Riptide land pair of MLL standouts
December 7, 2007 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Los Angeles Riptide News Release
CARSON, CALIFORNIA (Dec. 7, 2007) - The Los Angeles Riptide of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today they have acquired midfielder Kyle Harrison and defenseman Brett Hughes from the New Jersey Pride in exchange for a pair of first round picks in the 2008 Major League Lacrosse College Draft.
"I could not be happier that two such quality young men become a part of our organization," said Los Angeles Riptide Head Coach John Tucker. "We view them both as top five players at their respective positions, and they will have an immediate impact on our team."
Harrison entered the league in 2005 after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2005 MLL Collegiate Draft. He set the tone early as he scored twice in his first professional game (against vs. Philadelphia) and became just the second rookie in league history to be named to an All-Star team. He finished the year with nine goals and six assists.
In 2006 Harrison was named to the US World Team and finished second in the league amongst midfielders with 17 assists. Overall, he scored eight goals for a total of 25 points.
The 2007 season was Harrison's best as he scored a career-high 27 points and his 19 goals more than doubled his career mark. He was again picked for the MLL All-Star game and in a testament to his popularity the camouflage jersey he wore in the game was auctioned off for over $600. The proceeds went to the Wounded Warrior Project. Harrison has already been selected to participate in the 2008 Champions Challenge Weekend as part of the U.S. team.
As a collegian Harrison led Johns Hopkins to its first NCAA title in 18 years as a senior in 2005. He received the Tewaaraton Trophy and the USILA's Enners Award as the nation's top player in 2005. He was a three-time All-American, earning first team honors twice.
"Though I will miss my teammates and the fan's in New Jersey, I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to get out to L.A. and play for such a successful franchise in such a new lacrosse market," said Harrison. "From the ownership, to the management, to the players, everything is done first class. The chemistry on this team is second to none, and I can't wait to be a part of it. I want to thank the New Jersey Pride organization for everything they have done for me, and I wish them the best of luck in the future."
Hughes finished his third season in the league and it was arguably his best. Though not selected to the All-Star team, he certainly had All-Star games in the regular season. Some highlights include shut-downs of offensive standouts like Mikey Powell of Boston and John Grant, Jr. of Rochester. He held Powell to just a man-up assist and a crease-dive goal which may never be equaled. His most dominant performance came against Grant as he held the league MVP to no goals, ending Grant's MLL-record 48-game scoring streak. It led New Jersey to a 13-12 win and also snapped the longest winning streak in the league in 2007 (eight games). The performance versus Grant earned him the MLL Defensive Player of the Week award.
Hughes played in 23 games in 2005 and 2006 and finished with 42 ground balls and two assists. He earned one MLL Defensive Player of the Week award in 2006.
Hughes started every game in four years at the University of Virginia. He earned All-America status as a junior and while injuries could not keep him out of the lineup as a senior, it did keep him from being named an All-American for a second straight time.
"There are not many defensemen in the game with the kind of size, range and shut down ability that Brett offers," said Los Angeles Riptide Defensive Coordinator Shawn Trell. "He fits our style terrifically."
"While I am sorry to leave my friends and teammates in New Jersey, I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life - moving to Los Angeles, taking a new job, and joining the Riptide," said Hughes. "I am looking forward to playing with Greg (Bice), Mitch (Belisle) and D.J. (Driscoll), and having a great goalie like Mickey (Jarboe) right there behind us."
The first rounds picks received by New Jersey are the second and ninth overall in the 2008 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft.
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Come see the 2007 Western Conference Champion L.A. Riptide for six action packed home games. Individual tickets along with the 2008 schedule to see the Riptide next summer at Home Depot Center are yet to be determined, but season tickets are now on sale. For more information, call Scott Sawyer at 213-763-2683 or visit www.LARIPTIDE.com.
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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
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