Stealth Add Veteran Presence To Lineup
March 7, 2005 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
San Jose Stealth News Release
SAN JOSE - The San Jose Stealth have announced that veteran forward Ted Dowling will be making a return to the National Lacrosse League after announcing his retirement following the 2003-04 season. In order to make room on the active roster, the Stealth released forward Darren Reisig.
San Jose acquired Dowling's rights in an offseason trade with the Calgary Roughnecks in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft.
After leading Calgary in goals (38) and notching 65 points (38 goals, 27 assists), Dowling led the Roughnecks to their first NLL championship since their move to Calgary. At the time, Dowling figured he would go out on top, but he's having some second thoughs.
"I don't know who says going out on top is the way to do it, but I feel I still have things I can do," Dowling said. "The desire to play never really leaves you."
The Streetsville, Ontario native owns a transportation consulting company and often travels to the Bay Area. He's looking forward to the opportunity to help the young San Jose team.
"This is a very good team that's just underachieving right now," Dowling said. "We have the best goaltending in the league, a solid defense and some good offense. If we can get all those components together, I think we can really do some things."
San Jose is looking for Dowling to give them that extra offensive spark. By signing the 5-foot-10, 190-pound veteran, the Stealth will be adding a two time All-Pro to their lineup. In 134 career NLL games, Dowling has scored 548 points (306 goals, 242 assists).
Dowling is very familiar with the Stealth as he previously played under General Manager and Head Coach Johnny Mouradian in Albany. He has played in the NLL and summer leagues with 13 of San Jose's 22 other players. Dowling is eager to help put the pieces of the puzzle together.
"It could be one piece of the puzzle that's missing," he said. "Hopefully I can be that piece and bring a little confidence and the knowledge of what it takes to win. We have a great team, we just need to put it all together."
Dowling's first chance to hit the turf will be this Friday at Arizona followed by a game the next night in San Jose. The following week pits the Stealth against the Roughnecks in a home-and-home series. That series will be an emotional one for Dowling.
"It will be tough to play Calgary," he said. "Anytime you win a championship with a group of guys, you build a special bond with them. Hopefully we can have that same type of bond here in San Jose."
• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 7, 2005
- Stealth Add Veteran Presence To Lineup - San Jose Stealth
- Wings face Knighthawks this Saturday - Philadelphia Wings
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.
