NLL Colorado Mammoth

Dominant defenseman Coyle signs with Mammoth

Published on December 20, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER – The National Lacrosse League's best defense got even better Monday, with the Colorado Mammoth's signing of gritty, veteran defenseman Pat Coyle. The Mammoth released forward Curtis Smith to keep its roster at 23 players.

Coyle, a veteran of eight NLL seasons and four championship teams with the Toronto Rock, is among the league's top defenders each year and routinely draws the assignment of covering the opposition's top forwards. He was named the league's best defenseman and first-team All-Pro in 2002 and is a three-time All-Star.

"Pat is a proven leader and a champion," Mammoth general manager Steve Govett said. "Players hate going against him because of his consistency and toughness and he'll bring a winning attitude to our team."

The stingy Mammoth defense allowed a league-best 10.79 goals per game last season, but gains an intimidating, physical presence in Coyle. The 6-foot, 210-pound native of Orangeville, Ontario, has twice led the NLL in penalty minutes (1998 and 2001) and his 330 career penalty minutes ranks third in league history.

Coyle spent the last six seasons with the Rock before being traded to the Vancouver Ravens during the off-season. He became a free agent when the Ravens were removed from the 2005 schedule for failing to secure a suitable arena lease.

The Colorado Mammoth returns to Pepsi Center on Saturday, January 1 at 7:00 p.m. to face off with the Calgary Roughnecks. Tickets start at just $5 and are available at the Pepsi Center Box Office, Ticketmaster locations including Foley's, Christy Sports, Angelo's CDs & More and Tower Records, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone, 303.830.TIXS.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from December 20, 2004


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