CALGARY, AB - Calgary Roughnecks President and General Manager Brad Banister announced today that the club has signed forward Josh Sanderson to a three-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed and are subject to league approval."Signing a three year deal shows Josh's commitment to his teammates and to the Calgary Roughnecks and is sure to send a wave through the locker room about his dedication to the team," said Banister.
Sanderson, a native of Orangeville, Ontario, played in his first full season with the Roughnecks last year tallying 103 points, including 29 goals and 74 assists in 16 games. In that time, he also collected 73 loose balls, notched 11 power play goals, 31 power play assists and one game winning goal.
During the post-season, the 32-year-old forward recorded 19 points (5g,14a) in three playoff games and was voted the National Lacrosse League's MVP.
"It's a pleasure to have Josh back as a member of the Calgary Roughnecks, the MVP of the Champion's Cup game," added Banister.
"Josh brings with him all the playing experience, the respect of every teammate and every guy in the league."
Sanderson was originally acquired by Calgary in a blockbuster trade with Toronto in March of 2008. The Roughnecks traded Lewis Ratcliff and a conditional first or second round selection in the 2009 Entry Draft in exchange for Sanderson and a first round selection in the 2008 Entry Draft.
Prior to his time with the Roughnecks, the five-foot-seven, 160-pounder played alongside the Toronto Rock, San Jose Stealth, Rochester Knighthawks and the Albany Attack, a team that later became the San Jose Stealth.
Sanderson, who also won the Champion's Cup with Toronto in 2005, was named to the NLL All-Star lineup in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
In 160 career regular season National Lacrosse League games, Sanderson has tallied 292 goals, 558 assists for a total of 850 points. In that time, he also collected 774 loose balls and racked up 95 penalty minutes.
Outside of the NLL, Sanderson plays alongside the Brampton Excelsiors, who won the Mann Cup this past summer.
The Calgary Roughnecks and Edmonton Rush are scheduled to hit Lethbridge's ENMAX Centre on Saturday, December 19th for an exhilarating exhibition matchup. Game time is 7:30 p.m. MST.
The Calgary Roughnecks kick-off the 2010 season on Sunday, January 10th at the Pengrowth Saddledome against the Minnesota Swarm.
Calgary Roughnecks season tickets are on sale now. Call the Calgary Roughnecks office at (403) 294-9244 to find out more information or purchase your tickets.
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