Rookie Defenseman Brian Simmons Soaks Up Year One with Mammoth

DENVER – To “simmer” typically involves a request to turn things down a notch or two.

But for Colorado’s “Simmer,” aka rookie Brian Simmons, the low-key, high-performing defenseman was regularly calm-mannered throughout his inaugural campaign competing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

Maybe that’s a bit of a “year one, soak it all up” approach.

Or maybe the 24-year-old is a bit more reserved, overall.

All we know for sure is that he’s got the skills to pay the bills – and put said skillset on display six different times last season as the Coquitlam, British Columbia product drew into one-third of the Mammoth’s 2025-26 regular season matchups.

For a kid like Simmons, who was drafted by an organization which has heralded a reputation via its aggressive, veteran-heavy defensive presence, he knew he’d need to work his way up the depth chart once the franchise selected him during the third round (42nd overall) of the 2025 NLL Entry Draft.

That said, No. 41 is a known grinder and regularly documented his ability to train and practice like he was and always will be part of the 21-player active roster on any given weekend.

So, when he got the midseason call-up to the active roster ahead of a Feb. 27 showdown against the San Diego Seals, he knew he was prepared and beyond eager to prove he has what it takes to belong in the world’s premier box lacrosse league.

Simmer didn’t light up the scoreboard during his NLL debut, nor was he expected to.

However, he fit in just fine, while collecting three loose balls and one caused turnover.

Throw in another pair of contests against the Buffalo Bandits and Calgary Roughnecks as the spring slate continued and it became clear Simmons could hang.

By the time April 3 rolled around, his confidence was improving, as was his field vision and willingness to push the pace in transition. Eventually recording his first professional point (0g, 1a), Simmons was credited with an assist during a battle against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.

Accepting an outlet pass from Mammoth goaltender Dillon Ward, Simmons drew some attention at mid-turf before slipping a sly pass to a surging Andrew Kew, who took care of business from there.

And just like that, he was on the scoresheet, flanked by another career first: a two-minute penalty!

Add in appearances during the team’s pair of regular season finales against the Saskatchewan Rush and Calgary Roughnecks and his first trip around the NLL circuit was in the books.

Having racked up one point (0g, 1a), seven loose balls, four caused turnovers and two penalty minutes across his six games played, Simmons played his part well.

Well enough to earn the nod once more during his first-ever postseason NLL showcase.

We all know how that contest played out, but it was important for No. 41 to soak up some valuable playoff experience.

And knowing the Burgundy Boys are currently preparing to follow up the team’s shiny 12-6 regular season record produced last year means Simmons will look to make a splash again during the team’s 2026 Colorado Mammoth Training Camp, which is right around the corner at this point!

Mammoth fans can stay tuned to coloradomammoth.com and Colorado Mammoth social media channels for the latest news, transactions and beyond!