Pride Deal Harrison, Hughes to LA for Two First Round Selections
Published on December 7, 2007 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New Jersey Pride News Release
Clifton, NJ - The New Jersey Pride, New Jersey's only professional lacrosse franchise, and a founding member of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), today announced a trade with the Los Angeles Riptide that sends Midfielder Kyle Harrison and Defenseman Brett Hughes to LA in exchange for two 2008 1st Round Collegiate Draft Selections, #2, and #9 overall. The trade gives the Pride five of the first twelve selections in this year's Collegiate Draft.
"Kyle and Brett have meant a great deal to this organization and it is very difficult to have to part with them," said Pride General Manager Trey Reeder. "While we are losing two significant pieces of our team we feel that the potential in this draft will give us a great opportunity to compete immediately for an MLL title in 2008."
With the trade the Pride gain an inside track on one of the deepest collegiate drafts in league history. Already the likes of Matt Danowski, Paul Rabil, Ben Rubeor, Stephen Peyser, Dan Cocoziello, Tony McDevitt and Alex Hewitt have the league brass excited about the immediate future of Major League Lacrosse. With four selections in the first round (#2, #3, #9, and #10) and two additional selections in the second round (#12 and #20) the Pride will have an opportunity to add some instant impact to an already talented returning nucleus.
"We have been spending the last year-and-a-half anticipating the talent in this draft," said Reeder. "With the moves we made during last year's draft, in addition to this trade, we feel we are in a position to build this franchise for several years of success."
The trade was prompted with Harrison and Hughes moving to Los Angeles-area in the coming months. "As much as we wanted to keep Kyle and Brett playing in New Jersey, we felt it was in the best interest of both the players and the league to pursue opportunities for them out west," added Reeder. "We were fortunate that Los Angeles was able to work with us to make this a reasonable trade for both franchises."
Harrison was the first overall selection in the 2005 Collegiate Draft. The 2005 Tewaaraton Award winner dazzled fans throughout the league with his speed and change of direction. In three seasons with the Pride he amassed 67 points on 36 goals and 29 assists. As a duel threat, Harrison also managed a solid faceoff percentage, winning 25 of 53 attempts. He finished the 2006 season second among Midfielders with 17 assists.
He appeared in three All-Star games during his time in New Jersey, once as a member of the US National Team, once representing the "Young Guns" of Major League Lacrosse, and once representing the Eastern Conference. "I am grateful for my time in New Jersey and the support that I received from the fans and the organization," said Harrison.
Hughes was the first overall selection in the 2005 Supplemental Draft. Battling through injuries in his senior season at Virginia, he opted to sit out the 2004 season, which would have been his rookie campaign in the league.
"I appreciate everything that the Pride organization has done for me over the past three years," said Hughes. "Moving to Los Angeles was a personal commitment that I had to make and I am very appreciative that this trade was completed to allow me to continue to play in the league."
Hughes has quietly emerged as one of league's elite shut-down defensemen, twice earning MLL Defensive Player of the Week honors. Last season he held the league's leading scorer, John Grant, Jr., to his first career scoreless game.
The Pride still expect to return the bulk of their talent from the 2007 season and expect some veteran additions to the team to help push the team toward their first playoff appearance since 2003. "This trade, while it will affect us initially, should make us a much stronger franchise in the long term, and that is exciting," said Reeder.
Tickets for the 2008 season are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Pride offices at 973-614-1792.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from December 7, 2007
- Dragons Select Nine In Supplemental Draft - San Francisco Dragons
- Rochester Sports Group To Spread Holiday Cheer - Dallas Rattlers
- Riptide Select Eight Players In 2008 Supplemental Draft - Los Angeles Riptide
- Riptide land pair of MLL standouts - Los Angeles Riptide
- Pride Deal Harrison, Hughes to LA for Two First Round Selections - New Jersey Pride
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.
