Port Perry’s Matt Hossack named NLL’s Top Defender

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

SCUGOG: Port Perry native Matt Hossack has been named the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Defensive Player of the Year, for 2025, following a stellar season with the Saskatchewan Rush, marking a triumphant return to the team where he began his NLL career.

This year’s honour comes during Hossack’s second stint with the Rush, after he was reclaimed, in the offseason dispersal draft, when the Panther City Lacrosse Club in Fort Worth ceased operations. The 30-year-old defender made an immediate impact in his return to Saskatchewan, anchoring the back end and helping lead the team to the NLL Finals, where they are currently battling the Buffalo Bandits. The Rush and Bandits will meet, in Buffalo, for the winner-take-all game 3 of the championship series, this Saturday, May 24th.

Hossack’s 2024–25 campaign saw him tie for the league lead in caused turnovers, with 34, ranking third in blocked shots (26), and collecting 129 loose balls. He also chipped in with four goals and 17 assists over 18 games.

“It’s definitely a really cool feeling to win,” Hossack said. “Having played with a lot of the guys [who] have won that award in the past and guys I’ve looked up to for a long time, in most of my career, it’s a really good feeling. I’ve worked towards getting better every year, and it’s great to get recognized.”

A second-round pick by Saskatchewan, in the 2016 NLL Entry Draft, Hossack has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable defenders. Teammate Jake Boudreau credited his work ethic and leadership.

“It’s no surprise Hoss won, if you watch the way he takes care of his body, the way he prepares for a game mentally and physically,” said Boudreau. “He knows how to bring a locker room together. I mean, he was the new guy on our team six months ago, now he’s the heart of our team.”

Hossack's success continues a family tradition of excellence in professional lacrosse. His older brother, Graeme Hossack, also from Port Perry, is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year himself (2018–2020) and a key member of the Halifax Thunderbirds. Graeme was named to the All-NLL Second Team this season.

Together, the Hossack brothers have firmly established themselves as two of the premier defenders in the NLL, shining a spotlight on their hometown of Port Perry.