LA Ironmen make some big changes powered by DYE!
LA Ironmen Reload: CJ Canter and Jesse Stephens Join the Roster After Tampa
The dust has barely settled from the first NXL event of the 2026 season in Tampa, but the LA Ironmen aren’t wasting any time making moves.
After a decent showing to open the year, the Ironmen have made two calculated roster additions, bringing in CJ Canter from Tampa Bay Damage and Jesse Stephens from Chicago Aftershock. These aren’t just depth pickups. These are impact players, and they signal exactly where this team is headed.
CJ Canter: A True Attacker
CJ Canter is one of those players you don’t fully appreciate until you’re playing against him...and then it’s already too late.
Coming over from Tampa Bay Damage, CJ has built his reputation as a pure attacker. He sees the field differently. While most players are reacting to what’s happening in front of them, CJ is already identifying the next gap before it even opens.
He thrives in chaos. Broken points, scrappy gunfights, uneven numbers, this is where CJ does his best work. His ability to recognize timing windows and exploit weak spots makes him incredibly dangerous, especially against structured defenses.
For the Ironmen, this adds a level of unpredictability. A player who can turn a stalled point into a win in seconds.
Jesse Stephens: Versatility Wins Games
Jesse Stephens brings a completely different but equally valuable skillset.
Coming out of Chicago Aftershock, Jesse is the definition of a hybrid attacker. Whether it’s the Dorito side or the snake, he has the ability to adapt mid-point and make the right play based on the situation.
That versatility matters. Modern NXL paintball isn’t about rigid roles, it’s about fluid movement and decision-making. Jesse fits that mold perfectly.
He can push tempo when needed, slow things down when the moment calls for it, and most importantly, he understands how to play within a system while still making game-breaking moves.
Jesse’s addition also comes with a deep sense of respect for the organization and what it represents:
“I’m honored to wear the shield and be part of such a legendary franchise. I grew up watching the Ironmen win championships and it inspired me to chase professional paintball.
The coaching staff led by Shane Pestana, Mike Paxson, and Billy Wing are leaders who are both inspiring and iconic.
This team is talented, hungry, and driven by strong veteran leadership.
Playing for Shane Pestana has always been a personal goal of mine, and I’m grateful to now be part of this group.”
Built to Win — On and Off the Field
The Ironmen aren’t just adding elite talent, they’re pairing it with proven, championship-level equipment.
CJ Canter and Jesse Stephens will be competing with the best in the game, shooting the DYE MXR and DSR Pro markers, paired with the i5 goggle system for maximum clarity and protection. On the loader side, they’ll be running the LTR and R2, trusted for their speed, reliability, and consistency under pressure.
At this level, confidence in your gear matters. When everything is on the line, having equipment you can trust allows players like CJ and Jesse to focus purely on execution and that’s where they’re most dangerous.
What This Means for the Ironmen
These additions tell a bigger story.
The Ironmen aren’t just trying to compete they’re building a roster that can win in multiple ways. With CJ’s aggressive gap control and Jesse’s adaptable playstyle, the team gains flexibility across both sides of the field.
It also raises internal competition. When you add players of this caliber, everyone elevates. Spots aren’t given—they’re earned every point.
Looking Ahead
Roster moves like this don’t happen by accident, especially this early in the season. This is a team that saw what it needed after Tampa and acted immediately.
The message is clear:
The LA Ironmen are dialing things in and they’re doing it with players who can make a difference when it matters most.
As the season moves forward, don’t just watch the scores. Watch the way they play. Because with additions like CJ Canter and Jesse Stephens, this team just got a lot more dangerous.