexis Simard