The National Lacrosse League announced this afternoon the sale of the Syracuse Smash to an investment group including several Toronto Rock owners, and that the Smash are relocating to Ottawa for the coming 2001 season, to play at the Corel Centre in neighboring Kanata.

"We are extremely pleased with this move to the Ottawa area and are looking forward to playing in the Corel Centre," said outgoing NLL Commissioner John Livsey. "The Corel Centre staff have been helpful in bringing this opportunity to fruition, and they will play an integral part in our marketing plans, ticket and group sales, and promotions."

"It's also significant to note the contribution of the Toronto Rock," said Livsey. "The Rock have been a model franchise since joining the league in 1998, and will bring to the Ottawa management group immediate stability, experience, and credibility."

"Ottawa is a great sports town with many teams and clubs receiving excellent support. We believe that lacrosse has sound roots and support in the region going back to almost 150 years ago," said Corel Centre president and chief executive officer Roy Mlakar. "We also believe that support will be translated to our NLL teams. the Corel Centre will now feature Canada's official winter sport (hockey) and summer sport (lacrosse)."

Ottawa's home opener will be on Friday, 5 January 2001 against their sister franchise and only intranational rival, the two-time defending champion Rock. Six additional home games are expected to follow for the 2001 home season. Ticket prices will range from nine to twenty-five dollars (Canadian).

The team also used the press conference as a chance to introduce its caoching and front-office staff. Former Smash assistant coach Mark Vitarelli has been named general manager and coach of the team. Gerard Cowie has been named assistant coach, and Bill Smith has been placed in charge of scouting.

Although Ottawa retains the rights to Syracuse's players, the team is expected to shift the roster makeup to mostly Canadian instead of primarily American, as it was the past two seasons. Rock general manager John Mouradian possibly will aid in constructing the Ottawa roster.

No team nickname, logo, or colors were introduced at the press conference, but will be unveiled within the next two weeks.

Also speaking at this afternoon's press conference were Rock managing partner Bill Watters and Molson Breweries Ottawa district manager Cam Atchison. Molson was introduced as a founder sponsor of the Ottawa team.

Thanks to Bob Cochrane for attending today's press conference and submitting a report of the proceedings. Portions of the above report are from NLL press releases.