Lizards Re-Acquire Murtha and add Howley at Trade Deadline
Published on July 12, 2006 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release
UNIONDALE, NY -- The Long Island Lizards re-acquired goaltender Nick Murtha, and added defenseman Mike Howley, in a deal just minutes before the trade deadline on Tuesday evening. In the three-way trade, which sent rookie defenseman Jake Deane to the Chicago Machine, the Lizards acquired two quality players in Murtha (from Chicago) and Howley (from Baltimore).
Murtha was a member of the Lizards for four years, primarily as the backup goaltender, before being grabbed by the expansion Machine this offseason in the MLL Expansion Draft. At 26 years old, Murtha was given the opportunity as a starter in Chicago, but stumbled as he split time with Mike Gabel as the Machine stumbled to an 0-8 start. Murtha is a native of Manhasset, and graduated Johns Hopkins in 2002.
Howley, a 2003 graduate of Maryland, joins the Lizards for the first time after three seasons in Rochester and a stint in Baltimore. Previous to this season, Howley started in 23 of his team's previous 24 games. With the Lizards entire starting defense in Canada for the World Lacrosse Championships, Michael is expected to have an immediate impact on the lineup.
Jake Deane saw action in three games since being drafted by Long Island in the 3rd Round of the 2006 Collegiate Draft. However, Deane has not dressed in the last three games for the Lizards.
The terms of the trade also had Long Island and Chicago swapping 5th Round Collegiate Draft Picks in 2007. As a result, the Lizards will likely move up a few picks in that round of next year's draft.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 12, 2006
- Barrage Partner With Peace of Pizza - Philadelphia Barrage
- Riptide acquires J.J. Morrissey from Rochester - Los Angeles Riptide
- Chicago Acquires Three Players - Chicago Machine
- Trade Sends Ritz To San Francisco - Philadelphia Barrage
- Bye-Week For Pride Gives Team Opportunity to Search For Answers - New Jersey Pride
- Baltimore Trades Michael Howley in Three-Team Deal - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- Lizards Re-Acquire Murtha and add Howley at Trade Deadline - New York Lizards
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