The Boston Cannons, along with Plymouth Rock Assurance, are honoring five high school lacrosse athletes who have displayed exemplary character and sportsmanship on and off the field.

Peter Pickard

Prior to the Cannons home game against Rochester on Saturday, the team hosted the second game of their High School Rivalry Series with The Governor’s Academy squaring off against Saint Sebastian’s School at Harvard Stadium. The Arrows defeated the Governors 15-12 in an intense ISL matchup.



The Cannons created the High School Rivalry Series event to acknowledge the talented high school lacrosse teams in Massachusetts, and also give the players an opportunity to showcase their skills in one of the most historic stadiums in the country. The Cannons have also created a High School Hero award to recognize a high school lacrosse athlete who excels on and off the field.

The first High School Hero is Peter Pickard, an attackman for Saint Sebastian’s. Peter is a tall, quick player who can carry the ball into good shooting areas. He has succeeded in the classroom and on the playing field.

“The stadium is massive. It felt like we were playing a college game with all the fans here. It feels awesome.”
Playing at a colosseum-like stadium is as unique as it gets, but playing against your rival at a venue like Harvard made the game even more extreme.
Playing at a colosseum-like stadium is as unique as it gets, but playing against your rival at a venue like Harvard made the game even more extreme.




Playing at a colosseum-like stadium is as unique as it gets, but playing against your rival at a venue like Harvard made the game even more extreme.

Saturday was a big game day for Peter and Saint Sebastian’s lacrosse, but it was also a special day for Peter and the program. Unfortunately, Peter’s mother is dealing with a battle against breast cancer and it has undoubtedly affected Peter. The team has done a tremendous job in supporting Peter through this difficult time. His teammates gave him a pair of pink lacrosse cleats and the whole team wore pink socks on Saturday. The Arrows’ coaches wore pink ribbons.




Peter created a Go Fund Me page back in January to raise money for breast cancer, with all the proceeds going to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The original goal was to raise $50,000. After three months, the goal was reached and donations are still being accepted. As of May 14th, 2017, $52,822 has been raised.
Peter created a Go Fund Me page back in January to raise money for breast cancer.
Peter created a Go Fund Me page back in January to raise money for breast cancer.

Along with starting the fundraiser, playing in the High School Rivalry Series at Harvard Stadium was a great way for Peter and the Saint Sebastian’s lacrosse team to spread awareness about breast cancer.

The first High School Hero is Peter Pickard, an attackman for Saint Sebastian’s.
The first High School Hero is Peter Pickard, an attackman for Saint Sebastian’s.



"It's [incredible], I can't even put it into words," said Peter of the support he's received. "Having that support when things are tough at home [is great]. I always have guys in the locker room that are helpful to me and they're always there for me. I just can't put it into words. The moral support is awesome."

The Cannons organization provided Saint Sebastian’s with a memorable opportunity to suit up and play a game before the Cannons took the field. Not only did the Arrows get to play on an Ivy League field, they also seized the opportunity to spread more awareness for breast cancer. In the grand scheme of things, that is what matters the most. From starting the fundraiser to playing on Saturday, excelling on and off the field is what makes Peter Pickard a High School Hero.

Noah Froio

The final Boston Cannons High School Hero Award of 2017 is going to Noah Froio of Cohasset. The High School Heroes program was created to recognize and honor local high school lacrosse athletes who have shown tremendous work ethic and leadership both on and off the field. Each recipient is honored on the field during a Cannons home game at Harvard Stadium.

Noah is a gifted midfielder for Cohasset and will be a senior this coming school year.
Noah is a gifted midfielder for Cohasset and will be a senior this coming school year.


Noah is a gifted midfielder for Cohasset and will be a senior this coming school year. As a junior, Noah notched 42 goals and 25 assists for a 67-point season. In 65 career games for Cohasset, he has 65 goals, 36 assists, and 101 points, making him one of the best lacrosse players in the state.

“Massachusetts is a state filled with awesome talent and competitive lacrosse,” said Noah. “Even though I live in a small community [which] competes in D3, we are fortunate to play against some of the strongest D1 and D2 schools in the state. The lacrosse community in Massachusetts is really tight-knit and one of my favorite things about the sport is being able to meet players and coaches from other programs.”



Noah’s presence is valued on the playing field, but also in his school and community. He is a Peer Leader at Cohasset High School and has traveled to villages in the Dominican Republic four times to donate safe footwear and sports equipment to children.
Noah’s presence is valued on the playing field, but also in his school and community.
Noah’s presence is valued on the playing field, but also in his school and community.
In 2016, Noah was a co-founder of a youth lacrosse camp that taught kids new skills and let them harness their abilities.

“Being voted as a captain by my teammates for lacrosse and football is both an honor and a privilege,” he said. “I take my leadership role in the community and on the field seriously and work to set a good example for younger athletes and kids. Helping my team to work hard and succeed has been a rewarding experience; I look forward to senior year with a great group of teammates and friends.”

Noah is committed to playing lacrosse at Colby College following his senior year and is looking forward to being honored by the Cannons.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award and to be acknowledged alongside some excellent lacrosse players,” Noah said. “I accept it proudly on behalf of the Cohasset Community and Cohasset High School and Youth Lacrosse programs.”