Gait Named NLL MVP
May 1, 2003 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release
Denver, Colo. - Colorado Mammoth team captain Gary Gait has been named the National Lacrosse League's most valuable player for the 2002-03 season, continuing to rewrite professional lacrosse's record books with his sixth MVP win.
Gait also was named to the NLL's All-Pro First Team for a record-setting twelfth time. He has made the All-Pro team every season that he's played, beginning in 1991.
Gait's selection as MVP has capped a mammoth season for the 36-year-old veteran. Gait scored 61 goals this season, setting a new NLL record for single season scoring. Gait owned the previous record, 57 goals set in 1998.
Gait was named the league's player of the week three times this season and was the league's March player of the month. He led the Colorado Mammoth to the NLL's eastern division championship.
Gait previously had won five consecutive MVP awards from 1995 through 1999. Gait's 61 regular season goals give him 508 career regular season goals, more than any player in league history.
Gait has led the league in goals scored six times (1995-1999 and 2003), assists twice (1991 and 1997) and total points six times (1991, 1995, 1997-2000). Gait added 35 assists during this season for 96 total points.
"Gary's MVP award is the perfect way to finish the Mammoth's first season in Colorado," said Steve Govett, Colorado Mammoth general manager. "The fan support here has been tremendous and we're proud to say that, with Gary, they've seen the best player in the National Lacrosse League."
Joining Gait on the All-Pro First Team are Colin Doyle, Toronto Rock, forward; Tracey Kelusky, Calgary Roughnecks, forward; John Tavares, Buffalo Bandits, forward; Jim Moss, Albany Attack, defenseman; Pat O'Toole, Rochester Knighthawks, goaltender.
The league also announced the All-Pro Second Team including Blaine Manning, Toronto Rock, forward; John Grant Jr., Rochester Knighthawks, forward; Tom Marechek, Philadelphia Wings, forward; Josh Sanderson, Albany Attack, forward; Jim Veltman, Toronto Rock, defenseman; Matt Disher, Ottawa Rebel, goaltender.
Colorado Mammoth forward Brian Langtry was named the National Lacrosse League's rookie of the year earlier this week. Annual awards are selected by a vote of league coaches, general managers and governors.
National Lacrosse League Stories from May 1, 2003
- Matt Disher Named to NLL All-Pro Second Team - Ottawa Rebel
- Kelusky Named to NLL All-Pro Team - Calgary Roughnecks
- Gait Named NLL MVP - Colorado Mammoth
- Wings' Marechek Named to Second All-Pro Team - Philadelphia Wings
- Silcott Named National Lacrosse League's General Manager of the Year - Buffalo Bandits
- Darris Kilgour Named NLL Coach of the Year - Buffalo Bandits
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.
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