Hounds Acquire Josh Hawkins
July 2, 2013 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release
The Charlotte Hounds today in conjunction with the Major League Lacrosse 2013 trade deadline have announced a trio of transactions through which they will receive two-way midfielder Josh Hawkins and both a 2014 and 2015 Supplemental Draft pick.
The first deal sends midfielder Josh Amidon and a 2015 first-round Collegiate Draft pick to the Hamilton Nationals in exchange for Hawkins. The second deal sends midfielder Gerry Reilly to the Ohio Machine in exchange for a 2014 fifth-round Supplemental Draft pick. The third deal sends midfielder Max Van Bourgondien and defenseman Dan DiMaria to the New York Lizards in exchange for a 2015 fourth-round Supplemental Draft pick. Additionally, the Hounds yesterday traded defenseman Ricky Pages and goalie Kyle Feeney to the Boston Cannons in exchange for a 2014 second-round Supplemental Draft pick.
"At this point in the season, we don't want to shake up the starting lineup too much," said Hounds VP & GM Wade Leaphart. "Adding Josh Hawkins is a minor adjustment with major potential. I love his style and he should have an immediate impact, on and off the field. Our coaching staff and players were excited to hear he'll be in a Hounds jersey. It was a fair deal for both sides and I value the relationship we have built with Stu (Brown) and the Nationals." Leaphart added, "Gerry Reilly -- hated to see him go. He's a class act and goes hard. Being Cincinnati based, the move to Ohio is a good fit for all. They're getting a guy who gives it his all. In Max and Dan's case, we had 12 collegiate draftees to work with coming out of the Draft. Breaking into the starting 19 is tough in this league. By sending them to New York, where they both reside, they'll have a better opportunity to get on the field and earn a spot to play with the best in the world. Hopefully that one doesn't come back to bite us."
Hawkins, a Loyola-Maryland product, was drafted fifth overall by the Nationals in the 2013 Collegiate Draft. He has appeared in three MLL games so far this season, registering two goals and collecting eight groundballs. "Josh Hawkins is a fantastic midfielder with a championship background," said Hounds coach Mike Cerino. "He should be a great addition to the team as we battle for a playoff spot in August." In 49 games at Loyola, Hawkins tallied 26 goals and added nine assists, while also recording 172 groundballs and 34 caused turnovers. He was an integral part of Loyola's 2012 NCAA National Championship team, which also featured current Hounds Eric Lusby and Mike Sawyer.
"I want to say thank you to the Hamilton Nationals, it's a great organization that I will miss, they were an awesome group of guys to play with and the best of luck to them going forward," said Hawkins. "That being said, I'm extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to join the Charlotte Hounds, a young organization that has made a big impact in MLL already. I'm lucky to be able to play alongside two Loyola teammates -- Eric Lusby and Mike Sawyer -- and look forward to reconnecting with them on the field again. I feel like the Hounds will be a great fit for my style of play and that we can build a long-term relationship."
Hawkins will be available to join the Hounds (4-5) this week as the team travels to Boston to face the Cannons (4-5) on Saturday, July 6 at 8:00pm ET. The outcome of the game will have a huge impact on playoff position, as both teams are fighting for the fourth and final spot at Championship Weekend. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 2, 2013
- Nationals Acquire Amidon from Charlotte - Hamilton Nationals
- MLL Trade Window Closes With Last-Minute Blockbuster Move - MLL
- Hounds Acquire Josh Hawkins - Charlotte Hounds
- Lizards Update - New York Lizards
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