NLL places franchise in Edmonton

Published on May 5, 2005 under National Lacrosse League (NLL) News Release

The National Lacrosse League announced it has awarded a franchise to the city of Edmonton for the 2006 season. The Edmonton franchise becomes the league's eleventh team, and will play its home games at Rexall Place, the home arena of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. The 2006 regular season begins in January.

"The great sports fans of Edmonton have supported the NLL on television for the past several seasons, and we're excited to bring a team to the City of Champions", said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings. "Since the NLL first came to Alberta with the Calgary Roughnecks four years ago, fans in Edmonton have followed the league and asked us when they would have a team of their own. I'm happy to say that day has now arrived."

The Edmonton team is owned by Alberta businessman Bruce Urban. Urban, who will also serve as Team President, is the President of Western RV Country, an Alberta-based chain of stores that sell recreation vehicles in the Edmonton area and throughout the province. "Lacrosse is now the sport of the century with a cool factor. It is unlike any sport of the world and I am excited to be a part of this", said Urban.

Urban has appointed Craig Anstead to serve as managing partner of the franchise. Anstead resides in Edmonton and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the club.

The team can be found online at www.edmontonprolacrosse.com. Fans can submit their entry for the name the team contest. Deposits on 2006 season tickets are now being accepted.

"Today's announcement reflects yet another first for our city, and one that we at Northlands, are proud to host," said Dale Leschuitta, President of Northlands Park. As venue managers of Rexall Place, we are always working to provide a wide range of options for residents of the Capital Region, and are confident that lacrosse will prove to be an impressive addition to our diverse entertainment line-up."

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