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Blazers Ink Offensive Powerhouses Dawson and Powell to Two-Year Deals

November 23, 2010 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Boston Blazers News Release


Boston, MA = Boston Blazers President and General Manager Doug Reffue announced today the two-year signings of NLL All-Stars Dan Dawson and Casey Powell. With the completion of these deals, Boston becomes the first team in professional sports to have the top three MVP vote-getters from the prior season (Dawson, Powell, and Josh Sanderson) starting on the same squad. Selected as the 68th overall pick in the 2001 draft by the Columbus Landsharks, Dawson has transformed himself into one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NLL. A three-time First Team All-Pro, Dawson was obtained by the Blazers in the NLL dispersal draft in June 2008 and signed with the Blazers on 1/14/2008. Dawson led Boston in last season with 88 points (36 goals, 52 assists) and was sixth overall in the league in goals scored.

"Dan is one of the most electrifying players in our league," said Reffue. "With his leadership and offensive presence as well as the addition of all-stars like Casey and Josh, we will be a major challenge for every team this year. Anything short of a Champions Cup would be a major disappointment."

In 2009, Dawson earned his first MVP title as well as the league's Sportsmanship Award for his 104 point season including a league record of 74 assists, a title which he shared that year with Sanderson. The definitive leader of the Blazers, Dawson has 768 career points (326 goals, 442 assists) and has been featured on ESPN SportsCenter's "Top Ten" for his distinctive between the legs goals. A native of Oakville, Ontario, Dawson also plays with the Brampton Excelsiors with whom he won the Mann Cup in 2008 and 2009.

The Blazers made significant changes to their roster during the off-season following a disappointing first round playoff loss against the Buffalo Bandits. Recognizing the importance of building a stronger offensive line around Dawson, the Blazers captain and leading scorer, Boston selected Powell in the Orlando Titans dispersal draft in August.

Powell, the 2010 MVP and the first US-born player to win the award joins the Blazers after recording a career-high 44 goals and 36 assists. A seven time All-Star, Powell is one of the most acclaimed and recognizable names in the sport and has accumulated a career 567 points (246 goals and 321 assists).

The first overall draft selection in 1998, Powell began his professional NLL career with the Rochester Knighthawks where he played two seasons before being traded to the now defunct Anaheim Storm. Following the Storm's suspension of operations, Powell was ultimately picked up by the Titans organization where he played for the last four seasons. With the Titans, Powell netted 331 points and led the team as captain to three straight playoff appearances.

A native of Carthage, NY, Powell is also known for his outstanding outdoor career including being a gold medal member of the 1998 US World Championship team, the MVP of the 1999 World Cup Team, the captain of the 2006 US National Team as well as Major Lacrosse League's all time leader in points and a four time All-Star. Powell attended Syracuse University where he broke the school's all time scoring record, was a two time National Player of the Year, and won the 1995 NCAA National Championship.

The Blazers kick off their season on the road against the Philadelphia Wings at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, January 8 at 7:30pm. Boston hosts the Edmonton Rush in their home opener on Saturday, January 15 at 7:30pm at the TD Garden. Season and individual tickets are currently available through blazerslacrosse.com or by calling 888-BLAZERS.



National Lacrosse League Stories from November 23, 2010


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