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NLL Colorado Mammoth

Mammoth names Catton franchise player

August 1, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - The Colorado Mammoth designated defenseman Rich Catton a franchise player on Tuesday, shielding the veteran from unrestricted free agency.

National Lacrosse League teams were permitted to name up to two franchise players, thereby retaining the rights to key veteran players. Only players that are 32 or older and have at least six seasons of NLL experience are eligible for the franchise designation.

Catton, 34, signed with the Mammoth as a free agent prior to the 2006 season and was a major component of the team's defensive corps. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Catton, a sheriff in his home province of British Columbia, tallied one goal and six assists and picked up 68 loose balls while playing in all 16 games for the Mammoth last season. He added two assists and 15 loose balls in three playoff games while helping the Mammoth to its first NLL championship.

"We knew when Rich came here last year that he'd be a tremendous asset to the team," Mammoth general manager Steve Govett said. "His play was excellent and his leadership was invaluable. We are very happy to make him a franchise player and we look forward to seeing him in a Mammoth uniform again this season."

The NLL's free agent signing period begins on Wednesday when teams will begin signing unrestricted free agents to contracts and restricted free agents to offer sheets. Once a restricted free agent signs an offer sheet with another club, his club from last season will have the opportunity to retain the player by matching the offer.

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