Hossack wins NLL Defensive Player of the Year
May 15, 2025Saskatoon, SK – Saskatchewan Rush defenceman Matt Hossack has won the National Lacrosse League’s award for Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s definitely a really cool feeling to win. Having played with a lot of the guys that 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,” said Hossack. “I've worked towards getting better every year and It's a really good feeling to get recognized.”
Hossack, from Port Perry, Ontario, takes home the DPOTY honours for the first time in his National Lacrosse League career. The former 2nd round pick in the 2016 Entry Draft finished the 24/25 season tied for first in caused turnovers with 34, was third in blocked shots with 26, scooped up 129 loose balls, all while chipping in with four goals and 17 assists in 18 games.
Matt’s brother Graeme is a three-time DPOTY winner, from 2018-2020.
“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,” commented defender Jake 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 is now the third member of the Rush to win the award, with Kyle Rubisch winning four straight from 2012-2015, followed by Ryan Dilks winning the award in 2016.
Saskatchewan is back on Co-op FIeld Sunday when the Buffalo Bandits are in town for game two on the 2025 NLL Finals presented by PlayNow. Faceoff is at 6PM and tickets can be purchased here.