2009 NLL season
Encyclopedia
Pre-season
- August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota SwarmMinnesota SwarmMinnesota Swarm is a box lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. The team plays on Treasure Island Field at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota....
would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven. - August 22, 2008: Chicago ShamroxChicago ShamroxThe Chicago Shamrox were a professional lacrosse team that played in the National Lacrosse League in the 2007 and 2008 NLL seasons. Home matches were played at the Sears Centre in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The team's ownership group was headed by Kevin Loughery Jr., the son of...
goalie Matt RoikMatt RoikMatt Roik is from Dunnville, ON is a professional lacrosse goaltender for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League...
was traded to the San Jose StealthSan Jose StealthThe San Jose Stealth were a member of the National Lacrosse League, the professional box lacrosse league of North America from 2004 until 2009. They played at the HP Pavilion at San Jose, which is also the home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the AFL's San Jose SaberCats. They relocated to San...
with two first round draft picks in exchange for veteran goalie Anthony Cosmo. - September 2, 2008: The Rochester KnighthawksRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
announce that Paul Suggate will be the new head coach. Freeman Bucktooth and former team captain Mike Hasen were also named assistant coaches. - September 7, 2008: Just hours before the entry draft, the Toronto RockToronto RockThe Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
, San Jose StealthSan Jose StealthThe San Jose Stealth were a member of the National Lacrosse League, the professional box lacrosse league of North America from 2004 until 2009. They played at the HP Pavilion at San Jose, which is also the home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the AFL's San Jose SaberCats. They relocated to San...
, and Rochester KnighthawksRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
made a blockbuster trade. Toronto sent Aaron WilsonAaron WilsonAaron Wilson is a lacrosse player for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League.Wilson began his career with the Toronto Rock. After six seasons with the Rock, including a Championship in 2005, Wilson was traded to the Rochester Knighthawks...
and a 2009 first round draft pick to Rochester, who sent Stephen HoarStephen HoarStephen Hoar is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-Professional career:...
back to Toronto. Toronto also received Luke WilesLuke WilesLuke Wiles is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays forward for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League. Wiles was named to the 2006 NLL All-Rookie Team...
from San Jose, while San Jose gets Rochester's first round pick in the 2008 entry draft. - September 9, 2008: Rochester Knighthawks star John Grant, Jr. announced that he would miss the entire 2009 season after undergoing emergency surgery to remove an infection in the ACLAnterior cruciate ligamentThe anterior cruciate ligament is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle , based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur...
in his left knee. - September 25th: The NLL announced that a regular season game will be played between the New York Titans and the Toronto RockToronto RockThe Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
at BankAtlantic CenterBankAtlantic CenterThe BankAtlantic Center is an indoor arena located in Sunrise, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and adjacent to the popular Sawgrass Mills Mall.The arena features 70 suites & 2,623 club seats.The arena is directly accessible from the Sawgrass Expressway...
in Sunrise, FloridaSunrise, Florida-Overview:Sunrise is a city in southwestern Broward County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated in 1961 by Norman Johnson – a developer whose World Famous Upside-Down House attracted buyers to what was then a remote area...
, a suburb of Fort LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FloridaFort Lauderdale is a city in the U.S. state of Florida, on the Atlantic coast. It is the county seat of Broward County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 165,521. It is a principal city of the South Florida metropolitan area, which was home to 5,564,635 people at the 2010...
. The game will be known as the Florida Lacrosse Cup. This will be the first pro lacrosse game ever played in the state. The event was spearheaded by former Rock and Philadelphia WingsPhiladelphia WingsThe Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league in North America. They play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
forward Kevin FinneranKevin FinneranKevin Finneran is an American lacrosse coach. In 2006, he was the head coach and general manager of Major League Lacrosse's Chicago Machine. Prior to becoming the team's first head coach Finneran had played in the MLL. He played with the Long Island Lizards from 2001 to 2004 and the Philadelphia...
. - October 15, 2008: The Rochester KnighthawksRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
acquired the rights to lacrosse legend Gary GaitGary GaitGary Charles Gait is widely regarded as the best lacrosse player of all time, just above his twin brother Paul. He has starred at the NCAA level at Syracuse University, at the professional level in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse, and at the international level for the...
from the Colorado MammothColorado MammothThe Colorado Mammoth are a member of the National Lacrosse League. They have played at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, United States, since the 2003 season....
for forward Andrew Potter and first-round draft picks in both 2009 and 2010. Gait, whose single-season scoring record was shattered during the 2008 season2008 NLL seasonThe 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008....
by Athan IannucciAthan IannucciJonathan "Athan" Iannucci is a professional lacrosse player. He played collegiate lacrosse at Hofstra University. Iannucci plays professional lacrosse for the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse. He was a member of the now defunct St...
, originally retired from the NLL after the 2005 season2005 NLL seasonThe 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The Toronto Rock won their fifth NLL championship, defeating the Arizona Sting 19-13 in Toronto....
. - November 11, 2008: Legendary goaltender Dallas EliukDallas EliukDallas Eliuk is a former goaltender and assistant coach in the National Lacrosse League. Prior to starting his coaching career for the Portland LumberJax in the 2009 season, Eliuk played 15 seasons for the Philadelphia Wings before being traded to the LumberJax, where he played for three seasons...
announced that he will not play in 2009, taking a job as an assistant coach with the Portland LumberJaxPortland LumberjaxThe Portland LumberJax were a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League , which started playing in the 2006 season and ended operations after the 2009 season. Announced by the NLL on May 11, 2005, the LumberJax played their home games at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon...
. Eliuk did not officially announce his retirement until December 9. Eliuk won four NLL championships, all with the WingsPhiladelphia WingsThe Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league in North America. They play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
, and is the NLL's all-time leader in saves. - November 25, 2008: Rochester KnighthawksRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
GM Regy ThorpeRegy ThorpeRegy Thorpe was a professional lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League who is now retired. He played his entire NLL career with the Knighthawks. He also played with the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse...
signed a playing contract, becoming the first player-GM in NLL history. - December 24, 2008: Less than four months after taking the job and without a single regular season game under his belt, Paul Suggate resigned his position as RochesterRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
head coach. No reason was given for Suggate's resignation. Only two days later, the Knighthawks announced that lacrosse legend Paul GaitPaul GaitPaul Gait is widely regarded as one of the best lacrosse players of all time and is the current Vice President of the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League...
had been hired as head coach.
Regular season
- January 3, 2009: The Toronto RockToronto RockThe Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
won the first-ever Florida Lacrosse Cup, defeating the New York Titans 15-14 to open the season. Blaine ManningBlaine ManningBlaine Manning is an indoor lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League.. , Daily Gleaner-NLL career:...
scored the winner, his fourth goal of the game, with 38 seconds left in regulation time to seal the victory, and was named Overall Player of the Week. - January 10, 2009: Jim Jennings announced his resignation as commissioner of the NLL, stating: "I feel that I have accomplished all the goals I set out to do at the NLL. I want to spend some time with my family before pursuing other opportunities and taking on the next challenge." NLL Deputy Commissioner and COO George Daniel was named Interim Commissioner.
- January 10, 2009: Gary GaitGary GaitGary Charles Gait is widely regarded as the best lacrosse player of all time, just above his twin brother Paul. He has starred at the NCAA level at Syracuse University, at the professional level in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse, and at the international level for the...
scored five goals in his return to the NLL, but Rochester lost to Philadelphia 16-13. - January 16, 2009: In a 23-6 loss at BuffaloBuffalo BanditsThe Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
, the Rochester KnighthawksRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
allowed the most goals in a single game in their history. The 17-point defeat was also their most lopsided loss ever. - January 20, 2009: Only three games into the season, the Toronto RockToronto RockThe Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
fired head coach Glenn ClarkGlenn ClarkGlenn Clark is the former head coach of the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League, and also a former NLL player. Clark played in the NLL from 1998-2006 for both the Rock and the Philadelphia Wings. With the Rock, Clark won five NLL Championships...
and assistant coach Terry Bullen and hired former Chicago ShamroxChicago ShamroxThe Chicago Shamrox were a professional lacrosse team that played in the National Lacrosse League in the 2007 and 2008 NLL seasons. Home matches were played at the Sears Centre in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The team's ownership group was headed by Kevin Loughery Jr., the son of...
and Colorado MammothColorado MammothThe Colorado Mammoth are a member of the National Lacrosse League. They have played at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, United States, since the 2003 season....
coach Jamie BatleyJamie BatleyJamie Batley is the lacrosse coach who has coached several teams in the National Lacrosse League and the Major Series Lacrosse League. Batley is also a former player, who played with the Buffalo Bandits, Syracuse Smash, and Pittsburgh CrosseFire....
as the new head coach. Assistant coach Jim VeltmanJim VeltmanJim "Scoop" Veltman is a former lacrosse player who played for the Toronto Rock, the Ontario Raiders, and the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League...
was relieved of his coaching duties, but remained with the Rock as an advisor. - February 10, 2009: The league announced that Dallas EliukDallas EliukDallas Eliuk is a former goaltender and assistant coach in the National Lacrosse League. Prior to starting his coaching career for the Portland LumberJax in the 2009 season, Eliuk played 15 seasons for the Philadelphia Wings before being traded to the LumberJax, where he played for three seasons...
and Jim VeltmanJim VeltmanJim "Scoop" Veltman is a former lacrosse player who played for the Toronto Rock, the Ontario Raiders, and the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League...
will be inducted into the National Lacrosse League Hall of FameNational Lacrosse League Hall of FameThe National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame was established on June 16, 2005. The National Lacrosse League has 7 teams in the United States and 3 in Canada...
in March, 2009. - February 14, 2009: Mark SteenhuisMark SteenhuisMark Steenhuis is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse ....
of the Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BanditsThe Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
scored 13 assists and 17 points in a 25-10 win over TorontoToronto RockThe Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
breaking the league's single-game records for assists and points. The records were previously held by Derek MalawskyDerek MalawskyDerek Malawsky is a lacrosse player for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League...
(11 assists in 20022002 NLL season-All Star Game:The 2002 All-Star Game was held on April 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, where the North team beat the South 14-10. The MVP was Toronto's Steve Toll, who scored three goals. At the time, this also marked Paul Gait's final professional lacrosse game, as he...
) and John Grant Jr. (15 points in 20072007 NLL seasonThe Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:...
) both of the Rochester KnighthawksRochester KnighthawksThe Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
. - March 20, 2009: The San Jose StealthSan Jose StealthThe San Jose Stealth were a member of the National Lacrosse League, the professional box lacrosse league of North America from 2004 until 2009. They played at the HP Pavilion at San Jose, which is also the home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the AFL's San Jose SaberCats. They relocated to San...
announced that offensive coordinator Chris Hall has been named head coach, while former head coach Jeff Dowling will take over Hall's post as offensive coordinator. - April 11, 2009: San Jose Stealth rookie Rhys DuchRhys DuchRhys W. Duch is a lacrosse player for the Washington Stealth of the National Lacrosse League. During high school, he played for three years at Baggataway Club in Victoria, B.C...
scored five goals and added three assists, giving him 86 points for the season, breaking Gavin Prout's rookie scoring record. In the same game, Stealth captain Colin DoyleColin Doyle (lacrosse)Colin "Popeye" Doyle is a lacrosse player an captain for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:...
tied Josh SandersonJosh SandersonJosh "Shooter" Sanderson is a lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League....
's single-season assists record of 71. - April 17, 2009: Calgary's Josh SandersonJosh SandersonJosh "Shooter" Sanderson is a lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League....
finished the season with 74 assists, breaking his own single-season record of 71. The next night, Boston's Dan DawsonDan DawsonDan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:...
had five assists, tying him with Sanderson for the league lead and record. - April 18, 2009: Rhys Duch extends his new rookie scoring record to 89, with one goal and two assists against the Toronto RockToronto RockThe Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
.
Post-season
- April 22, 2009: After missing the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years, the Philadelphia Wings fired GM Lindsay Sanderson. The Wings were 38-42 during Sanderson's five-year tenure, and only made the playoffs once.
- April 29, 2009: Toronto Rock Director of Lacrosse Operations Mike Kloepfer announced his resignation. The Rock were 19-29 in three years under Kloepfer, missing the playoffs in both 2008 and 2009.
- May 4, 2009: The Portland LumberJaxPortland LumberjaxThe Portland LumberJax were a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League , which started playing in the 2006 season and ended operations after the 2009 season. Announced by the NLL on May 11, 2005, the LumberJax played their home games at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon...
announced that they will not be playing in Portland next season. Executive vice president Brian Silcott said that the team will not fold, but they are looking at either moving or selling the franchise; the franchise did fold, however. - May 9, 2009: Both division final games featured outstanding performances by the winning goaltenders. In New York, Matt VincMatt VincMatt Vinc , is a lacrosse goaltender in the National Lacrosse League, currently playing for the Rochester Knighthawks, the Six Nations Chiefs of the MSL, and the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse....
stopped 41 out of 44 shots and kept the Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BanditsThe Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
to only three goals as the Titans defeated Buffalo 9-3. In Calgary, Matt King shut the San Jose StealthSan Jose StealthThe San Jose Stealth were a member of the National Lacrosse League, the professional box lacrosse league of North America from 2004 until 2009. They played at the HP Pavilion at San Jose, which is also the home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the AFL's San Jose SaberCats. They relocated to San...
out for the first three quarters and even scored a goal of his own - the game-winner - as Calgary destroyed the Stealth 17-5. - May 15, 2009: The Calgary Roughnecks defeated the New York Titans 12-10 to capture their second Champions Cup title.
- May 19, 2009: The Edmonton RushEdmonton RushThe Edmonton Rush is a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League that started playing in the 2006 NLL season.The NLL announced that Edmonton, Alberta, Canada would receive an NLL franchise on May 5, 2005. They play their home games at Rexall Place...
fired head coach and GM Bob HamleyBob HamleyBob Hamley is the current head coach of the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. He is also a former head coach and General Manager of the Edmonton Rush, and a former NLL player....
after finishing last in the West for the second straight season.
All-Star game
The 2009 All-Star Game was held at Pepsi CenterPepsi Center
Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose arena in Denver, Colorado, United States. The building is home to the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League, and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League...
in Denver
Denver, Colorado
The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
on March 7, 2009. The East beat the West 27-21 as Buffalo's Mark Steenhuis
Mark Steenhuis
Mark Steenhuis is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse ....
scored seven goals and six assists on his way to his third All-Star Game MVP award.
All-Star teams
| Eastern Division starters | Western Division starters |
|---|---|
| Dan Dawson Dan Dawson Dan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... , Boston |
Colin Doyle Colin Doyle (lacrosse) Colin "Popeye" Doyle is a lacrosse player an captain for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... , San Jose |
| Casey Powell Casey Powell Casey Powell is a lacrosse player in the United States. He was the captain of the US national team in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship. He currently plays indoor lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League for the Rochester Knighthawks. He also plays Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton... , New York * |
Josh Sanderson Josh Sanderson Josh "Shooter" Sanderson is a lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League.... , Calgary |
| Mark Steenhuis Mark Steenhuis Mark Steenhuis is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse .... , Buffalo |
Dan Teat, Edmonton |
| Geoff Snider Geoff Snider Geoff Snider is a Canadian lacrosse player from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is known as a dominant faceoff man and a very physical player... , Philadelphia * |
Brodie Merrill Brodie Merrill Brodie Merrill is a Canadian lacrosse player. He currently plays in the National Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Wings and Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton Nationals.-High school career:... , Portland |
| Chris White Chris White (lacrosse) Chris White is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits.-Professional career:... , Buffalo |
Bruce Murray, Colorado |
| Ken Montour Ken Montour Ken Montour is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits... , Buffalo (goalie) |
Matt Disher Matt Disher Matt Disher is a goaltender for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League. Disher has been named NLL Player of the Week four times, defensive player of the week three times, and was named Rookie of the Month in February 1999.During the 2009 NLL season, he was named a starter to the... , Portland (goalie) |
| Eastern Division reserves | Western Division reserves |
| Jason Crosbie Jason Crosbie Jason Crosbie is a Canadian lacrosse player who is currently a free agent in the National Lacrosse League and a member of the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse.-NLL:... , Toronto |
Brian Langtry Brian Langtry Brian Langtry is a former lacrosse player for both the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League and the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse. Langtry played NCAA lacrosse for Hofstra University.-NLL:... , Colorado |
| Gary Gait Gary Gait Gary Charles Gait is widely regarded as the best lacrosse player of all time, just above his twin brother Paul. He has starred at the NCAA level at Syracuse University, at the professional level in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse, and at the international level for the... , Rochester |
Peter Morgan, Portland |
| Pat Maddalena Pat Maddalena Pat Maddalena is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League. In 2009, Maddalena was ranked number 25 on NLLInsider.com's top 50 players in the NLL. During the 2009 NLL season, he was named a reserve to the All-Star game.When not playing lacrosse,... , New York |
Gavin Prout Gavin Prout Gavin Prout is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League, and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals in Major League Lacrosse... , Colorado |
| John Tavares, Buffalo | Tracey Kelusky Tracey Kelusky Tracey Kelusky is a lacrosse player for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse... , Calgary |
| Roger Vyse, Buffalo | Jeff Zywicki Jeff Zywicki Jeff Zywicki is a professional lacrosse player from Ottawa, Ontario. He is currently a member of the Washington Stealth of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of the Major League Lacrosse... , San Jose |
| Shawn Williams, Rochester | Nick Carlson Nick Carlson Nick Carlson is a lacrosse player for the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League.During the 2009 NLL season, he was named a reserve to the All-Star game.-NLL:-References:... , Colorado |
| Jordan Hall Jordan Hall (lacrosse) Jordan Rhys Hall is a Canadian lacrosse player from Surrey, British Columbia who plays for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League and the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-College career:... , New York |
Jeff Shattler Jeff Shattler Jeff Shattler is a lacrosse player for the Calgary Roughnecks in the National Lacrosse League. Shattler is an Ojibwe, and also represents the Iroquois Nationals on the international level.-Professional career:... , Calgary |
| Mitch Belisle Mitch Belisle Mitch Belisle is a professional lacrosse player for the Boston Blazers in the National Lacrosse League, and the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse.-Collegiate career:... , Boston |
Ryan Cousins Ryan Cousins Ryan Cousins is a lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League. He was selected to play in the National Lacrosse League All-Star Game in both 2004 and 2005 Cousins plays for the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA in the offseason.Cousins was awarded the National... , Minnesota |
| Greg Peyser Gregory Peyser Gregory Peyser is an American professional lacrosse player with the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. Peyser also played with the Orlando Titans and New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. He played collegiate lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University... , New York * |
Ian Hawksbee, Edmonton |
| Kyle Sweeney Kyle Sweeney Kyle Sweeney is a professional lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League, and the Boston Cannons in the Major League Lacrosse.Sweeney played for the 2006 U.S... , Philadelphia |
Nick Inch, Minnesota |
| Cam Woods Cam Woods Cam Woods is a lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. Woods tied with Taylor Wray for the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004.... , Toronto * |
Jeff Moleski Jeff Moleski Jeff Moleski is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Calgary Roughnecks in the National Lacrosse League. The Roughnecks drafted Moleski 34th overall in the 3rd round in the 2003 NLL entry draft.... , Calgary |
| Anthony Cosmo, Boston (goalie) | Andrew Leyshon, Colorado (goalie) |
| Drew Westervelt Drew Westervelt Drew Westervelt is a lacrosse player for the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League, and the Denver Outlaws in Major League Lacrosse.-College career:... , Philadelphia (injury replacement) |
|
| Brendan Mundorf Brendan Mundorf Brendan Mundorf is a lacrosse player who plays for the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse and the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League.-College career:... , New York (injury replacement) |
|
| Jarett Park Jarett Park Jarett Park is a professional lacrosse player from Otisco, New York. He currently plays for the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League, and the Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse.-College career:... , New York (injury replacement) |
|
| Stephen Peyser Stephen Peyser Stephen Peyser is an American professional lacrosse player with the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. Peyser also played with the Orlando Titans and New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League... , New York (injury replacement) |
Annual
| Award | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Most Valuable Player National Lacrosse League MVP Award The Reebok National Lacrosse League Most Valuable Player Award is given annually to the NLL player who is considered to have contributed most to his team's success... |
Dan Dawson Dan Dawson Dan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... |
Boston |
| Goaltender of the Year National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award The National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award is given annually to the best NLL goaltender of the year.In the 2008 season, the award was sponsored by the US Navy and was known as the "US Navy Goaltender of the Year award". In the 2007 season, it was the "Progressive National Lacrosse... |
Ken Montour Ken Montour Ken Montour is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits... |
Buffalo |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Billy Dee Smith Billy Dee Smith Billy Dee Smith is a professional lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse... |
Buffalo |
| Transition Player of the Year National Lacrosse League Transition Player of the Year Award The Transition Player of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League player who is chosen as the best transition player. This award debuted after the 2007 NLL season.-Past winners:... |
Brodie Merrill Brodie Merrill Brodie Merrill is a Canadian lacrosse player. He currently plays in the National Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Wings and Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton Nationals.-High school career:... |
Portland |
| Rookie of the Year | Rhys Duch Rhys Duch Rhys W. Duch is a lacrosse player for the Washington Stealth of the National Lacrosse League. During high school, he played for three years at Baggataway Club in Victoria, B.C... |
San Jose |
| Sportsmanship Award National Lacrosse League Sportsmanship Award The National Lacrosse League Sportsmanship Award is given annually to a NLL player. It "honors the combination of character and performance" shown by a player.-Past winners:... |
Dan Dawson Dan Dawson Dan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... |
Boston |
| GM of the Year National Lacrosse League GM of the Year Award The General Manager of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League general manager who has done the best job of ensuring his team's success.-Past winners:... |
Ed Comeau Ed Comeau Ed Comeau is the former head coach of the Orlando Titans, until they folded in 2010, of the National Lacrosse League.Comeau began his NLL coaching career with the Toronto Rock, as an assistant coach under the legendary Les Bartley... |
New York |
| Les Bartley Award Les Bartley Award The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year. The award was simply called the Head Coach of the Year award until 2004, when the award was renamed in honour of Les Bartley, the winningest coach in NLL history.... |
Troy Cordingley | Calgary |
| Executive of the Year Award National Lacrosse League Executive of the Year Award The Executive of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League executive who is chosen as having the most positive impact on his or her team.-Past winners:... |
John J. Arlotta | Minnesota |
| Tom Borrelli Award Tom Borrelli Award The Tom Borrelli Award is presented by the National Lacrosse League to "the league's most outstanding newspaper writer or columnist". The award is named for Tom Borrelli , a writer for The Buffalo News who covered the Buffalo Bandits from the team's inception in 1992 to his death in 2008... |
Paul Tutka |
All-Pro teams
First Team- Dan DawsonDan DawsonDan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:...
, Boston - Colin DoyleColin Doyle (lacrosse)Colin "Popeye" Doyle is a lacrosse player an captain for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:...
, San Jose - Casey PowellCasey PowellCasey Powell is a lacrosse player in the United States. He was the captain of the US national team in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship. He currently plays indoor lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League for the Rochester Knighthawks. He also plays Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton...
, New York - Brodie MerrillBrodie MerrillBrodie Merrill is a Canadian lacrosse player. He currently plays in the National Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Wings and Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton Nationals.-High school career:...
, Portland - Billy Dee SmithBilly Dee SmithBilly Dee Smith is a professional lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse...
, Buffalo - Ken MontourKen MontourKen Montour is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits...
, Buffalo
Second Team
- Josh SandersonJosh SandersonJosh "Shooter" Sanderson is a lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League....
, Calgary - John Tavares, Buffalo
- Jordan HallJordan Hall (lacrosse)Jordan Rhys Hall is a Canadian lacrosse player from Surrey, British Columbia who plays for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League and the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-College career:...
, New York - Mark SteenhuisMark SteenhuisMark Steenhuis is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse ....
, Buffalo - Mac AllenMac AllenMac Allen is a lacrosse player for the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse. Allen was a member of the Edmonton Rush from 2007 to 2008 and the Rochester Knighthawks from 2009 to 2010. He was traded along with superstar...
, Rochester - Anthony Cosmo, Boston
Weekly awards
The NLL gives out awardsNational Lacrosse League Weekly Awards
In the 1994 season, the National Lacrosse League began naming a Player of the Week. The first recipient was Buffalo Bandits legend John Tavares....
weekly for the best overall player, best offensive player, best transition player, best defensive player, and best rookie.
| Month | Week | Overall | Offensive | Defensive | Transition | Rookie |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | Blaine Manning Blaine Manning Blaine Manning is an indoor lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League.. , Daily Gleaner-NLL career:... |
Casey Powell Casey Powell Casey Powell is a lacrosse player in the United States. He was the captain of the US national team in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship. He currently plays indoor lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League for the Rochester Knighthawks. He also plays Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton... |
Kevin Croswell | Scott Stewart | Andrew Watt |
| 2 | Gary Gait Gary Gait Gary Charles Gait is widely regarded as the best lacrosse player of all time, just above his twin brother Paul. He has starred at the NCAA level at Syracuse University, at the professional level in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse, and at the international level for the... |
Pat Maddalena Pat Maddalena Pat Maddalena is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League. In 2009, Maddalena was ranked number 25 on NLLInsider.com's top 50 players in the NLL. During the 2009 NLL season, he was named a reserve to the All-Star game.When not playing lacrosse,... |
Ken Montour Ken Montour Ken Montour is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits... |
Brodie Merrill Brodie Merrill Brodie Merrill is a Canadian lacrosse player. He currently plays in the National Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Wings and Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton Nationals.-High school career:... |
Sean Thomson Sean Thomson Sean Thomson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. Thomson played one season for the Philadelphia Wings before being traded to the Swarm in 2010 for Kevin Colleluori.... |
|
| 3 | Mark Steenhuis Mark Steenhuis Mark Steenhuis is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse .... |
Mark Steenhuis | Ken Montour | Greg Peyser Gregory Peyser Gregory Peyser is an American professional lacrosse player with the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. Peyser also played with the Orlando Titans and New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. He played collegiate lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University... |
Daryl Veltman Daryl Veltman Daryl Veltman is a Canadian lacrosse player. He is currently a member of the Calgary Roughnecks in the National Lacrosse League.-High School/College career:... |
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| 4 | Dan Teat | Dan Dawson Dan Dawson Dan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... |
Michael Thompson Michael Thompson (lacrosse) Mike Thompson is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits.He signed with the Bandits on August 18, 2006 to replace Ken Montour as back-up goalie to Steve Dietrich... |
Tyler Codron | Daryl Veltman | |
| 5 | Matt Disher Matt Disher Matt Disher is a goaltender for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League. Disher has been named NLL Player of the Week four times, defensive player of the week three times, and was named Rookie of the Month in February 1999.During the 2009 NLL season, he was named a starter to the... |
Mike Accursi Mike Accursi Mike Accursi is a lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League. He is also a teacher and lacrosse coach at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in St... |
Matt Disher | Curtis Hodgson | Matt Danowski Matt Danowski Matt Danowski is a professional lacrosse player for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. He also plays professional indoor lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League for the Rochester Knighthawks... |
|
| February | 6 | Gary Bining | Tracey Kelusky Tracey Kelusky Tracey Kelusky is a lacrosse player for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse... |
Pat Campbell | Chris Driscoll Chris Driscoll Chris Driscoll is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League.-Professional career:... |
Gary Bining |
| 7 | Mark Steenhuis | Mark Steenhuis | Anthony Cosmo | Jason Bloom Jason Bloom Jason Bloom is a lacrosse player on the Washington Stealth of the National Lacrosse League. He also played for Coquitlam Adanacs of the Western Lacrosse Association in the summer of 2006. Bloom was the captain of the Under-19 British Columbia Selects, MVP of the B.C... |
Tyler Crompton | |
| 8 | Dan Dawson | Mark Steenhuis | Jon Harnett | Bobby McBride | Rhys Duch Rhys Duch Rhys W. Duch is a lacrosse player for the Washington Stealth of the National Lacrosse League. During high school, he played for three years at Baggataway Club in Victoria, B.C... |
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| 9 | Shawn Evans | Shawn Evans | Matt Disher | Kyle Ross | Kevin Buchanan | |
| March | 10 | Shawn Evans | Shawn Evans | Sandy Chapman | Pat McCready | Kevin Buchanan |
| 11 | Bob Watson Bob Watson (lacrosse) Bob "Whipper" Watson is a former goaltender for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League and is regarded as one of the best goaltenders ever to play indoor lacrosse Watson won six NLL Championships with the Rock, and was named Championship Game MVP in both 2003 and 2011. Watson was named... |
John Tavares | Ken Montour | Paul Rabil | Tyler Crompton | |
| 12 | Athan Iannucci Athan Iannucci Jonathan "Athan" Iannucci is a professional lacrosse player. He played collegiate lacrosse at Hofstra University. Iannucci plays professional lacrosse for the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse. He was a member of the now defunct St... |
Andy Secore | Matt Vinc Matt Vinc Matt Vinc , is a lacrosse goaltender in the National Lacrosse League, currently playing for the Rochester Knighthawks, the Six Nations Chiefs of the MSL, and the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.... |
Brodie Merrill | Rhys Duch | |
| 13 | John Tavares | Colin Doyle Colin Doyle (lacrosse) Colin "Popeye" Doyle is a lacrosse player an captain for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... |
Tyler Richards | Brodie Merrill | Rhys Duch | |
| April | 14 | Anthony Cosmo | Merrick Thomson Merrick Thomson Merrick Thomson is a former lacrosse player from Hamilton, Ontario. He played the attack position for the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse and for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League.-College career:... |
Matt Disher | Scott Stewart | Rhys Duch |
| 15 | Pat O'Toole Pat O'Toole Patrick "Toole Time" O'Toole is the goaltending coach for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League and a retired goaltender... |
Sean Morris Sean Morris Sean Morris is a professional lacrosse player with the Boston Cannons of the Major League Lacrosse, and the Boston Blazers in the National Lacrosse League. He recently attended 42A class at Camp Parks in California and graduated with honors.- Amateur career :Morris played collegiate lacrosse at... |
Ray Guze | Steve Toll Steve Toll Steve Toll is a lacrosse player for the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. Toll has won four NLL Championships with the Toronto Rock, as well as one NLL Championship with the Rochester Knighthawks.... |
Daryl Veltman |
Monthly Awards
Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.| Month | Overall | Rookie |
|---|---|---|
| January | Casey Powell | Daryl Veltman |
| February | Mark Steenhuis | Daryl Veltman |
| March | Bob Watson | Rhys Duch |
Statistics Leaders
Bold numbers indicate new single-season records. Italics indicate tied single-season records.| Stat | Player | Team | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | Mark Steenhuis Mark Steenhuis Mark Steenhuis is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse .... |
Buffalo | 51 |
| John Tavares | Buffalo | 51 | |
| Assists | Dan Dawson Dan Dawson Dan Dawson is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League and formerly of the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... |
Boston | 74 |
| Josh Sanderson Josh Sanderson Josh "Shooter" Sanderson is a lacrosse player for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League.... |
Calgary | 74 | |
| Points | Colin Doyle Colin Doyle (lacrosse) Colin "Popeye" Doyle is a lacrosse player an captain for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League and the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-NLL career:... |
San Jose | 111 |
| Penalty Minutes | Eric Martin | San Jose | 89 |
| Shots on Goal | Mark Steenhuis | Buffalo | 186 |
| Loose Balls | Geoff Snider Geoff Snider Geoff Snider is a Canadian lacrosse player from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is known as a dominant faceoff man and a very physical player... |
Philadelphia | 220 |
| Save Pct | Ken Montour Ken Montour Ken Montour is a professional box lacrosse player in the National Lacrosse League with the Buffalo Bandits... |
Buffalo | .813 |
| GAA | Ken Montour | Buffalo | 9.57 |