Brampton Lacrosse Celebrates 2025 MSL Award Winners: Finn Thomson and Matt Bowman

The Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season might be over, but the recognition is just getting started, and Brampton is proudly taking home some serious hardware.

Each year, the MSL honours the players, staff, and volunteers who make a lasting impact on the game, both on and off the floor. This year, two of our own were recognized for exactly that: one rising star lighting it up in his rookie season, and one behind-the-scenes legend who has been holding it down for over a decade.

Finn Thomson | Gene Dopp Award – Rookie of the Year

There’s making a first impression, and then there’s what Finn Thomson did in 2025.

After being selected first overall in this year’s MSL Draft, Finn joined the Excelsiors midway through the season after returning home from school and wasted no time making an impact. In just nine games, he racked up 18 goals and 22 assists, leading the team in points and goals, and finishing second in assists. That’s 40 points in less than half a season.

More than the numbers, though, Finn brought leadership, work ethic, and a positive attitude to the room. He plays with heart, supports his teammates, and carries on a family legacy as the youngest of four brothers to suit up for the Excelsiors.

We couldn’t be prouder of everything he accomplished in his first MSL season. Congratulations on a well-earned Rookie of the Year title.

Matt Bowman | Jim Brady Award – Dedication and Volunteerism

If you’ve ever been to a Majors game, you’ve seen (or heard) the work of Matt Bowman, even if you didn’t know it.

Matt is the kind of person every team dreams of having. He is reliable, creative, and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. His journey with the Excelsiors started back in 2008 as a timekeeper, and he’s taken on just about every role since. Practice goalie, public address announcer, graphic designer, fundraiser, event organizer, sponsorship chair, social media manager, and most recently, Secretary of the Board of Directors.

From running Indigenous Heritage Day (which raised funds for the Ontario Native Women’s Association in support of MMIWG2S+) to keeping fans in the loop online, Matt has become a cornerstone of the Excelsiors family and the broader Brampton lacrosse community.

This season, the MSL recognized his incredible dedication with the Jim Brady Award, and there’s no one more deserving. Thank you, Matt, for everything you do.

Proud to Represent Brampton

These awards reflect what Brampton Lacrosse is all about. Hard work, heart, and a deep love for the game. Whether you’re putting up points on the floor or holding things down behind the scenes, every role matters. We’re lucky to have people like Finn and Matt showing the way.

Congrats again to both winners, and here’s to an even bigger 2026 season.