'Rocket' Roy Colsey Set To Launch For Storm This Season
August 20, 2002 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
New Jersey Storm News Release
Aug 20, 2002 - East Rutherford, NJ - When New Jersey Storm Interim Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Jim Brady announced the acquisition of National Lacrosse League All-Star forward Roy Colsey III, the team took one giant step toward becoming a powerhouse team in 2002-2003.
"Roy delivers that offensive punch we have been looking for," Brady said. "He brings with him a confidence factor that will also help increase our team leadership."
After a stellar career with the New York Saints, one that spanned six years and included two NLL All-Pro Selections in 2000 (second team) and 2001 (first team) respectively, Colsey has landed at the Continental Airlines Arena for the 2002-2003 season. "I'm really excited about this opportunity. I think New Jersey will be the best place for me," Colsey said.
Colsey who still holds several single season records for the Saints including most goals (51 in '00-â01), career points (219), and career goals (121) will be a true asset to the powerful Storm attack. "Roy's contributions with the (New York) Saints show what kind of player he is," Brady added.
The Storm acquired the 6'0 195-pound forward from the Buffalo Bandits organization where he played for half of the 2001-2002 season, recording 19 points (11G, 8A) in six games.
The trade, which took place on July 25, 2002, sent Storm defenseman Jordan Guindon and forward Kerry Susheski and the team's first round draft selection (fifth overall) in the 2002 Entry Draft to Buffalo in exchange for Colsey and the Bandits second round pick (16th overall).
The move marks the fourth such one for Colsey in his indoor lacrosse career having begun his career in 1996 in Rochester as the Knighthawks second round draft selection. After just one season in Rochester, where he competed in two-games, recording one-point, Colsey moved south to join the Saints squad prior to the 1997 season.
Following his fantastic six-year career on Long Island, the Yorktown Heights, NY native was traded to the Bandits as part of a seven-player deal on February 13, 2002. Although his time with the Bandits was short lived, Colsey helped lead the Bandits to three wins, including two straight.
Known as "The Rocket" for his explosive shots that frequently find the back of the net, Colsey is widely regarded as one of the best American-born NLL players. "Roy Colsey is probably one of the best outside shooters in the game today," Brady said.
After finishing the 2000-2001 season as the NLL's top goal scorer with 51 goals, Colsey went on to finish 15th in scoring with 76 points and fifth in goals scored with 47 during the 2001-2002 campaign. For his efforts Colsey was selected as a member of the South Team All Star team at this year's NLL All Star Game at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
In addition to the firepower that he brings to New Jersey, the trade also marks the reunion of four teammates as Colsey joins forces once again with former Saints team members: Steven Sombrotto, Gordon Purdie and Matt Panetta.
Prior to beginning his professional career in 1996, Colsey was part of an NCAA championship team as a three-time All-American at Syracuse University.
According to Brady the team's main goal this year is to win the Eastern Division. "We have set...aim at winning our division," Brady continued. "Our guys showed that they can play at a championship level toward the end of last year (and) we are very confident that our team goals will be met."
With "Rocket" Roy Colsey on the squad and set to launch, the Storm is poised to strike with more offense, energy, and victories.
The New Jersey Storm recently completed a successful inaugural season at the Continental Airlines Arena in which the team won four of its last six games and averaged nearly 6,000 fans per contest. The Storm is looking forward to an even more successful 2002-2003 season of fast, furious fun, beginning in December. For more information regarding the New Jersey Storm log on to www.njstorm.com or call 1-866-NJ-STORM.
njstorm.com writers Dave Popkin and Dan Higgins also contributed to this report.
National Lacrosse League Stories from August 20, 2002
- 'Rocket' Roy Colsey Set To Launch For Storm This Season - New Jersey Storm
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