Rush Add Defence

November 27, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release


Edmonton, AB- In the days leading up to the first weekend of training camp, Edmonton Rush Head Coach/General Manager Paul Day continues to acquire new players adding more impact to the already strong pool of talent. The Edmonton Rush have acquired Ian Hawksbee from the San Jose Stealth in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2008 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft and Mike Grimes from the Minnesota Swarm in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2008 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.

Hawksbee, a 24 year old native of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario resides in Vancouver. The 6'0" 200lbs defenseman was 10th in the NLL in loose-balls and second on the San Jose Stealth with 124. He had 4 goals and 3 assists and played in all of the San Jose Stealth games the past two seasons. He was an integral part of the best short man team in the NLL last year and will play a big part on the Rush special teams.

"Ian was not able to relocate to San Jose this year because of work commitments in Vancouver and he became available in a trade. He is a young fast tough defenseman and will be in our top 4 this year and a huge part of our team for years to come. Ian fits into our system and will assist our transition game and is a top ten loose ball player in the NLL, an area I felt we needed to improve on." said Rush GM/Head Coach Paul Day.

Grimes, a 21 year old from Peterborough, Ontario was a first round selection 6th overall in the 2006 entry draft by the Arizona Sting. The 6'4" 220 lbs Defenseman played in 11 games for the Sting adding 1 goal and 3 assist. Grimes played in the last two MINTO cups winning the 2006 cup with his hometown Peterborough Lakers and this past summer he moved to Burnaby and played for Burnaby in the 2007 MINTO cup. He also won two MANN Cups with the Senior Peterborough Lakers playing as an underage player for Rush Assistant Coach Jim Milligan.

"We have been looking for a defenseman with size and Mike is a great athlete with a great deal of experience the past 3 summers playing in 2 Minto Cups and 3 Mann Cups. He also played in 11 games as a 20 year old in the NLL in 2007 with the Western Champs Arizona Sting. He is a big body that can play physical and also does an excellent job in transition." said Paul Day.

The Rush begin training camp this weekend in preparation for their 3rd season in the NLL at the Trans Alta Tri-Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove. Please see below for times.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Training Camp Session #1 - North Field

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Training Camp Session #2 - South Field

Sunday, December 2, 2007

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Training Camp Session #3 - North Field

2008 season tickets are now on sale call (780) 732-RUSH or check the Rush website www.edmontonrush.com for details.



National Lacrosse League Stories from November 27, 2007


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