Cannons acquire Mike Powell in blockbuster trade
Published on March 21, 2007 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release
Boston, MA (March 21, 2007) - The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today they have acquired attackman Mike Powell from the Washington Bayhawks. In addition, Boston received midfielder Ben DeFelice and a conditional 2008 Collegiate Draft choice. In exchange, the Cannons sent attackman Conor Gill and defenseman Ryan Curtis to Washington.
Powell returns to lacrosse action after a one year absence. He exploded onto the MLL scene in 2005 scoring 27 goals and dishing out 17 assists for 44 total points. Along with Gary Gait and Tom Marechek, Powell helped comprise what many believed to be the greatest attack line in lacrosse history. Powell helped lead the Bayhawks to the 2005 MLL Championship.
"Mike Powell is the complete package," said Bill Daye, Cannons Head Coach. "We are thrilled to have Mike in Boston. He has as much talent as anyone in the game today and is second to none in terms of star power. We couldn't ask for a better player for the Cannons organization both on and off the field."
In addition to a standout first MLL season Powell is one of the sport's most decorated athletes at both the collegiate and international level.
A 2004 Syracuse graduate, Powell won two National Championships with the Orange and was the tournament MVP in both of those seasons. He finished with school record 307 points, good for second on the NCAA's all-time list. Powell is the only two-time Tewaaraton Trophy winner, awarded to the country's best player.
He is just the fourth NCAA lacrosse player to be named a first team All-American in each of his four seasons. He is the only NCAA lacrosse player to be named National Attackman of the Year four times.
Powell was a member of the 2002 and 2006 United States Men's National Teams. He led the U.S. team in points at both Word Championship tournaments.
In addition to his vast talent, Powell is lacrosse's most recognizable star. A tireless promoter of the sport Powell appears across the country spreading the game. He will be an instant hit with Boston Cannons fans.
"As an organization, the chance to acquire Mike Powell was impossible to pass up," said Jason Chandler, Cannons General Manager. "Our great fans will be treated to one of the game's biggest stars this summer. Mike is an incredible talent. I think our fan base will relish the opportunity to watch Mike in a Cannons uniform."
Powell is employed by Brine Inc., a Boston based company and an official equipment supplier of the MLL.
In addition to Powell the Cannons acquired midfielder Ben DeFelice. The Towson graduate has been in the MLL since 2004. He was drafted by Philadelphia and played with the Bayhawks in 2005 and 2006. DeFelice will play a multi-faceted roll for the Cannons.
"Ben DeFelice is an important acquisition for us," said Daye. "He is a very solid, versatile midfielder. He can play defense, get our transition started and spell Dave Jenkins facing off."
In trading Conor Gill the Cannons move the franchise's most productive player. Gill has led the MLL in assists each of the past four seasons, averaged close to 60 points per season with the Cannons since his arrival in 2002 and has been named to the league's All-MLL team twice. In addition Gill was the MLL's MVP in 2004 and led the league in points in 2004 and 2006.
"Trading Conor was a difficult decision, not something we entered into lightly," said Daye. "Conor is one of the league's premier players. We appreciate everything Conor has done for the Cannons organization. This trade puts Conor close to home. I'm sure he'll do an outstanding job for the Bayhawks."
"In the end we felt this was the right decision for our organization as we look towards the future," continued Daye.
A 2002 University of Virginia graduate, Gill was drafted by the Cannons in the first round. He was named the MLL's Rookie of the Year in 2002. Gill has been in All-Star four times.
"Conor Gill has been our team's best player since he was drafted in 2002," said Chandler. "He will go down as one of the Cannons all-time greats. Our ownership, our coaches and our staff thank Conor for all of his contributions. He will truly be missed. We wish him all the best in Washington. The Bayhawks are getting a great player."
The Cannons will also part ways with Ryan Curtis, though Curtis is not expected to play in 2007 due to his commitments as head coach of the University of Vermont Men's Lacrosse team. Curtis is one of the Cannons three original assigned players. In six years with the Cannons he missed only two games. He was the Cannons team captain for the last three seasons and was named the MLL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2003.
"The Cannons could not have asked for a better captain," said Chandler. "Whether he elects to play again or not, Ryan will be remembered as an original Cannon, someone who never missed a game or practice and was a leader on our team from day one. I'm not sure we can ever replace a Ryan Curtis."
Curtis is a three-time MLL All-Star and four-time Cannons team Defensive Player of the Year. He was named head coach at Vermont in September 2006.
"It was a pleasure to both play and coach with Ryan," said Daye. "He's a tremendous player and a great leader. He'll be missed but he will always have a place here with the Cannons."
The Cannons open their 2007 season at Washington on May 12. Boston's home opener is Saturday May 19. The first time the Cannons play the Bayhawks at home is on Friday June 15.
Training camp for the Boston Cannons begins on April 21 at Harvard University.
Boston Cannons season tickets are on sale for $108. For ticket information call 888-847-9700 or visit www.bostoncannons.com.
2007 BOSTON CANNONS SCHEDULE:
DATE OPPONENT TIME
May 12 at Washington Bayhawks 7:00PM
May 19 vs. Philadelphia Barrage 7:00PM
May 25 at Long Island Lizards 7:00PM
June 2 vs. Los Angeles Riptide 7:00PM
June 9 at Philadelphia Barrage 7:00PM
June 15 vs. Washington Bayhawks 7:30PM
June 23 vs. New Jersey Pride 7:00PM
June 30 at New Jersey Pride 7:30PM
July 14 at Chicago Machine 7:00PM
July 19 vs. Rochester Rattlers 7:00PM
August 2 vs. Long Island Lizards 7:30PM
August 11 at Rochester Rattlers 7:30PM
Major League Lacrosse Stories from March 21, 2007
- Blockbuster NLL trade involves Mikey Powell and Conor Gill - MLL
- Cannons acquire Mike Powell in blockbuster trade - Boston Cannons
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
