Ravens acquire Coyle
August 3, 2004 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Ravens News Release
The Vancouver Ravens have acquired defender Pat Coyle from the Toronto Rock in exchange for Vancouver's second and third round draft picks in the 2005 Entry Draft. Coyle joins the Ravens after playing six of his eight NLL seasons in Toronto. In his career Coyle has played on four championship teams, earned First Team All-Pro honors for the 2001-02 season, and served on three All-Star Teams.
Having been with the Rock since it's inception in 1998, Coyle was part of all four Rock Championship teams, winning in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003. In 2002-2003, he finished second only to Rock team mate Jim Veltman in scooping up 99 loose balls. Known for his aggressive play, Coyle was tagged for 48 penalties in 1997-1998, the fifth-highest total in NLL league history and is the all time penalty minute leader in Toronto with 309 minutes. Last season, Coyle scored one goal and added 13 assists for 14 points and collected 86 loose balls. In his career, Coyle has played in 96 games, scored 23 goals and added 68 assists for 91 points. The 34-year-old defenseman also won a Mann Cup Championship in 2001.
With Coyle, the Ravens' roster now features 12 players who have won either NLL or Mann Cup rings and a total of 17 players who have won Canadian national championships (either Minto Cup or Mann Cup). In addition, General Manager Dave Evans won the Mann Cup as a player with the Vancouver Burrards in 1972 and won the NLL title as a coach with the Philadelphia Wings in 1989 and 1990. New Head Coach Walt Christianson of Victoria, B.C. won one two Mann Cups as a player and one as Head Coach with the Victoria Shamrocks.
"Winning becomes a way of thinking and playing and we believe we're making the kinds of moves that will create a positive, winning atmosphere in our organization," said Tom Mayenknecht, Governor & Managing Partner of the Ravens, who had winning records of 10-6 in their expansion season of 2001-2002 and 9-7 in 2002-2003 before failing to make the playoffs with a 5-11 record in 2003-2004.
"Pat Coyle is one of those team leaders who has won in the NLL and in the WLA," said Ravens General Manager Dave Evans. "We're committed to contending for the NLL championship each season and with more guys who know what it takes to win, we only believe our chances of winning for our fans will increase."
"This trade will benefit all parties involved," said Toronto Head Coach Terry Sanderson. "Vancouver is in need of strong defensive players and the Rock is in need of picks for future drafts. Pat has given Toronto 6 years of outstanding play and for that we thank him and wish him the best in Vancouver."
National Lacrosse League Stories from August 3, 2004
- Ravens acquire Coyle - Vancouver Ravens
- Ravens acquire Coyle - Vancouver Ravens
- Toronto Rock Trade Pat Coyle - Toronto Rock
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