Below are some of the smaller items which made news in the National Lacrosse League between January 2003 and February 2003, including trades, rumors, odd facts and injury updates.

28 February 2003:
      The Colorado Mammoth today acquired defenseman Dave Stilley from the Philadelphia Wings for defenseman Hugh Donovan. Stilley, a sixth-year pro, had been sitting out this season due to work commitments, but recently decided he wanted to suit up for the stretch run. Some will wonder why such heated rivals would make a deal like this in midseason, but both teams seem satisfied. "Hugh Donovan will give our team the same intensity and depth that Dave provided us last season," Wings GM Marty O'Neill said. "Dave brings a significant physical presence... his leadership skills are unmatched in the NLL," Mammoth president/GM Steve Govett added. Donovan will join the Wings for tomorrow's game against Columbus, but is not expected to play; Stilley, however, will suit up when the Mammoth hosts Vancouver that same night.

 

25 February 2003:
      The Philadelphia Wings today picked up some veteran help, trading two forwards (little-used reserve Matt Striebel and holdout Jay Jalbert) to the New York Saints for forward Mark Frye. A fourth-year veteran, Frye has three points (one goal, two assists) in four games this season and 98 for his career (51 goals, 47 assists). Striebel has no points in four games this season, while Jalbert has not played since 2001. This week against Columbus, Frye will take the lineup spot of Tom Ryan, who's suffering the effects of a concussion earlier in the season.
      The Rochester Knighthawks will wear special Mardi Gras jerseys for Friday's home game against Ottawa. The third jerseys will be purple with black and white trim, with a court jester's hat on the chest, while the traditional Knighthawks logo moves to the top of the shoulders. The jerseys will be unveiled at a press conference Thursday afternoon at Blue Cross Arena, and fans will be able to bid for them in a silent auction during the game (proceeds benefit the Mary Cariola Children's Center of Rochester).
      The Vancouver Ravens are guaranteeing victory this weekend against New York. Group leaders who bring twenty or more people to GM Place for Friday's game will receive a pair of gold-level tickets if the Ravens do indeed win, but if they lose, their entire group will be welcomed back for free on 21 March against Albany. Groups can reserve their seats by calling Brandi Wilson at 6-4.899.5307 or Cam Sedgwick at 604.899.5305.
      The NLL's official trade deadline is Friday, 21 March, at 5:00 PM Eastern time, at which point three-quarters of the regular season will be complete. After the trade deadline, only internal transactions (such as promotion from or demotion to the practice squad) will be permitted.

 

23 February 2003:
      The Ottawa Rebel has reacquired defenseman Doug Noganosh, sending an eighth-round pick in this year's entry draft to the New Jersey Storm in exchange for the Rama, Ontario, police officer. In four games with the Storm this season, Noganosh scored one goal. As a Rebel in 2002, he had nine points (five goals, four assists) in ten games. To make room for Noganosh on the roster, the Rebel placed defenseman Steve Fannell on injured reserve.

 

21 February 2003:
      The New York Saints' upcoming western road trip will be televised back home by the YES Network. The Saints' game at Vancouver will air live at 10:30 PM on Friday, 28 February, while the match at Calgary on Sunday, 2 March will be shown on tape delay at 10:00 PM the same day. YES will be picking up Rogers Sportsnet's feed for each game.
      The NLL has handed out another set of fines and suspensions. Buffalo's Kerry Susheski and Columbus' Tyler Francey each drew one-game banishments for fighting, while Calgary's Scott Forbes picked up a fine for a tripping incident a few weeks ago (amount not disclosed).

 

20 February 2003:
      The Philadelphia Wings and forward Jeff Ratcliffe have launched the "Rat Pack," a chance for underprivileged children to attend Wings games. Ratcliffe, who is donating 30 tickets per game, will host children from the Don Guanella School, a boarding school for children with mental retardation and other developmental impairments, when the Wings host the New Jersey Storm on Saturday afternoon. "I am very excited that underprivileged children will get to see and experience a Wings game," Ratcliffe said. "I think this will also help introduce the sport of lacrosse to new audiences."
      Speaking of the Philadelphia Wings and their upcoming game with New Jersey, goaltender Dallas Eliuk will be delivering bobbleheads in his likeness tomorrow afternoon to patients at Children's Regional Hospital in Camden, NJ. Eliuk will give the dolls to thirty sick children. The Dallas Bobbles will also be handed out at the Wings-Storm game, to the first 5,000 children 14 and under. The Wings are hyping the family-oriented Matinee Madness Package -- four tickets to this week's game, four tickets to the 8 March matinee (against New York) and two bobblehead coupons for $100. Call 215.389.WINGS to purchase or for more information.

 

14 February 2003:
      In the latest installment of the Colorado Mammoth's series of creative promotions, the team is offering a Valentine's Day special for tonight's game against Calgary. Fans can purchase two tickets, two cups of Pepsi or Coors, and two pretzels for $20.00 (US). Also, randomly-selected fans will receive special Valentine's Day dinners at Blue Sky Grill. Last week, the team's Reverse Cover Charge Night amounted to over $14,000 in instant rebates. Tickets are on sale at the Pepsi Center box office; at Denver-area RiteAid, Tower Records and Wherehouse Music stores; at Ticketmaster locations; via ticketmaster.com; or by phone (303.830.TIXS).

 

13 February 2003:
      Calgary Roughnecks forward Matt Green requested a trade two weeks ago but the team is stalling in allowing him permission to speak with other teams, Total Lacrosse is reporting. Green, who doesn't seem to fit into coach Chris Hall's ideal lacrosse team, has only played in two games this season for the Roughnecks. Part of the problem could just be the glut of righthanders on the Roughnecks, or a fear on Hall's part to tamper with success (the Roughies are 5-3, having already clinched a better record than a year ago). In any event, Green's going to be on the move soon enough. Stay tuned.
      Toronto Rock forward Kevin Finneran's consecutive games played streak is in jeopardy of ending, thanks to a possibly-torn meniscus. Speculation is that Finneran suffered the injury in Saturday's 14-8 loss at Buffalo. Right now, Finneran is still slated to play tomorrow night in Vancouver, although Rock doctors will check him out before the game. Depending on the severity of the injury and Finneran's tolerance for pain, he could play though the tear and get it fixed in the offseason. Finneran has played in 149 consecutive games (regular season and playoff combined), dating back to 24 February 1991.

 

10 February 2003:
      Did Chris Sanderson anger the lacrosse gods by wearing number 35 on Thursday against Dallas Eliuk and Philadelphia? Eliuk's former backup is now out of a job, released today by the New Jersey Storm in a numbers game caused by the pending return of injured goaltender Matt Roik. In 44 minutes of action this season, spanning two games, Sanderson allowed nine goals on 33 shots, for a respectable 12.24 goals-against average and a 72.7 save percentage. The Storm chose instead to retain Ginny Capicchioni as the third-string goaltender. Capicchioni made NLL history this past weekend by becoming the first woman to suit up for a regular-season game; she did not play, however.
      The Vancouver Ravens placed defenseman Rob Williams on injured reserve last week. Williams recently fractured his left elbow and will be out three to six weeks. A.J. Smith was called up from the practice roster to replace Williams. Smith's taxi squad spot, in turn, has gone defenseman Ryan Campbell, who was a surprise cut by Calgary recently. Prior to playing with the Roughnecks, Campbell was a member of the New York Saints.

 

8 February 2003:
      To show its appreciation for last week's sellout, the Colorado Mammoth has a brand new promotion -- the reverse cover charge. Every fan who shows up for tonight's game against New Jersey will be handed back $1.00 on the way through the door. "We'll have a mammoth-sized stack of dollar bills and every fan gets one," Paul Andrews, Kroenke Sports senior vice president of ticket sales and service, said. "Nobody likes a cover charge, unless that cover charge is reversed. Considering the success the team has had so far, we're happy to offer something back to our fans."

 

6 February 2003:
      Although the top disciplinary action was Tom Naglieri's season-ending banishment for hitting a referee, the NLL handed out a slew of suspensions and fines today. Toronto's Glenn Clark (fighting) and New Jersey's Mike Ladouceur (left bench during a fight) were each suspended one game. Albany coach Bob McMahon (criticizing officials), Columbus' Pat Maddalena (criticizing officials), Calgary's Rob Kirkby (illegal cross-check), Vancouver's Bruce Alexander (illegal cross-check), Vancouver's Scott Whitley (illegal high stick) and Philadelphia's Paul Cantabene (late hit on goaltender) were all fined an undisclosed amount.
      The Philadelphia Wings today signed free agent forward Dan Marohl, who was released a week ago by Ottawa. Marohl scored one goal in three games for the Rebel this season, after a 15-goal, 25-assist campaign last year. "[Marohl's] a flashy offensive player who will bolster ourscoring power as we head into two crucial games this week," Wings GM Marty O'Neill said. Marohl is expected to play for the Wings tonight in New Jersey.

 

4 February 2003:
      The NLL is selling its 2003 Media Guide and Rule Book via snail mail. The books can be purchased for $20.00 (US) plus $6.00 shipping and handling (check or money order only) by writing to NLL, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10036, Attn: Media Guide. Last year's Media Guide is still available, for an addition $7.00. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

 

31 January 2003:
      The Toronto Star reported today that Toronto Rock forward Kim Squire could be back in action as soon as next weekend. "I want to get out there, get running. I can't wait," Squire told a Star reporter. Doctors have given Squire, who is recovering from a case of flesh-eating disease, the go-ahead to return to the Rock once he feels ready to go. However, Rock coach Les Bartley is urging a slower pace, noting, "Right now he's not even close to being there, but that's not to say a kid with his desire couldn't potentially be back in four or five weeks ... If he really wants this, it's there for him, providing his hand is healthy." Squire will wear a special protective glove over his right hand and forearm, which has turned a deep shade of red due to the infection.
      Speaking of the Toronto Rock, team president Brad Watters was one of several people to be sanctioned as a result of last weekend's game with the Buffalo Bandits. Watters was fined an undisclosed amount for a verbal confrontation with Buffalo coach Darris Kilgour, although Kilgour was not punished for his actions. Buffalo defensemen Jamie Hackel and Chris Langdale were also fined for their actions in the Rock's 17-13 victory.
      The Ottawa Rebel today signed free agent defenseman Niall Maynard. In twenty career games, Maynard has scored two goals, dished out one assist, and scooped up 42 loose balls. He broke in with the Toronto Rock in 2001, then played ten games for the Columbus Landsharks last season. Ottawa released forward Dan Marohl to open a spot for Maynard.

 

30 January 2003:
      The Philadelphia Wings are joining the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation's "World's Largest Pajama Party" campaign. First, players Drew Candy and Andrew Guindon will greet at the Sofitel Hotel (17th and Samson Streets) on Friday, beginning at 3:00 PM. Then, for Saturday's game against Toronto, the Wings are offering $10 tickets to anyone who shows up wearing pajamas. Tickets are available at the First Union Center box office and at all Ticketmaster locations. The Pajama Party is a region-wide event taking place this weekend to promote the city's tourism industry.

 

29 January 2003:
      Commissioner Jim Jennings is busily reviewing the tapes from a number of rough-and-tumble games this weekend. He's already handed out one-game suspensions, stemming from Saturday's game between the Buffalo Bandits and Calgary Roughnecks, to Buffalo's Jamie Hackel (pulled Jesse Phillips player off the bench and attempted to fight with him) and Calgary's Jordan West-Pratt (third man in a fight). However, it looks like both will appeal, in which case they will play this weekend. The Vancouver Province reports that Jennings is still looking into the Bandits' nasty 17-13 loss at Toronto on Friday, although fines, if not suspensions, are coming.
      The Calgary Roughnecks will have a meet-and-greet Thursday evening, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Mountain time (9:00-11:00 Eastern) at Schank's South in Calgary. Prizes will be given away, including an autographed jersey, game tickets, and Schanks gift certificates. The event will be hosted by Gerry Forbes of local radio station CJAY 92 FM.
      The Colorado Mammoth, pushing to close the 1500-seat gap between the size of its latest home crowd and a sellout, is offering a "Party Pack" deal for fans -- four tickets to Friday's game against New York, four cups of Pepsi (or Coors, if you'd prefer), and four hot dogs for $39 (American). The Party Pack is on sale at the Pepsi Center box office; at Denver-area RiteAid, Tower Records and Wherehouse Music stores; at Ticketmaster locations; via ticketmaster.com; or by phone (303.830.TIXS).
      New Jersey Storm players and dancers, plus team mascot "Thunder," will be making a serious of public appearances Thursday night in northern New Jersey, to meet fans, sign autographs, offer giveaways, and promote the team's upcoming home games. The tour starts at 5:15 PM at Redd's Restaurant in Carlstadt, then proceeds to five restaurants in Paramus -- Applebee's (6:15), Orange Lantern (6:50), Biagio's (7:40), Hooters (8:15), and Chili's (9:10).

 

23 January 2003:
      The Philadelphia Wings promotions department, always coming up with odd events and themes, may have outdone itself this time. Then again, the promotion might be as crappy as "XFL Night." The Wings are unveiling toilet seats at their home opener Saturday night. Two "lucky" fans will be invited to sit on the non-functioning toilets (which are mounted to the arena floor, right behind the glass), wearing crowns on their heads and holding a lacrosse stick as a scepter. Hooters Girls will serve food and drinks to the two fans during the game. "We are the first team in sports to truly allow our fans to become ruler of the throne," Comcast-Spectacor vice president of marketing Shawn Tilger said. Hey, you can't make up quotes like that.
      Scoop n' Shoot, NLL's version of the NFL's popular Punt, Pass and Kick competition, is returning for a second season, the league will announce within the next few days. The competition, for children ages 9 to 14, is pretty simple -- players scoop up six balls arranged around a regulation goal and shoot them into the net as quickly as possible. The fastest kids from each city will be invited to compete in the national finals in April in New York. So far, only the league's eight American cities will have Scoop n' Shoot competitions, although that could change. Details are still sketchy, but it looks like the competition could get exposure on Nickelodeon's Games and Sports network.

 

21 January 2003:
      The Ottawa Rebel today traded forward Lindsay Plunkett, a third-round pick in the 2003 entry draft, and a second-round pick in the 2004 draft to the Buffalo Bandits in exchange for Chris Konopliff, a first-round pick in this year's draft, and a second-rounder next year. Konopliff, a holdout in Buffalo, has not played this year; he was traded from Ottawa to Buffalo in September. Plunkett has three goals and one assist in three games this season.
      In other action, the Philadelphia Wings doubled their Dallases, trading holdout forward Greg Traynor to the New Jersey Storm for forward Dallas Squire. (the other Dallas, of course, is All-Pro goaltender Dallas Eliuk) "We're very pleased to acquire a player with the experience level of Dallas [Squire]," Wings GM Marty O'Neill said. "Along with his playing skills he will also provide veteran leadership to this inexperienced team." Traynor, who played five seasons with Philadelphia, was holding out for the second straight season. Squire scored two goals in four games this season with the Storm.

 

16 January 2003:
      As the dust seems to be setting (finally) in the Tracey Kelusky bar fight saga, Calgary Roughnecks teammate Jesse Phillips has taken responsibility for igniting the brawl that led to Kelusky suffering a broken cheekbone. Phillips stole a pizza from a private party, but returned it after being confronted. However, as he left the premises, he was followed by members of the private party, leading to the fight. "It's a stupid thing I did," Phillips, suspended indefinitely by the team, told the Calgary Sun. "I'm so sorry about this. I feel terrible. I've been beating myself [up] about this since it happened. I feel bad for Brad [Banister, Roughnecks owner], for the team and for Tracey. I'd like to say sorry to the fans and the city."
      The NLL today suspended Columbus Landsharks forward Jon Harasym one game for an incident in the Landsharks' 20-6 loss Saturday at Buffalo. Harasym picked up a double game misconduct from a fight and an unsportsmanlike conduct call right afterwards. By league rules, the suspension is automatic, ensuring that Harasym will miss Friday's game at Albany.

 

14 January 2003:
      The Colorado Mammoth today released goaltender Devin Dalep, Rockslax.com is reporting. Dalep posted a 9-3 record in fifteen games with the Washington Power last season and followed the team west when it moved to Denver. However, Dalep lost his starting job to Erik Miller and has not seen action this season. Dalep's roster spot, Rockslax continues, was given to Matt Shearer (31 goals, 27 assists in 2002), who apparently has ended his holdout.
      The Vancouver Ravens today announced the "Bobblehead Family Pack" ticket deal. Families can purchase four Ravens tickets, two children's meals at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and one bobblehead doll of team mascot Van Raven for $66 (Canadian), nearly half off the retail value of $131. To purchase, call Ticketmaster at 604.280.4400 or 800.663.9311, or visit the General Motors Place box office.

 

13 January 2003:
      The Ottawa Rebel made two roster moves today, signing free agent forward Billy LeFeuvre and trading forward Dan Marohl to the New York Saints for future considerations. As a rookie last year with New Jersey, LeFeuvre scored twenty goals and dished out eleven assists in fifteen games. "We're very excited to have Billy on our team," Rebel GM Lindsay Sanderson said. "He is a talent player who can score. He has a tremendous up-side that will help our club." Marohl scored one goal in four games with the Rebel this season.

 

10 January 2003:
      The Philadelphia Wings have traded goaltender Chris Sanderson to the New Jersey Storm for a fourth-round entry-draft pick (year unknown), it was reported by the Storm radio team before tonight's game against New York. Sanderson, who was number two to Dallas Eliuk the past two seasons but had fallen to third on the Wings' depth chart this year, asked to be traded and got his wish when Matt Roik, the Storm's top goalie, was lost to a knee injury for four weeks. "Toque" even suited up for this game, we hear. Apparently, Ginny Capicchioni was not deemed ready for prime time.

 

8 January 2003:
      Chris Panos, one of a very select group of players to suit up for six different franchises, is on the move again, traded today by the Buffalo Bandits to the New York Saints for Nate Watkins and a fourth-round pick in the 2004 Entry Draft. Panos had been a holdout with the Bandits, but ironically, the reason he landed in Buffalo (via a late-November trade) is because he also was holding out in Calgary. Panos had a previous stint with the Saints, from 1999-2000, and has also played for Boston, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
      As if the absences of Ken Millin, Ian Rubel, and Kim Squire weren't enough, the Toronto Rock has lost another player to injury. Rock doctors announced last night that Glenn Clark has torn the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and will miss five weeks. An assistant captain on the Rock, Clark has been held without a goal or an assist this season, but has scooped up twelve loose balls in two games.

 

7 January 2003:
      The Colorado Mammoth chalked up another success this evening with the launch of a new-look web site. The site, coloradomammoth.com, features much of the same content as before, but in a brighter, easier to read format. What's more, the news items on the home page will be kept more current, we're told, so no more tripping over articles about preseason signings while looking for game summaries. The best part -- a merchandise section is on the way, and should be up by next week.
      Congratulations to Buffalo Bandits forward John Tavares, who on Saturday became only the second player ever to record 750 points in a career (Colorado's Gary Gait is the other). With a goal and two assists in Buffalo's overtime victory, Tavares ran his career total to 752 points, on 377 goals and 375 assists. "JT" downplayed the significance of reaching the milestone. "Sometimes it's hard not to look at stats, but I honestly try to avoid them as much as possible, always have," he told the Buffalo News. "When I'm all done with my career maybe I'll sit down and look at them then."
      The Ottawa Rebel is offering a back-to-school ticket deal for college and high school students. Upper bowl tickets for Saturday's game against the Colorado Mammoth, 7:00 PM at the Civic Centre, are just $10 (Canadian) with valid student identification. Tickets are available at the Rebel offices at Lansdowne Park, by calling 613.231.5608 (extension 237), or at the Rebel box office at the Civic Centre.

 

6 January 2003:
      Following last season's Jayson Williams Bobblehead Head night, the New Jersey Storm will give star forward Roy Colsey the trendy-toy treatment this weekend. All fans in attendance for Friday's game against the New York Saints will receive a Colsey bobblehead, courtesy of Sports Barn. The Storm's timing couldn't be better, as Colsey will be playing his ex-teammates for the first time since being traded from New York to Buffalo midway through the 2002 season (he was dealt to New Jersey during the offseason). Game tickets are on sale at the Continental Airlines Arena box office, at Ticketmaster locations, at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 201.507.8900.