James Leary embodies “no pain, no gain” mantra for Boston Cannons

James Leary keeps world-class player Rob Pannell in check. (James Cirrone)

QUINCY, Mass. – James Leary emerged from the battle bloodied and broken, yet not beaten.

The Boston Cannons’ long stick was charged with one of the most daunting tasks in Major League Lacrosse in covering former Warrior Player of the Year Rob Pannell, and held one of the most accomplished collegiate and professional scorers of all-time to two goals in an 18-11 victory against the New York Lizards on June 22.

His forehead was smeared with dry blood from a knock he took early in the game, and the broken bone in his hand he unknowingly played through most of the day was wrapped in ice. But his mustache still was going strong.