2016 NLL season
The 2016 National Lacrosse League season, the 30th in the history of the NLL, began on January 1, 2016, and ended with the Champion's Cup Finals series on June 4, 2016. The Saskatchewan Rush won their 2nd straight title; their first while located in Saskatchewan.
Milestones and events
Pre-season
- May 29, 2015: The Minnesota Swarm announce that they would move to the Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia as the Georgia Swarm.
- July 20, 2015: The Edmonton Rush announce that they would move to the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as the Saskatchewan Rush.
- September 2, 2015: Buffalo Bandits forward John Tavares announced his retirement after 24 seasons. Tavares is the career leader in goals, assists, points, and games played. He will remain with the Bandits organization as an assistant coach.
Standings
Playoffs
Awards
Annual awards
Award | Winner | Other Finalists |
Most Valuable Player | Dhane Smith, Buffalo | Shawn Evans, New England Mark Matthews, Saskatchewan |
Goaltender of the Year | Evan Kirk, New England | Nick Rose, Toronto Dillon Ward, Colorado |
Defensive Player of the Year | Ryan Dilks, Saskatchewan | Chris Corbeil, Saskatchewan Steve Priolo, Buffalo |
Transition Player of the Year | Brad Self, Rochester | Jordan MacIntosh, Georgia Jeremy Thompson, Saskatchewan |
Rookie of the Year | Randy Staats, Georgia | Wesley Berg, Calgary Jesse King, Georgia |
Sportsmanship Award | Ben McIntosh, Saskatchewan | Karsen Leung, Calgary Kiel Matisz, Georgia |
GM of the Year | Steve Dietrich, Buffalo | John Arlotta, Georgia Rich Lisk, New England |
Les Bartley Award | Glenn Clark, New England | Troy Cordingley, Buffalo Derek Keenan, Saskatchewan |
Executive of the Year Award | Lee Genier, Saskatchewan | Mike French, New England Scott Loffler, Buffalo |
Teammate of the Year Award | Mike Poulin, Calgary | Joel McCready, Vancouver Andrew Watt, Buffalo |
Air Canada Wingman of the Year Award | Callum Crawford, Colorado | Rob Hellyer, Toronto Dhane Smith |
Tom Borrelli Award | Teddy Jenner, ILIndoor.com |
Monthly awards
Awards are presented monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.Month | Overall | Rookie |
January | Dhane Smith- Buffalo Bandits | Randy Staats- Georgia Swarm |
February | Dhane Smith- Buffalo Bandits | Jesse King- Georgia Swarm |
March | Dhane Smith- Buffalo Bandits | Wesley Berg- Calgary Roughnecks |
April | Rob Hellyer- Toronto Rock | Randy Staats- Georgia Swarm |
Stadiums and locations
Buffalo Bandits | Georgia Swarm | New England Black Wolves | Rochester Knighthawks | Toronto Rock |
KeyBank Center | Infinite Energy Arena | Mohegan Sun Arena | Blue Cross Arena | Air Canada Centre |
Capacity: 19,070 | Capacity: 11,355 | Capacity: 7,700 | Capacity: 11,200 | Capacity: 18,819 |
Calgary Roughnecks | Colorado Mammoth | Saskatchewan Rush | Vancouver Stealth |
Scotiabank Saddledome | Pepsi Center | SaskTel Centre | Langley Events Centre |
Capacity: 19,289 | Capacity: 18,007 | Capacity: 15,190 | Capacity: 5,276 |