Arizona Sting Place Franchise Tag On Blasdell And D. Malawsky

Published on August 1, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Arizona Sting News Release


GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Arizona Sting General Manager and Head Coach Bob Hamley announced today that the Sting has declared goalie Rob Blasdell and forward Derek Malawsky as its franchise players for the 2008 season.

By declaring an Unrestricted Free Agent on its roster as a Franchise Player, a club ensures they will retain the player's services for the upcoming season. Teams are allowed to declare up to two franchise players.

"We are very happy to have both Rob and Derek back for next year," Hamley said. "They are very important to the success of our team."

Blasdell finished the 2007 season with a 9-5 record and a 10.94 goals against average, which ranked second in the league. The 10-year NLL veteran led the Sting to the NLL Champions Cup finals by posting a 9.75 goals against average in the postseason. Originally signed as a free agent by Ontario in 1998, Blasdell will enter his third year with Arizona.

Malawsky will enter his ninth NLL season in 2008, and his second with the Sting. He finished the 2007 campaign ranked fourth on the team in points (55) and assists (35), and fifth on the team in goals (20). He also recorded three goals and 13 assists in last season's run to the Champions Cup finals. For his career, Malawsky has 537 points on 189 goals and 348 assists.

Hamley also announced that the team was close to re-signing team captain Peter Lough to a contract. The defenseman led the team in loose balls last season while playing in all 16 games.

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