BayHawks Trade Spallina to New York for Draft Pick
February 18, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) - Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
The Chesapeake Bayhawks have traded veteran defenseman Brian Spallina to the New York Lizards for a third-round pick in the 2016 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft.
Chespeake acquired Spallina in December, 2011 via trade with the Lizards and he quickly became the anchor of the close defense. The tough, physical crease defender spreadheaded hard-hitting units that helped the Bayhawks capture consecutive Major League Lacrosse championships in 2012 and 2013.
Spallina played in a total of 26 games for Chesapeake with his 2014 campaign being cut short by a broken jaw. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder was a recognizable figure in his trademark No. 91 jersey with long hair flowing out the back of his helmet and was an emotional leader for the Bayhawks.
"Brian has been a great Bayhawk and he will be sorely missed. He was a great player and a great teammate," Chesapeake president and head coach Dave Cottle said. "With the birth of another child, this trade makes it easier for Brian to take care of his family responsibilities. We wish Brian nothing but the best in the future and our fans will show their appreciation for what he has done for this franchise when the Lizards come to town on July 2."
Spallina is, without question, one of the greatest players in Major League Lacrosse history - a 14-year veteran who has been part of six championship teams. The former Hofstra All-American hoisted the Steinfeld Cup twice each with the Long Island Lizards, Philadelphia Barrage and Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Spallina ranks second in MLL history with 139 games played and takes pride in the fact he holds the all-time record for most penalty minutes with 167 in his career. A native of Massapequa, N.Y., Spallina works full-time as an elementary school teacher.
With New York, Spallina will get a chance to play for his older brother for the first time. Joe Spallina will be entering his fourth season as Lizards head coach in 2015.
"I am eternally grateful to the Bayhawks for the opportunity I had to play for such an amazing team that brought home two championships in my three-year tenure. The Bayhawks organization is a first class operation from the top down and I was able to create so many lasting relationships in such a short time," Spallina said.
"I will forever cherish the relationships I have made. I would like to publicly thank Brendan Kelly, Dave Cottle and Spencer Ford for always treating my family and I with tremendous respect. In addition, I am grateful for the chance I had to play in front of so many passionate fans. I am looking forward to new beginnings in New York and the opportunity to be around my family more. In addition, It is a unique opportunity to be coached by my older brother Joe."
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from February 18, 2015
- BayHawks Trade Spallina to New York for Draft Pick - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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