January, 1998: En route from Detroit to New York City, former Cortland State (NY) midfielder Jake Steinfeld comes across a Spin Magazine article about lacrosse and wonders, “Whatever happened to this game?”
March, 1998: Steinfeld inquires the magazine regarding the article and is given the telephone number of Dave Morrow, CEO of Warrior Lacrosse.
May, 1998: Morrow visits Steinfeld’s California home to discuss the possibility of a professional outdoor lacrosse league. Discussions continue.
February, 1999: Steinfeld, Morrow and Tim Robertson, former CEO of The Family Channel and business acquaintance of Steinfeld from previous television work, join forces to form Major League Lacrosse.
May 24, 1999: At the All-Star Café in New York City, Steinfeld, Morrow and Robertson announce to the public that Major League Lacrosse has been formed, along with charter sponsor Reebok.
February 22, 2000: Yahoo! Introduced as a sponsor of MLL.
July, 2000: The first game of the Summer Showcase, a barnstorming tour of two all-star teams to test potential markets, is played in Columbus, Ohio. Games in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Long Island, Buffalo and Rochester (NY) follow.
January 13, 2001: MLL’s first draft is conducted in Philadelphia. After each team is assigned three players, goalkeeper Sal LoCascio is the first player selected by Bridgeport. Just prior to the inaugural MLL Draft, each of the six teams were assigned 3 players. The original 18 assigned players were:
Baltimore: Greg Cattrano, Mark Millon, Josh Sims
Boston: Mike Battista, Ryan Curtis, Michael Watson.
Bridgeport: Roy Colsey, Jim Gonnella, Blake Miller
Long Island: John Gagliardi, A.J. Haugen, Casey Powell
New Jersey: Jon Hess, Jesse Hubbard, Jay Jalbert
Rochester: Marshall Abrams, John Grant Jr., Ryan Powell
March 8, 2001: Team names, logos, and schedules are unveiled at media gala in New York City. Also, Fox Sports Net announced a television deal with the league and Anheuser-Busch and SoBe are introduced as league sponsors.
April 11, 2001: The first-ever trade in league history involves Bridgeport goalie Sal LoCascio being dealt to Long Island for a first-round pick in the supplemental draft, also conducted on this day. Former Hofstra midfielder Brian Langtry is the first player selected by Bridgeport.
May, 2001: Teams open inaugural training camps at various sites.
June 2, 2001: Warrior Major League Challenge is held in Baltimore with top 40 college seniors competing for a spot in MLL. Following the game, the first Collegiate Draft is conducted. Defenseman Ryan Mollet is the first player selected by Rochester.
June, 2001: Host Communications, Inc., and MLL jointly publish the first-ever issue of FUEL Magazine, a full-color, glossy lacrosse lifestyle magazine that covers the world’s best lacrosse action and players.
June 7, 2001: Major League Lacrosse plays its first regular-season game as Baltimore defeated Long Island by a 16-13 score. Baltimore’s Chris Turner scored the first goal in MLL regular season history while Tom Marechek was named the Bud Light Game MVP.
July 22, 2001: The first overtime game in Major League Lacrosse history takes place as New Jersey defeats Rochester by 14-13. Jay Jalbert was named the Bud Light Game MVP after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
August 2, 2001: The 2001 MLL LacrosseStar Game takes place at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Baltimore attackman Mark Millon was named the Bud Light Game MVP after scoring three goals with four assists.
September 1, 2001: Major League Lacrosse begins its first postseason at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Long Island defeats Rochester in overtime to advance to the MLL Championship Game while Baltimore won by 12-11 over Boston.
September 3, 2001: Long Island’s Paul Gait scored seven goals to go with an assist to lead the Lizards to the first MLL title with a 15-11 victory over Baltimore. Gait was named the Bud Light MVP.
June 6, 2002: The first Major League Lacrosse game to be played in an NFL stadium occurs as the Bayhawks made their season debut at Ravens Stadium with a 13-10 victory over the Rochester Rattlers.
June 22, 2002: For the first time, a regular season game is played at a neutral site as the Rochester Rattlers defeated the New Jersey Pride at HERSHEYPARK Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
July 21, 2002: Scott Urick was named the Bud Light Game MVP as the National Division All-Stars defeated their American Division counterparts in the 2002 MLL All-Star Game at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, Maryland. It also marked the debut of Warrior’s orange “grippy” ball. The ball has been the official game ball of MLL ever since. It is colored fluorescent orange and textured, making it less weather sensitive.
August 24, 2002: Long Island and Baltimore advanced to the MLL Championship Game with victories in their semifinal games. The Lizards defeated New Jersey by 19-11, while the Bayhawks earned a 15-10 victory over Boston.
September 1, 2002: Mark Millon scored five goals to go with two assists to lead the Bayhawks to a 21-13 victory over the Long Island Lizards in the MLL Championship Game at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Millon was named the Bud Light MVP.
July 17, 2003: Baltimore’s Gary Gait scored five goals, including a two-pointer, along with an assist to lead the National Division to a 27-12 victory over the American Division in the MLL All-Star Game at Mitchel Field in Uniondale, New York.
August 17, 2003: The first-ever cancellation of a MLL game occurs when rains forces the Baltimore Bayhawks and Long Island Lizards to cancel their game at Mitchel Field. As a result, Long Island was the top seed in the playoffs, while Baltimore was seeded second.
August 24, 2003: Kevin Lowe scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lead the Long Island Lizards to their second MLL Championship by 15-14 over Baltimore at Villanova Stadium. It was Long Island’s second league title in three years.
May 20, 2004: Major League Lacrosse names Under Armour the “official supplier” of the league for the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
May 22, 2004: Major League Lacrosse plays the first-ever regular season game on the west coast as the Bayhawks defeated Rochester by a 24-18 margin in Seahawks Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
June 5, 2004: Major League Lacrosse returns to the west coast to play another regular season game - this time in Denver, Colorado. Baltimore earned its second west coast victory with a 22-19 win over the New Jersey Pride.
June 14, 2004: Major League Lacrosse announces the move of championship weekend from Philadelphia to Boston. The League decided that Philadelphia should not have to host both the Bud Light MLL Skills Competition as well as the Championship weekend.
June 29, 2004: Major League Lacrosse announces that the Boston Marriott Quincy will serve as the Official Hotel of the 2004 New Balance Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend.
July 21, 2004: Major League Lacrosse announces that David Gross, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, has been elevated to the position of Commissioner, making him the first commissioner in League History. Gross becomes commissioner after joining the MLL offices in December 2003 and three successful seasons as Vice President and General Manager of the Boston Cannons.
July 22, 2004: The Philadelphia Barrage and the Boston Cannons combined to score 49 points in their match-up at Nickerson Field as the Barrage earned a 29-20 win over their American Division rivals. The 29 points scored by Philadelphia set a single-game record, while the 49 combined points set a single-game record as well.
August 19, 2004: The New Balance Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend begins at Nickerson Field on the campus of Boston University and record crowds attended the semifinals with 6,888 fans coming through the turnstiles. Boston defeated Baltimore, while Philadelphia needed overtime to oust Rochester to set up the Championship match-up.
August 21, 2004: A league postseason record crowd of 8,279 came to Nickerson Field to see the Philadelphia Barrage earn their first MLL title with a 13-11 win over Boston at Nickerson Field. Goalkeeper Greg Cattrano, who was traded from Baltimore prior to the season, made 19 saves and was named Bud Light MVP.
April 24-25, 2004: The MLL opens up training camp a month before the start of its fourth season.
December 14, 2004: Major League Lacrosse announces a five-year extension to keep Gatorade as the “Official Sports Beverage” of the league.
March 9, 2005: Major League Lacrosse announces that the league will expand to Los Angeles for the 2006 season. The team will play its home games at Home Depot Center and will be operated by AEG, Inc. The league plans to add three more teams and create a western division for the start of the 2006 season.
March 2, 2005: Major League Lacrosse announced that all current MLL players and those drafted into the MLL in 2005 and 2006 are eligible to tryout, be selected and participate in the 2006 World Championship.
April 2, 2005: Scott Boyle, a 25-year veteran lacrosse official, died of a heart attack during the Georgetown-Navy game in Annapolis, Maryland at the age of 55 years old. Boyle officiated during the MLL’s inaugural season in 2001, as well as during the Summer Showcase in 2000.
April 18, 2005: Major League Lacrosse teams up with Infinity Pro Sports to create a more fan-friendly MLL website. The new website included the now popular “Fanzone” area, which is complete with league and team wallpaper, screensavers, e-cards and message boards.
May 19, 2005: Tommy Hilfiger Corporation becomes an official sponsor and supplier of the MLL. Sponsorship right include in-stadium branding, PA announcements and scoreboard messages at all games.
May 25, 2005: Starbucks Coffee enters into a unique relationship with Major League Lacrosse. Included in the relationship are four programs involving each of the leagues’ teams. Through the Goals for Good program, for every goal scored at every MLL game during the 2005 season, Starbucks will donate a pound of coffee to a deserving local fire, police or emergency medical organization. As part of Starbucks’ commitment to literacy, each team will hold a book drive inviting fans to bring new books for donation during a designated home game. Midway through the season, a charity auction will be held at a Starbucks in each MLL city, offering season ticket holders the opportunity to have coffee with their favorite MLL players and support worthy causes. At the end of the season one deserving player from each team will also be awarded the “Starbuck Community Service Award” honoring the player who has done the most for his community during the season.
June 1, 2005: Johns Hopkins University midfielder Kyle Harrison was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2005 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft by the New Jersey Pride at the league’s annual draft. With the second pick in the opening round, the defending MLL champion Philadelphia Barrage selected University of North Carolina attackman Jed Prossner.
June 12, 2005: The Baltimore Bayhawks set a Major League Lacrosse team record by recording 31 points in a 31-9 rout against the Philadelphia Barrage. The 22 goal margin of victory also set a MLL record. Bayhawks attackman Tom Marechek led the offensive attack with five goals and four assists.
June 16, 2005: 21 Major League Lacrosse Players were selected to the 23-man roster of the United States National Team. Included in the selections were 2004 Cascade MLL Rookie of the Year Ryan Boyle, Blake Miller, Nicky Polanco and 2005 top Collegiate draft pick, New Jersey Pride midfielder Kyle Harrison.
June 17, 2005: Major League Lacrosse announces their partnership with Krauter & Company LLC, the full service insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits arm of The Krauter Group. Krauter & Company manages all of the MLL’s insurance needs including general liability and workers compensation.
June 20, 2005: The MLL announces the rosters for the 2005 MLL Wild West All-Star Showdown: Old School vs. Young Guns. The Old School team, consisting of players from the inaugural 2001 season, includes the likes of Boston attackman Mark Millon and 2004 Goalie of the Year Greg Cattrano. The Young Guns feature players such as 2004 rookie of the year Ryan Boyle, Mikey Powell and Kyle Harrison.
July 23, 2005: Casey Powell scored his 150th goal in the Rochester Rattler’s 15-14 win over the Long Island Lizards. Powell recorded five goals and three assists in the Rattler win.
July 31, 2005: A fight breaks out during a game between the Baltimore Bayhawks and the Boston Cannons. Baltimore Midfielder Gavin Prout and Boston Defensemen Ryan Curtis were suspended for their role in the altercation, while Baltimore’s Shawn Nadelen and Boston’s Chris Rotelli were both fined.
August 21, 2005: MLL founder Jake Steinfeld announces on ESPN2 that the MLL has become a “national league,” with the addition of the Chicago Machine, Denver Outlaws Los Angeles Riptide and the San Francisco Dragons.
November 29, 2005: The Los Angeles professional lacrosse team unveils their name to the public, making them officially the Los Angeles Riptide.
January 17, 2006: The San Francisco professional lacrosse team unveils their name and venue, selecting San Francisco Dragons as their team name and their home field Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park.
January 17, 2006: Major League Lacrosse unveils Denver’s newest professional sports team, the Denver Outlaws. The Outlaws will play home games at INVESCO field at Mile High.
January 24, 2006: Major League Lacrosse unveils Illinois’ newest professional sports team, the Chicago Machine. The Machine will play home games at Benedictine University in Lisle under the direction of Head Coach and GM Kevin Finneran.
April 6, 2006: First National Bank of Omaha and Major League Lacrosse have entered into a partnership.
April 21, 2006: Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced an historic trade involving six teams and 24 players and draft picks. It is believed to be the largest trade in sports history and comes one week before MLL begins training camp in preparation for its sixth campaign.
April 25, 2006: Varsity Networks and Major League Lacrosse announced that they have entered into a partnership. Each Major League Lacrosse team will have the opportunity to build their own regional network. The partnership will provide a branded network of load, click and post websites tailored for high schools, junior high, youth and club lacrosse programs. The Long Island Lizards were the first MLL team to take advantage of Varsity Networks technology and they branded the site Lizards Lacrosse Network.
May 7, 2006: Fantasy comes to Major League Lacrosse as MLL announces that for the first time, fans can compete with fellow fans, celebrities, MLL players and media members to see who can build the best Major League Lacrosse team week in and week out. Head2Head Sports will create the first fantasy lacrosse game for MLL fans.
May 15, 2006: On the same day, the Chicago Machine waives nine player and the Denver Outlaws waive eight, setting a new MLL record for most players waived in one day.
May 20, 2006: An MLL record 13,167 fans witnessed history Saturday night as the Denver Outlaws defeated the Chicago Machine 24-14 at INVESCO Field at Mile High in both teams’ inaugural game.
May 31, 2006: The first Major League Lacrosse Collegiate draft since the league’s recent west coast expansion came with the Rochester Rattlers picking Joe Walters number one overall.
June 10, 2006: The Rochester Rattlers play their first game at PAETEC Park versus the Long Island Lizards.
June 26, 2006: Cascade Lacrosse, the leading manufacturer of lacrosse helmets worldwide, announced a long-term extension of their existing agreement, making Cascade the official and exclusive helmet supplier to the MLL through 2011.
July 27, 2006: On WGN Sports Radio with Dave Kaplan, Chicago Machine defenseman Michael Culver guaranteed a victory for the Chicago Machine (0-9) game against the Los Angeles Riptide. If his team lost, Culver would donate half of his season’s salary to the Children’s Heart Foundation, a charity founded in Chicago and committed to the funding of research “to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects”. The Machine lost, and Culver made good on his donation.
July 29, 2006: A fight breaks out during a game between the San Francisco Dragons and the Rochester Rattlers. Dragons Defenseman Steve Holmes and Rattlers Midfield Chris Schiller were both suspended one game, while Rattler attackers John Grant and Joe Walters were both fined an undisclosed amount. Rattlers Defensemen Jack Reid was also issued a warning.
August 12, 2006: In front of 3,102 fans at Unitas Stadium in Towson, Maryland, the Philadelphia Barrage topped the Baltimore Bayhawks 20-12 to clinch the team’s first ever division title. Ryan Boyle was named Bud Light MVP of the game for his six-point (4G, 2A) performance in the game.
August 12, 2006: The Denver Outlaws, a first-year expansion team, clinched the number one seed for the 2006 New Balance Championship Weekend by defeating the Los Angeles Riptide 13-9 in front of 3,158 fans in the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
August 14, 2006: Bud light and MLL announce they will make history when they will do the first-ever live web cast of the New Balance Championship Weekend MLL Semifinals from the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on budlight.com.
August 15, 2006: Chicago defenseman Michael Culver was honored as the recipient of the 2006 New Balance Sportsman of the Year award.
August 17, 2006: Baltimore Bayhawks attackman Matt Ward has been honored as the 2006 Cascade MLL Rookie of the Year.
August 18, 2006: Boston attackman John Christmas was named the 2006 Warrior Most Improved Player.
August 19, 2006: Philadelphia Barrage Head Coach Tony Resch was named the 2006 Warrior Coach of the Year.
August 20, 2006: Philadelphia Barrage’s Brian Dougherty was named the 2006 Warrior Goalie of the Year.
August 21, 2006: San Francisco attackman Ryan Powell was named the 2006 Warrior Offensive Player of the Year.
August 23, 2006: Rochester defenseman Brodie Merrill was named the 2006 Warrior Defensive Player of the Year.
August 24, 2006: San Francisco attackman Ryan Powell was named the 2006 Bud Light Most Valuable Player.
August 25, 2006: The Philadelphia Barrage topped the Boston Cannons 17-12 in the 2006 New Balance MLL semifinals at The Home Depot Center on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA. Matt Striebel was named Bud Light game MVP for his six-point (5G, 1A) performance in the game.
August 25, 2006: The Denver Outlaws defeated the San Francisco Dragons, 23-14, in the semfinals of the 2006 New Balance MLL Championship Weekend on Friday night at The Home Depot Center on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA.
August 25, 2006: The All-MLL team is announced. Making the team include: Attack: Ryan Boyle (Philadelphia), Conor Gill (Boston), Ryan Powell (San Francisco); Midfield: Roy Colsey (Philadelphia), Mike Law (Denver), Jeff Sonke (Denver); Defense: Eric Martin (San Francisco), Brodie Merrill (Rochester), Nicky Polanco (Long Island); Face-off Specialist: Andy Corno (New Jersey); Goalkeeper: Brian Dougherty (Philadelphia).
August 27, 2006: The Philadelphia Barrage beat the Chicago Machine in the New Balance Championship Game. Midfielder Roy Colsey scored a postseason record 10 points, Matt Striebel notched nine and face-off specialist Paul Cantabene won a playoff record 27 face-offs. Colsey was name the Bud Light MVP.
September 8, 2006: The Long Island Lizards announce their plans for the “Lizard Literacy Lounge,” a program designed to cultivate reading awareness among children across Long Island.
September 29, 2006: 20-man protection list is announced for the 2007 season.
November 7, 2006: Major League Lacrosse launches a new and improved majorleaguelacrosse.com.
November 11, 2006: The MLL announces rule changes for the 2007 season. Changes include: 1. Moving the two-point arc back to 16 yards away (currently 15); 2. Create the same stick dimension requirements as the NCAA; and 3. Enforce “pull-strings” as making a stick illegally altered and thus cannot re-enter the game.
December 5, 2006: MLL Supplemental draft is held. Athan Ianucci is picked first by the Chicago Machine. Ianucci played collegiately at Hofstra.
December 18, 2006: After playing their inaugural season at Benedictine University, The Chicago Machine announce they that they will play the home game portion of their 2007 season at Toyota Park.
January 11, 2007: Brine officially joins Cascade, New Balance, and Warrior as the Official Equipment Suppliers of Major League Lacrosse. They will specifically endorse the Rochester Rattlers, San Francisco Dragons, Chicago Machine and the Boston Cannons.
February 21, 2007: The Boston Cannons announce Harvard Stadium as its new home. The Cannons will play their six game home schedule at Harvard Stadium beginning on May 19, 2007. Built in 1903 Harvard Stadium is the nation’s oldest stadium and has a seating capacity of 30,898.
February 22, 2007: Gear-Up becomes an Official Partner as well as an Official Equipment Supplier for Major League Lacrosse. Gear-Up receives the rights to MLL logos, MLL wordmarks, MLL Team logos and MLL Team wordmarks for promotional and marketing purposes. In addition, officially MLL team licensed Glide SS apparel will be available at every game as well as through online, authorized dealers found at gearupsports.com Major League Lacrosse will receive cash as part of the deal, and each MLL team will receive the Glide SS socks with the particular team logo on it.
March 8, 2007: The Denver Outlaws have announced that Jim Beardmore will take over as head coach for the 2007 season. Beardmore will be the Outlaws second coach in as many seasons, taking the reins after the departure of Jarred Testa.
March 14, 2007: Major League Lacrosse signs multi-year agreement with ESPN2. The 10-year commitment runs through the 2016 campaign, which is the longest commitment given by any television outlet to a lacrosse entity. The goal of ESPN and MLL is to bring you lacrosse as it has never been seen before. All 11 games will be shown in high definition (HD) with six of the games being televised live or in primetime. Goalie cams, telestrators and placing microphones on four players per game will combine with HD to give fans the feel of actually being on the field and in the action.
March 21, 2007: Blockbuster MLL trade in which Mikey Powell is traded from the Washington Bayhawks to the Boston Cannons for Conor Gill.
April 4, 2007: The San Francisco Dragons announced that a local investment group has acquired the franchise from its previous east coast owner. The new ownership group now consists of investors with varying degrees of involvement in lacrosse on a local and national level. Gregg Jacobs, Managing Member for the investment group who led the acquisition, became passionate about acquiring the Dragons after attending the Dragons’ first-ever game in Kezar stadium in May, 2006.
April ,9 2007: Major League Lacrosse announced today the 2007 Major League Lacrosse All-Star game will take place on July 8, 2007 at 12:30PM ET at Harvard University’s Harvard Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and once again the Bud Light Skills Competition will take place at halftime.
April 15, 2007: Long Island Lizard Nicky Polanco is featured in Maxim Magazine. Inside Lacrosse calls it some of the best mainstream media exposure lacrosse has ever gotten.
May 4, 2007:The Boston Cannon trade goalie Chris Garrity to the Washington Bayhawks for goalie Greg Havalchak and a three draft picks.Garrity was named the 2005 Warrior Goalie of the Year.
May 12, 2007:The seventh season of Marjoe League Lacrosse kicked offwith a single game opening weekend, as the Boston Cannons defeataed the Washington Bayhawks by a score of 17-13 at George Mason Stadium.
May 31, 2007:The 2007 Warrior Major League Challenge and MLL Collegiate Draft was held at Stony Brook University on Long Island.Penn State University midfielder Pat Heim was selected by the Chicago Machine with the first overall pick of the draft.
June 5, 2007:The Washington Bayhawks announce that on Saturday, June 9, the team will donate 50 percent of all ticket sales from the game against the Long Island Lizards to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).Inspired by former Army lacrosse player John Fernandez (2001), the WWP was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation’s greatest citizens and seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.
June 20, 2007:Bud Light and Major League Lacrosse (MLL) sign a two-year deal that will expand the league’s online offerings and reach an even greater audience through Bud Light-branded Web sites as part of the beer’s renewal as the Official Beer of the MLL.The agreement extends Bud Light’s position as the Official and Exclusive Malt Beverage and Alcohol Sponsor of Major League Lacrosse, its 10 teams, the MLL All-Star Game and postseason.
June 21, 2007:Major League Lacrosse announced that the 2007 NB ZIP MLL Championship Weekend will take place at PAETEC Park in Rochester on August 25 and 26.
June 27, 2007:Major League Lacrosse and New Balance today announced a program to raise awareness and funds for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).New Balance will provide 40 limited-edition camouflage jerseys that will be worn by the MLL All Stars during their game July 8 at Harvard Stadium in Boston. Each jersey will be auctioned after the game with all proceeds benefiting WWP. New Balance will also match the donation amount raised by the auction.For the first time in MLL’s seven-year history, the game will feature All Stars from the Eastern Conference against their Western Conference counterparts.
July 8, 2007: Playing in front of his hometown fans, Boston Cannons midfielder Matt Poskay scored four goals, including a two-pointer, to lead the Eastern Conference All-Stars to a 19-12 victory over the Western Conference All-Stars at the 2007 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game at Harvard Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
August 11, 2007:Rochester’s John grant Jr. scores 7 goals and adds 3 assists in the Rattler’s final regular season game versus the Boston Cannons and sets a new single season MLL scoring Grant’s 71 points breaks the previous record of 70 which had been set in 2003 by teammate Casey Powell.
August 15, 2007:Rochester’s John Grant Jr. is named Warrior Offensive Player of the Year.
August 16, 2007:Los Angeles’ Spencer Ford is named Warrior Most Improved Player of the Year.
August 17, 2007:Los Angeles’ John Tucker is named Brine Coach of the Year.
August 20, 2007:Rochester’s Alex Smith is named Cascade Rookie of the Year.
August 21, 2007:Rochester’s Brodie Merrill named Warrior Defensive Player of the Year.
August 22, 2007:Los Angeles’ Greg Bice named New Balance Sportsman of the Year.
August 23, 2007: Philadelphia’sBrian Dougherty named Warrior Goalkeeper of the Year.
August 24, 2007:Major League Lacrosse announced Friday the players who have been named to the 2007 All-Major League Lacrosse team, recognizing the best players at each position. Named to the All-MLL team were:Attack: Ryan Boyle (Philadelphia), Spencer Ford (Los Angeles), John Grant, Jr. (Rochester) Midfield: Kyle Dixon (Washington), Sean Lindsay (Los Angeles), Matt Striebel (Philadelphia) Defense: Brodie Merrill (Rochester), Brian Spallina (Philadelphia), Kyle Sweeney (Philadelphia) Goalkeeper: Brian Dougherty (Philadelphia) Face-off Specialist: Alex Smith (Rochester)
August 24, 2007:Rochester’s John Grant Jr. named Bud Light Most Valuable Player.
August 25, 2007:Midfielder Roy Colsey scored the game-winning goal just 51 seconds into overtime to lead the defending MLL Champion Philadelphia Barrage to a 13-12 come-from-behind victory over the Denver Outlaws in the semi-finals of NB ZIP MLL Championship Weekend at PAETEC Park on Saturday afternoon.
August 25, 2007:Attackman Chazz Woodson scored a game-high four goals to lead the Los Angeles Riptide to a 15-14 victory over the Rochester Rattlers in the second semi-final of NB ZIP MLL Championship Weekend at PAETEC Park on Saturday evening.
August 26, 2007:Midfielder Matt Striebel scored three goals, including the eventual game-winning goal with 5:42 left in the fourth quarter, and added three assists as the Philadelphia Barrage became the first team in Major League Lacrosse history to win back-to-back championships with a 16-13 victory over the Los Angeles Riptide in the NB ZIP MLL Championship Game at PAETEC Park on Sunday afternoon.With the victory, the Barrage became the first team in league history to win three league titles. Philadelphia also won the MLL title during the 2004 and 2006 seasons.Matt Striebel was named as the Bud Light MVP after scoring five goals with four assists in the two games.
September 26, 2007:The San Francisco Dragons of Major League Lacrosse announced that Head Coach Brian Silcott will not be returning to the team for the 2008 season.
October 24, 2007:Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced that the 2008 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 8:00 PM MT at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High.The game, which will be broadcast live on ESPN2, will once again feature the popular Bud Light Skills Competition during halftime.
December 3, 2007:The Chicago Machine announced the hiring of John Combs as its head coach for the 2008 season. Combs, an assistant coach in 2007, steps into the role vacated by Lelan Rogers, who recently accepted a full-time assistant role at Syracuse University where he was already Director of Lacrosse Operations.
December 4, 2007:Major League Lacrosse and Gear-Up Sports Worldwide announced that they have agreed upon a two-year extension.Gear-Up Sports first joined the league as an Official Partner and Equipment Supplier in February of 2007. The company’s Glide SS high-performance athletic sock was first used by Major League Lacrosse teams this past season.
December 5, 2007: The 2008 MLL Supplemental draft was held on Wednesday, December 5 at 1 PM ET. The draft, which consisted of seven rounds, lasted until approximately 2 PM ET. The San Francisco Dragons and Washington Bayhawls held the most picks, with nine (9) selections each. Defenseman Robert Smith, a 2007 graduate of the University of Delaware, was selected by the Chicago Machine with the firt overall pick.
December 6, 2007:The San Francisco Dragons announced a change in venue for the 2008 season. The team’s home games will be played at San Jose State University’s Spartan Stadium due to a new arrangement with stadium operators Global Spectrum and San Jose State University.The Dragons spent their first two seasons at Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
December 7, 2007:The New Jersey Pride trade Midfielder Kyle Harrison and Defenseman Brett Hughes to the Los Angeles Riptide in exchange for two 2008 1st Round Collegiate Draft Selections, #2, and #9 overall. The trade gives the Pride five of the first twelve selections in this year’s Collegiate Draft.
December 11, 2007:Major League Lacrosse announced that the 2008 NB ZIP MLL Championship Weekend will take place at Harvard Stadium in Boston on August 23rd and 24th.The semi-final games will be held at 12:00 PM ET and 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, August 23. The two Semi-Final winners will advance to the NB ZIP MLL Championship Game on Sunday, August 24. The Championship Game will once again air live on ESPN2 at 1:00 PM. It is also announced that ESPN2 plans to air one of the Semi-Final games as well.
December 14, 2007:The Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse announced that Scott Hiller will become general manager of the team and relinquish his head coaching duties. A new head coach will be announced by the end of the year.
December 18, 2007:The Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse announced that Jarred Testa has been named head coach, according to Bayhawks GM Scott Hiller.
December 20, 2007:The San Francisco Dragons of Major League Lacrosse announced today that Tom Slate has been hired as the team’s Head Coach for the 2008 season.Slate has served as assistant coach for the Philadelphia Barrage since 2005 and helped lead the Barrage to two consecutive MLL Championships (2006 and 2007).In addition to his duties with the Barrage, he is also the Head Coach at Downingtown East High School where he has been since 2004.
January 17, 2008:Major League Lacrosse announced the schedule for the 2008 season.The eighth season of Major League Lacrosse begins on Saturday, May 17th with all ten teams in action.
February 7, 2008:The Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse announced their coaching staff for the 2008 season. Brian Reese will continue to serve as the team's Head Coach and General Manager, and will be assisted with the leadership of Offensive Coordinator Bill Edell, Defensive Coordinator Trevor Tierney, Assistant Coach Tom Graesser, and Jon Barocas, Director of College Scouting.
February 11, 2008:It was announced that DICK’S Sporting Goods and Major League Lacrosse have come to terms on a multi-year sponsorship agreement.“We are quite pleased to have the largest sporting goods retailer in the country , DICK’S Sporting Goods, on board as an Official Partner of this league,” said Gross.“We are also happy to have them join our national broadcasts on ESPN2 as presenting sponsor of the helmet cam.” In additional to their involvement with the ESPN2 broadcasts, DICK’S will become the uniform sponsor of the Denver Outlaws, receivinglogo placement on Denver’s uniform jersey and shorts. Per the aggreement, DICK’S will also receive signage boards at each MLL venue.
February 19, 2008:Triangle Professional Sports, LLC and the Carolina RailHawks together with Major League Lacrosse announced that the regular season match between the 2007 Champion Philadelphia Barrage and the Rochester Rattlers will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on Saturday, June 21st at 7:30 PM. This will be the first ever MLL match in North Carolina and will give fans a glimpse of one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.
February 26, 2008:Major League Lacrosse announced the ESPN2 television schedule for the upcoming 2008 season.The network will air eleven games this season, all of which will be broadcast in high-definition.The 2008 national broadcast schedule kicks off live from Harvard Stadium on Friday, May 23rd when the Boston Cannons host the Rochester Rattlers. The schedule also includes live broadcasts of the MLL All-Star Game, the first NB ZIP Semi-Final, and the NB ZIP Championship Game.
March 3, 2008: The San Francisco Dragons trade Greg Rommel and Mitch Hendler to the Chicago Machine for defenseman Steve Panarelli and midfielder Zach Heffner.
March 4, 2008: Midfielder Joe Boulukos of the Washington Bayhawks announces his retirement. Boulukos was originally drafted by the Chicago Machine in the 2006 Collegiate Draft and was later traded to the Barrage before ending up in Washington with the Bayhawks.
March 11, 2008: The Boston Cannons acquire attackman Matt Alrich and defenseman Colin Hulme from the San Francisco Dragons in exchange for attackman David Mitchell and the 39th overall selection in the 2008 Collegiate Draft.
March 13, 2008: The San Francisco Dragons trade attackman Ryan Powell and midfielder Nate Watkins to the Denver Outlaws. In return, the Dragons receive a first and second round pick in the 2008 Collegiate Draft, as well as Denver’s first round pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft.
March 31, 2008: Trey Reeder steps down as General Manager of the New Jersey Pride and accepts a position outside of the MLL. In addition to holding the position of GM for the Pride, Reeder has also worked as the MLL Director of Lacrosse Operations and the GM of the Barrage.
April 1, 2008: The Chicago Machine announce the hiring of Phil Ryan as assistant coach. Ryan formerly held positions as Vice President and Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Chicago Shamrox of the National Lacrosse League.
April 18, 2008: The San Francisco Dragons hire Joe Romano and Jack Morrison as assistant coaches for the 2008 season. Joe Romano coached Division II Notre Dame de Namur lacrosse since 2002 and also serves as an assistant coach for the San Jose Stealth of the National Lacrosse League. In addition to working for the Dragons, Jack Morrison is an assistant coach at St. Joseph’s University (PA), where he has worked for three seasons.
April 25, 2008: The Long Island Lizards trade midfielder Shaun Lyons to the Philadelphia Barrage in exchange for Philadelphia’s 4th round (40th overall) and 5th round (50th overall) selections in the 2008 Collegiate Draft.
May 2, 2008: The New Jersey Pride trade attackman Jesse Hubbard and their 2nd round pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft to the Los Angeles Riptide in exchange for LA’s first round pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft. Hubbard entered the 2008 season second on the MLL’s All-Time Goals Scored list behind Mark Millon.
May 6, 2008: Major League Lacrosse and ESPN360 announce that for the first time, all 60 regular season games, the All-Star Game in July, and all three games from theNB ZIP Championship Weekend will be streamed for live viewing on ESPN’s broadband network. The games will also be archived for viewing after their completion.
May 8, 2008: The Cascade Pro7 is revealed as the Official Helmet of Major League Lacrosse for 2008.
May 8, 2008: The Chicago Machine trade midfielder Jordan Hall to the Rochester Rattlers. In return, the Rattlers sendmidfielders Matt Dasinger and Brian Clayton, along with a 3rd round (30th overall) selection in the 2008 Collegiate Draft to Chicago.
May 25, 2008: The Philadelphia Barrage and Long Island Lizards play the first ever Major League Lacrosse game in the state of Texas. The game, which was won by the Barrage 18-12, was held at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
May 28, 2008: The Boston Cannons trade midfielder Brett Bucktooth to the Rochester Rattlers in exchange for the 8th overall selection in the 2008 Collegiate Draft. The Cannons then trade the 8th overall selection in the 2008 Collegiate Draft to the Chicago Machine for attackman Sean Morris.
May 28, 2008: The Long Island Lizards trade the 5th overall selection in the 2008 Collegiate Draft to the Los Angeles Riptide. In return, the Lizards receive attackman Spencer Ford, as well as the 14th and 19th overall selections in the 2008 Collegiate Draft from LA. Ford ranks in the top-10 in career assists in the MLL.
May 28, 2008: The Boston Cannons acquire the 1st overall selection in the 2008 Collegiate Draft from the Chicago Machine in exchange for the 4th and 6th overall selections. This will be the first time in the Cannons franchise history that they make the first overall selection in the Collegiate Draft.
May 28, 2008: The 2008 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft was held at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. With the first pick in the draft, the Boston Cannons selected Paul Rabil from Johns Hopkins University.
June 6, 2008: The Rochester Rattlers trade midfielder AJ Shannon to the Boston Cannons for a 3rd round selection in the 2009 Supplemental Draft.
June 10, 2008: Casey Powell of the Rochester Rattlers tallied three points to become the MLL’s all-time leading points-scorer. Powell passed Mark Millon’s total of 356 points, and would go on to finish the 2008 season with a career total of 388 points.
June 11, 2008: The Boston Cannons announce a partnership with New Balance to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) during the 2008 season. The Cannons agree to donate half of all proceeds generated by the sale of Mikey Powell bobble head dolls to SOMA.
June 17, 2008: The New Jersey Pride announce a game-day partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Greater New Jersey. With the partnership, the Pride agree to donate a portion of ticket sales from their June 21st game against San Francisco to the foundation.
June 23, 2008: The San Francisco Dragons trade midfielders Jarrett Park and Hunter Lochte to the Washington Bayhawks in exchange for midfielder Bill McGlone and a third round pick in the 2009 Supplemental Draft.
June 28, 2008: The New Jersey Pride are held to just one goal in the first half of their game against Long Island. That mark ties the lowest total for goals scored in a half in MLL history.
July 3, 2008: The New Jersey Pride defeat the Long Island Lizards 26-20. Three New Jersey offensive records were set in the game including team goals scored (26), goals scored by a Pride player in a single game (Merrick Thomson, 7), and most points in a game by a Pride rookie (Matt Danowski, 9). The Long Island Lizard’s Peter Vlahakis set an MLL record with 35 face-offs won in the game.
July 4, 2008: The Denver Outlaws and San Francisco Dragons play in front of 20,116 fans at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The crowd is the largest to attend a single game in MLL history. The previous record was also set by the Outlaws.
July 7, 2008: Major League Lacrosse and New Balance announce a partnership to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. New Balance plans to provide limited-edition Chinese Dragon themed All-Star jerseys to be worn by the MLL All-Stars and then auctioned online. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics. The 2008 All-Star Game will be held in Denver, Colorado at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
July 9, 2008: The Los Angeles Riptide trade midfielder Matt Casey to the Boston Cannons for a second round pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft.
July 9, 2008: The New Jersey Pride trade Kevin Boland to the Washington Bayhawks. In return, the Pride receive a fifth-round pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft.
July 12, 2008: The Denver Outlaws are held to a franchise-low six goals in one game against the Los Angeles Riptide. The Riptide won by a final score of 16-6.
July 17, 2008: The Western Conference All-Stars defeat the Eastern Conference All-Stars 31-15 at the 2008 All-Star Game played at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High. The 47 combined points scored was a new All-Star Game record. Denver Outlaws attackman Ryan Powell set an All-Star Game record with six goals. Powell, along with Chicago Machine attackman Kevin Leveille, also tied the mark for points scored in an All-Star Game with seven a piece. Long Island attackman Spencer Ford set an All-Star record with five assists in the exhibition.
July 26, 2008: Rochester Rattlers set the new single-game record for assists in a game with 20. Colin Doyle lead the Rattles with five assists in the victory over the Boston Cannons.
July 28, 2008: Los Angeles Riptide attackman Jesse Hubbard sets a Major League Lacrosse record for career goals scored. With a four-goal effort against the Philadelphia Barrage, Hubbard eclipsed Mark Millon’s record of 239 goals. Hubbard would finish the 2008 season with 247 goals scored for his career.
July 29, 2008: Long Island Lizards defenseman Nicky Polanco donates cleats and gloves worn during the 2008 All-Star Game to the charity auction being held by the MLL and New Balance to benefit the Special Olympics. In addition, Polanco, along with Washington Bayhawks goalie Chris Garrity, and Chicago Machine attackman Kevin Leveille each donated their All-Star Game paychecks to the Special Olympics.
August 2, 2008: Los Angeles attackman Kevin Huntley scores seven goals against San Francisco to pass Adam Doneger for the most goals scored in a single season by a rookie. Doneger’s record was 26 goals, set in 2003. Huntley finished the season with 30 goals.
August 9, 2008: Long Island’s Peter Vlahakis passes Paul Cantabene for most face-offs won in a single season. Cantabene’s record was 238. Vlahakis finished the season with 244 face-offs won- second most in a single season.
August 10, 2008: Rochester’s Alex Smith surpasses Peter Vlahakis’ record for most face-offs won in a single season. Vlahakis set the record with 244 just one day before Smith pushed the record to 249.
August 12, 2008: Boston’sTom Zummo named New Balance Sportsman of the Year.
August 12, 2008: Los Angeles’ Kevin Huntley named Cascade Rookie of the Year.
August 14, 2008: New Jersey’s Merrick Thomson named Warrior Most Improved Player.
August 15, 2008: Philadelphia’s Tony Resch named Brine Coach of the Year. It is Resch’s second time winning the award.
August 18, 2008: Los Angeles’ Mickey Jarboe names Warrior Goalkeeper of the Year
August 19, 2008: Rochester’s John Grant, Jr. named Warrior Offensive Player of the Year. It is the third time Grant has won the award, with previous honors in 2001 and 2007. Grant becomes the only three-time winner of the award, and second player to win the award in consecutive years. Grant set a Rochester team record with 47 goals in 2008.
August 19, 2008: Major League Lacrosse announces the 2008 All-MLL Team honoring the league’s most outstanding players at each position. Named to the team are: Attack: John Grant, Jr. (Rochester), Kevin Leveille (Chicago), Merrick Thomson (New Jersey) Midfield: Brian Langtry (Denver), Matt Striebel (Philadelphia), Joe Walters (Rochester) Defense: Eric Martin (San Francisco), Brodie Merrill (Rochester), Kyle Sweeney (Philadelphia) Goalie: Mickey Jarboe (Los Angeles), Rob Scherr (New Jersey) Face- Off Specialist: Alex Smith (Rochester).
August 20, 2008: Rochester’s Brodie Merrill named Warrior Defensive Player of the Year.
August 21, 2008: Rochester’s John Grant, Jr. named Bud Light Most Valuable Player of the Year. Grant becomes the second player in league history to win the award multiple times, and the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive years.
August 23, 2008: Rochester’s Casey Powell scores 45 seconds into overtime to defeat the Philadelphia Barrage in the NB ZIP MLL Championship Weekend semi-finals at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. The win was the Rattlers’ first ever playoff victory. Joe Walters led the Rattlers with four goals and three assists.
August 23, 2008: Jeff Sonke tallies four goals and an assist to lift the Denver Outlaws into the NB ZIP Championship Game over Los Angeles 13-12 at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. Ryan Powell notched four points in the win for Denver, while Kevin Huntley recorded four points for Los Angeles.
August 24, 2008: The Rochester Rattlers defeat the Denver Outlaws 16-6 in the NB ZIP MLL Championship Game at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. Jeff Zywicki scored a game-high six goals in the win for Rochester. Denver was held scoreless for the first 28 minutes of the second half. Joe Walters was named the Bud Light Championship Weekend MVP after posting six goals and five assists in two games. With the win, Rochester becomes the first city to win a lacrosse championship in three different leagues.
September 9,2008: The Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League(NLL) issue a release stating that 2008 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Bud Light MVP and Warrior Offensive Player of the Year John Grant Jr. of the Rochester Rattlers will miss the upcoming 2009 winter indoor NLL season after undergoing surgery on his left knee.
September 30, 2008: 23_ man protected list is announced for the 2009 season.
October 3, 2008: The Denver Outlaws announce attackman Matt Hannawill retire from Major League Lacrosse after playing three seasons with the league.
October 16, 2008: It is announced that Doug Locker, San Francisco Dragons Executive Vice-President and General Manager and founder of Whittier College Men’s Lacrosse, will be inducted into the Whittier College Purple & Gold Hall of Fame.
October 21, 2008:The Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) announce that the Bayhawks will be playing their home games for the next three seasons at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
October 22, 2008: MLL announces two new rule changes for the 2009 season. Changes include: 1. The number of players that can dress for a game will be expanded to 19. (currently the number is 18); 2. A fourth long pole defensive player will be added. (currently the number is 3.)
November 17, 2008: Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) announce that they have come to terms on a multi-year agreement which will make Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium home to the New Balance Championship Weekend for the next three years.
December 4, 2008: The Washington Bayhawks announce that John Tucker, former head coach of the Los Angeles Riptide, will be the next Head Coach of the team and has signed a two year agreement.
December 12, 2008: Supplemental draft results for the 2009 season are announced.
January 8, 2009: Major League Lacrosse and the Denver Outlaws announce that the 2009 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 8 PM MT at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High.
January 14, 2009: Rochester Rattlers player Alex Smith has joined the University of Delaware’s Blue Hen coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach.
February 4, 2009: Sportz Ventures LLC, operator of the leading social network for high school athletics, SportsGist.com announces their partnership with Major League Lacrosse and LAXunited.com. The groups will combine to extend the Major League Lacrosse and LAXunited websites to give fans a more broad and interactive experience regarding lacrosse information and images.
February 19, 2009: Major League Lacrosse announces the addition of the Toronto Nationals franchise for the 2009 season.
February 19, 2009: Major League Lacrosse announces each team’s Pre-Season Active Roster (PSAR) for the 2009 season.
February 19, 2009: Schedule dates for the 2009 season which will begin on May 15 are announced. The ninth season of MLL will feature six teams, including the newest franchise which is located in Toronto, Ontario.
February 20, 2009: The newest addition to the MLL, the Toronto Nationals, announced their official name and logo at a press conference at Toronto's Air Canada Centre.
February 24, 2009: Colin Doyle is named NLL best supporting player of the week after an outstanding
February 26, 2009:Major League Lacrosse announces that for the second consecutive year, the 2009 Major League Challenge and Collegiate Draft will be held at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey on Wednesday, May 27.
March 3, 2009: US Lacrosse has announced that 84 players out of a pool of 200 that submitted applications have been selected to try out for the 2010 U.S. men’s lacrosse team that will compete in the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship in Manchester, England from July 10-24, 2010. The tryouts will be held from June 7-10, 2009 at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
March 5, 2009: The Toronto Nationals named Dave Huntley as head coach for the 2009 season. Huntley has previously been involved with the National Lacrosse League since it began as The Eagle League in 1987. He was the first General Manager in Philadelphia Wings history and has also worked with the Baltimore Thunder, Pittsburgh Crossfire, Washington Power and Colorado Mammoth. He is currently in his second year as head coach for the Philadelphia Wings.
March 16, 2009: It is announced that the sport of lacrosse will be taken to the big screen with a movie entitled Crooked Arrows, directed by Steve Rash. The movie will be an underdog sports comedy based on the life of a thirty year old man who returns to his Native American roots to coach a less than perfect lacrosse team at a local Native American high school.
March 17, 2009: EXACT Sports will be the official evaluation partner for the 2009 Major League Lacrosse Season. This will mark the third consecutive year that MLL has used EXACT to run the physical and mental evaluation of top collegiate prospects from across North America. EXACT sports used the same professional and detailed evaluation process as used in the Central Scouting Service of the National Hockey League.
March 19, 2009: Signing period for 2009 MLL season begins.
April 1, 2009: The deadline to submit a contract for play ended today at 5pm.
April 2, 2009:Major League Lacrosse and ESPN announce the 2009 MLL telecast schedule. The network will telecast 11 MLL games this season, including the MLL All-Star Game, the New Balance Semi-Final Game and the New Balance Championship Game on ESPN2 and ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband content platform. All live games will be aired in high definition on ESPN2.
April 6, 2009: The Toronto Nationals announce the signing of the legendary Gary Gait for the 2009 season. Gait last played in the MLL in 2005.
April 7, 2009: MLL launches mllchamps.com for all things relating to New Balance Championship Weekend.
April 21, 2009: MLL launches MLLFans.com, which will serve as an online lacrosse community. The site was created in partnership with Sportz Ventures LLC.
April 22, 2009: Bud Light and the MLL come to terms on a two-year agreement which renews the Bud Light as the official beer sponsor of the MLL.
April 23, 2009: It is announced that veteran attackman Jesse Hubbard of the Washington Bayhawks will miss the entire 2009 MLL season after suffering a herniated disc in his neck.
April 23, 2009: Midfielder Kevin Buchananof the Chicago Machine is traded to the Washington Bayhawks in exchange for Midfielder Jarett Park.
May 6, 2009: An episode of Inside the MLL, the weekly 30-minute magazine show that covers the league is nominated for an Emmy Award by the Boston/ New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
May 7, 2009: Denver Outlaws traded Midfielder Benson Erwin to the Washington Bayhawks. In exchange for Erwin and their fifth overall pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft, Denver will receive Washington’s first round pick, which is the second overall pick in the 2009 Draft.
May 8, 2009: Boston Cannons traded midfielder Jordan Levineto the Toronto Nationals. The Cannons will also send the 13th Overall Pick in the 2009 Collegiate Draft to the Nationals. In exchange, Boston receives the 9th overall pick from Toronto.
May 11, 2009: Denver Outlaws traded Midfielder Geoff Snider to the Toronto Nationals. In exchange for Snider, Denver will receive Toronto’s third round selection in the 2010 Collegiate Draft.
May 11, 2009: Each team’s 2009 23-Man Active and 3-Man Practice Rosters for 2009 are announced.
May 15, 2009: Pointstreak announces that it has reached a new three-year agreement with Major League Lacrosse to continue as the league’s official real-time scoring and statistic’s company
May 15, 2009: The Washington Bayhawks host the first-ever Canadian MLL team, the Toronto Nationals, in the inaugural game of the 2009 Major League Lacrosse season. The Nationals were victorious in a scoring battle that ended with the Nationals up 17-16. The Nationals were led by Merrick Thomson who led all players with a total of seven goals.
May 21, 2009: U.S. Lacrosse announces the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame induction class for 2009. This year’s inductees include former University of Massachusetts Minuteman, Mark Millon, and former Princeton University Tiger, Kevin Lowe. Millon played in 80 regular season games as a member of the Bayhawks, Cannons, and Lizards in the course of his seven year career. His 239 goals place him second behind Jesse Hubbard. Millon is also fifth all-time in total assists with 113 and fourth all-time in total points with 356. Lowe played for the Long Island Lizards in 2003 and 2004, and again for the Philadelphia Barrage in 2006. Appearing in 25 regular season MLL games, he scored 22 goals, 1 two-point goal, and had 49 assists for 72 points
May 22, 2009: Boston Cannons have acquired defenseman Kyle Sweeney from the Washington Bayhawks. In exchange for Sweeney, Boston sends Washington the 9th overall pick in the MLL Collegiate Draft.
May 22, 2009: The MLL announces a partnership with PlaySportsTV.com to produce a web-based library of lacrosse tips.
May 27, 2009: The 2008 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft was held at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. With the first pick in the 2009 Draft, the Chicago Machine chose attacker Kenny Nimsof Syracuse University.
June 2, 2009: Boathouse Sports, a Philadelphia-based manufacturer of custom team athletic apparel, today announced that it will partner with professional lacrosse players John Christmas(Boston Cannons) and Eric Gregg (formerly of the Philadelphia Barrage) on their groundbreaking LEAPS (Lacrosse, Education, Attitude, Perseverance and Success) initiative to give underserved youth in the greater Philadelphia area the opportunity to learn and play the sport of lacrosse.
June 10, 2009: MLL players make a decisive showing at the initial tryouts for Team USA. US Lacrosse announced Wednesday 40 players who have qualified for the 2010 U.S. men’s national training team following a three-day tryout at Bryant University. 35 of the 40 players listed are on current MLL rosters.
June 23, 2009: Major League Lacrosse announces the players who have been selected to participate in the eighth annual Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game. The game will follow the format of “Old School” vs. “Young Guns.” The “Young Guns” squad is made up of players from 2007-2009 while the “Old School” is made up of players from classes to and including 2006. The Denver Outlaws and Toronto Nationals lead all teams with 8 players apiece named to the All-Star Game.
June 26, 2009:Brine announced today that the sporting goods company has signed the 2009 NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player, Kenny Nims, to their research and development team. Nims comes to Brine from Syracuse University where he totaled over 175 points in his four year career at the school, and was a 2009 first team all American. He was also the number one draft pick in the 2009 MLL draft by the Chicago Machine.
July 3, 2009: MLL announces an agreement with emerging music star Avery Watts and Papillon Entertainment to become a music partner for the 2009 MLL season.
July 7, 2009: Chicago Machine rookie midfielder John Glynn was traded to the Long Island Lizards in exchange for fellow rookie midfielder Mark Kovler and a second round pick in the upcoming 2010 Supplemental Draft. Also, the Denver Outlaws traded midfielder Sean Lindsay and a 2010 third Round Collegiate Draft Pick to the Long Island Lizards in exchange for a 2010 second round Collegiate Draft Pick.
July 8, 2009: The National Cued Speech Association introduces Paul Rabil of the Boston Cannons as its first National Spokesman. Paul Rabil regards his partnership with the NCSA as an honor. "Being partially deaf since birth, this group has a special first-hand impact on my life as well. I'm honored to be a part of it. I am continually trying to channel the same energy and passion that I use on the field, off the field. Giving back is one of the most prized possessions one can have. To give is to grow."
July14, 2009: Participants for the 2009 Bud Light All-Star Skills competition are announced. Some of the participants include; Denver rookie MaxSeibald, Boston’s PaulRabil, and Long Island’s MattDanowski will be participating from the Young Guns squad. Denver’s BrianLangtryand BrendanMundorf, and defending champion AnthonyKelly
July 14, 2009: MLL and New Balance announce a partnership to raise funds and awareness for Boys and Girls Clubs in participating MLL markets. The partnership is in conjunction with the All-Star Game and players will autograph game worn jerseys following the event which will be auctioned off.
July 16, 2009: Paul Rabil sets a new record during the Bud light Skills Competition Fastest Shot Contest at the All-Star Game with a 111mph shot.
July16, 2009: The “Old School” defeats the “Young Guns” in overtime at the All-Star game. For the Young Guns, Merrick Thomson andPaulRabilwere the point leaders with five a piece. On the Old School side, MikeLevin had seven saves and ten goals against in the first half. In the next three periods, MikeGabel let in ten and made nine saves, and was awarded the win. The Bud Light Game MVP was awarded to Brian Langtry who had a massive seven point game.
August 5, 2009: The Long Island Lizards make their live morning television debut during the eight o’clock hour of NBC’s The Today Show. Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, and Al Roker were great sports as Nicky Polanco and his Long Island teammates gave them an intro to the sport of lacrosse.
August 8, 2009: MLL announces a clinic that will be held in Annapolis, MD that allows youths to play in front of and with the players. Autograph sessions will also be held.
August 11, 2009: Denver Outlaws midfielder DanHardy is selected as the 2009 Cascade Major League Lacrosse Rookie of the Year
August 12, 2009: Long Island Lizards attackman TimGoettelmann is honored as the 2009 New Balance Sportsman of the Year.
August 13, 2009: Boston Cannons face-off man ChrisEck is selected as the 2009 Warrior Most Improved Player of the Year.
August 14, 2009: Denver Outlaws Head Coach BrianReeseis selected as the 2009 Brine Coach of the Year.
August 17, 2009: Denver Outlaws goalie JesseSchwartzman is named as the 2009 Warrior Goalkeeper of the Year.
August 18, 2009: Toronto Nationals defenseman BrodieMerrill is selected as the 2009 Warrior Defensive Player of the Year.
August 19, 2009: Boston Cannons’ midfielder PaulRabil is selected as the 2009 Warrior Offensive Player of the Year.
August 20, 2009: Boston Cannon midfielder PaulRabil is selected as the 2009 Bud Light MLL Most Valuable Player.
August 20, 2009: MLL announces the 2009 All MLL team members, which honors the best players at each position. The players chosen are as follows; Attack: Merrick Thomson (Toronto), Kevin Leveille (Chicago), Brendan Mundorf (Denver)Midfield: Paul Rabil (Boston), Kyle Dixon (Washington), Joe Walters (Toronto)Defense: Brodie Merrill (Toronto), Kyle Sweeney (Boston), Lee Zink (Denver), Matt Bocklet (Denver)Goalkeeper: Jesse Schwartzman (Denver) and Face-offSpecialist: Alex Smith (Washington).
August 22, 2009:The Denver Outlaws advance to the finals by beating the BostonCannons 11-10 in the first semi-final matchup of the New Balance Major League Championship tournament. Player of the Game JoshSimsof the Outlaws scored three back to back goals in the final period to edge past the Cannons.
August 22, 2009: The Toronto Nationals defeat the Long Island Lizards 14-13 to advance to the Championships where they will face the Denver Outlaws.
August 23, 2009: the TorontoNationals win their first ever MLL Championship by a score of 10-9 over the top ranked DenverOutlaws in at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. With just 45 seconds remaining in the game, Toronto’s ShawnWilliams scored his second straight goal to win it for the Nationals. The BudLightPlayoffMVP was Toronto’s MerrickThomson, who scored six goals in two games.
