May 27, 2026
By Ryan Baker
After a lighter schedule last week, the UFA is back to full force, with 13 games on the docket for Week 6. Not only are rosters set to be bolstered as young guns return following the end of the college season, but the halfway point for the 2026 season nears, ushering in an uptick in the quality of play. Things are just heating up. Keep an eye on these seven players this weekend.
Tobias Brooks, Carolina Flyers (Pictured)
As mentioned in the introduction, college players are returning to their teams. Among them, Carolina’s Tobias Brooks stands out as one of the most coveted. Brooks' 2026 debut comes in a perfect storm—he suits back up in a Flyers uniform after a year with Colorado and is expected to help tremendously in their game against the Atlanta Hustle on Saturday. Ending three straight matchups between the teams, one more remains on June 26. After splitting the first two games, Brooks might tip the scale in Carolina’s favor. Given Allan Laviolette’s absence, Brooks may immediately slot into the main handler role. Last year, in only six games with the Apex, he led the team in throwing yards and ranked third in assists. While chemistry kinks may appear early, the young star should adapt quickly.
Brett Hulsmeyer, Atlanta Hustle
After sitting out last week against Carolina, Brett Hulsmeyer is returning to the field on Saturday. It is a pivotal matchup for the Hustle. Atlanta sits at 3-3, and a loss could put them on an uphill battle the rest of the season. After breaking his hand a few weeks ago, Hulsmeyer has been playing on defense and making his presence known. His hand block against the Flyers two weeks ago was one of the game’s biggest plays. It led to a Hustle win and was one of his three blocks in that sudden-death finish. It was clear the impact Hulsmeyer had on the defensive production. The Hustle were held to a franchise-low 12 goals last week and converted just 3 of their 14 break chances. Out of the 14 teams that have played at least four games, Hulsmeyer is just one of four players to record a block in every game played this season. His impact will be much larger than the stats show. Expect that block to come at one of the most important times in the game.
Sterling Knoche, Madison Radicals
After battling years of lingering injuries, Madison’s Sterling Knoche has looked fresh in his first two games of 2026. Now in his eighth year at age 32, Knoche missed all of 2025 but remains one of the biggest cornerstones of the Radicals’ defensive prowess. What sets him apart is his big-play ability—a skill Madison will rely on when hosting the Minnesota Wind Chill this Sunday. In clutch moments, he delivers. His massive block in Madison’s first game against the AlleyCats led to a game-tying break, then an even later goal put his team ahead with under two minutes left. Should the Radicals topple the top dog in the Central Division, Knoche’s name will be prominent in the opening game of the classic Border Battle.
Carter Lankford, Oakland Spiders
Oakland’s Carter Lankford has been a defensive menace, leading the league in blocks (11) despite only three games this season. Just two other players who have played just three games have recorded at least 7 blocks. Thanks to Lankford’s production, Oakland sits atop most defensive categories, making him a key factor in the Spiders’ dominance across their opening five games. With another matchup against San Diego looming, Lankford appears eager. He tallied four blocks and two goals in this fixture back in Week 4. This year marks a clear jump from his 2025 All-Defense Second Team and All-Rookie Second Team selections. Where he had only one game with four-plus blocks last season, he already boasts two such performances in 2026. The Game of the Week finds Lankford poised for another massive outing, possibly propelling Oakland to an undefeated record halfway through the season.
Max Pettenuzzo, Toronto Rush
Currently sitting at 3-1, the Toronto Rush hold the third seed in the East. After this weekend, they could put themselves in a phenomenal position for the second half of the season. Rookie Max Pettenuzzo has been a big part of this success, throwing 9 assists in just 2 games to tie for the team lead. Keeping the hot hand will be crucial for the rookie as the Rush face a doubleheader: the DC Breeze on Friday, and the Boston Glory on Sunday. Last week, with some of Toronto’s handlers out, Pettenuzzo took on a heavy offensive role. Whether he continues in that capacity or returns to his two-way responsibilities remains to be seen. Either way, the rookie will play a major role in what could be a huge weekend for the ascending Rush.
Thomas Shope, Minnesota Wind Chill
Another college star, Thomas Shope, will make his 2026 debut for the Minnesota Wind Chill this weekend. Along with teammate Nathan De Morgan, he gives Head Coach Ben Feldman great flexibility in crafting his offensive strategy. Shope entered the league in 2024 at age 18 and showed immense potential. His role shifted dramatically—from strictly playing defense to becoming a focal point in the Wind Chill’s offense. Late last year, as Shope transitioned, he emerged as one of Minnesota’s top playoff producers. He scored 10 goals in three playoff games—more than any other Wind Chill player—added three assists and three blocks, and had only one incompletion on 44 attempts in that span. With his versatility and the red-hot Noah Coolman on Minnesota’s O-line, fans can expect one of the league’s most exciting combinations this weekend.
Brandon Van Deusen, San Diego Growlers
The "Game of the Week" pits the 2-2 San Diego Growlers against the undefeated Oakland Spiders on the road. Brandon Van Deusen, coming off his best game of the season, is crucial to San Diego’s effort Saturday. Though Oakland defeated San Diego by 10 in Week 4, the Growlers rebounded with a decisive nine-point win over Vegas last week, boasting an 83 percent hold rate. Van Deusen drove offensive production with a zero-turn, three-assist, two-goal, two-block performance. That level of efficiency from the team and Van Deusen must be matched, if not surpassed, to counter Oakland’s tough defense. He has the ability to take the top off Oakland’s defense, shooting 6/6 for hucks this season, completing three of them in that previous Spiders matchup. His 1,237 throwing yards nearly doubles Matt Miller’s, showing Van Deusen’s success but also solidifying their partnership in San Diego’s backfield.
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