NLL Insider

Knighthawks building bears in Rochester

As the Rochester Knighthawks work on building National Lacrosse League championship aspirations, some of the fellas will do their part to help build support for a local charity. Steve Toll, Shawn Williams and the Evans brothers, Shawn and Scott, will join Knighthawks owner Curt Styres Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Eastview Mall. Other players expected to show include Andrew Potter, Craig Point, Bobby McBride, Mac Allen and top draft pick Sid Smith. They’ll build bears to benefit the CURE Child Cancer Association for the third straight season and sign autographs. On Sunday, the players will join the rest of their teammates for the first day of training camp.

Remembering a pro lacrosse pioneer, Tom Borrelli

It was a year ago today, November 20th ‘08, that sports journalist Tom Borrelli passed away after complications from injuries sustained during an unfortunate accident at a Buffalo stadium while covering a high school football game.

Borrelli was one of pro lacrosse’s most respected, educated, informed and honest voices, writing about a sport during a time in the early 90’s few, outside of a small group of faithful fans and players, truly cared about it, let alone read about on a weekly basis. READ MORE »

National Lacrosse League moving forward with two man officiating crew for 2010, talks with NLLOA off

In the wake of this week’s broken off talks between the National Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League Official’s Association, NLL Insider has learned that the NLL plans on moving forward this upcoming season using a two man gameday officiating crew, completely removing the technical referee.

The use and compensation of the technical official, often also referred to as a third official, has been the major hurdle keeping the two sides apart, ultimately leading to this week’s standoff. READ MORE »

National Lacrosse League and referees at standoff in contract negotiations (updated)

NLL Insider has learned through a source close to the situation that the National Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League Official’s Association are currently at a standoff in recent contract negotiations, the league presenting their final offer to the officials group this past week, the offer rejected by the NLLOA.

With the rejection of what was described as their “last offer”, the league has now cutoff direct negotiations with the NLLOA and is offering contracts on an individual basis to both referees currently members of the NLLOA and others at varying levels of play. READ MORE »

Nine National Lacrosse League Games to be broadcast on TSN2 in Canada

TORONTO – The Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club and TSN2 have announced that nine regular season National Lacrosse League Rock games will be broadcast throughout the 2010 season.

“I’m very excited that our fans, nationwide, will get the chance to see the Rock back on television, both at home and on the road,” said Jamie Dawick, President & Owner, Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club. “I’m thrilled that the Rock can continue to promote the sport of lacrosse with a great network like TSN2.” READ MORE »

Geoff Snider, Elev8 Lax stop by the IL offices

Philadelphia Wings/Toronto Nationals face-off star Geoff Snider and his Elev8 Lax team stopped by the IL offices Friday (posing her under former Wings great Tom Marechek’s sweater).

Snider and his Elev8 team wer in the region competing in November Fallball tournaments, including the Lehigh event that’s scheduled for this Sunday. The boys stopped in for a quick tour before hitting ESPNZone. Geoff, meanwhile, has been rumored as the cover boy for IL’s NLL Preview edition.  READ MORE »

NLL training camps set to open

We’re not exactly breaking news here today, but the National Lacrosse League season is nigh upon us and you know what that means: You’re about to lose your mind. You know how you get when the NLL is in season. You’ve long had your calendar marked for all the home games and you’re debating which road trips to make and how to justify calling in sick so you can hit the road. And while it’s still a bit more than a full month away from the opening face, we thought we’d do you a service and let ya’ll know what’s up with training camps around the NLL and when they open. READ MORE »

Lacrosse Links: Brock University wins 18th CUFLA National Championship

Brock University completed a perfect 13-0 season Sunday, winning the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association championship over McMaster University, 12-11. Mike McLeod, the player of the game, led the way with three goals and two assists.
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Lacrosse Links: Weekend Roundup

News of the Prout for Gajic trade between Denver and Rochester dominated headlines this weekend, but Philadephia and Calgary brokered a trade of their own — the Wings dealt transition specialist Rob Van Beek to the ‘Necks for a second round draft pick in 2010. Oh, and it was Halloween, too.
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NLL Trade: Ilija Gajic to Colorado, Gavin Prout to Rochester, Picks moved

In a huge National Lacrosse League (NLL) trade announced late today, involving three players and three future first-round draft selections, the Colorado Mammoth secured the rights to Ilija Gajic, the ‘Bellies player who NLL Insider had ranked as the top player in this year’s NLL Entry Draft.

Ilija was widely speculated to be traded to Colorado following this year’s NLL Entry Draft to re-unite with his brothers. The Mammoth also grabbed a first-round draft pick in 2012.

In exchange, the Rochester Knighthawks pick-up Gavin Prout, Andrew Potter and two first-round draft picks in 2010. Prout had been Colorado’s captain since 2005 and leaves as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

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