Sting Name Blasdell Franchise Player
August 1, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Arizona Sting News Release
GLENDALE, AZ --- Arizona Sting Head Coach and General Manager Bob Hamley announced Tuesday that goaltender Rob Blasdell has been designated the team's franchise player. The franchise tag ensures Blasdell will remain with Arizona for the upcoming season, as it negates his ability to file for unrestricted free agency. National Lacrosse League teams are permitted to name up to two franchise players, thereby retaining the rights to key veteran players. Only players that are 32 or older and have at least six seasons of NLL experience are eligible for the franchise designation.
"Keeping Rob on the team was definitely a priority for us," said Hamley. "He did a great job for us last season and gives us the veteran leadership that we need in net."
Last season, his first in the Valley of the Sun, Blasdell registered a G.A.A. of 12.44 and a save percentage of .737 while winning five games for the Sting. The 36-year old veteran was acquired in a trade with the Rush last summer that sent a 2007 first-round draft pick to Edmonton. Prior to joining the Sting, Blasdell spent six seasons with the Albany/San Jose franchise. The 6'1", 205 lb. native of Orillia, Ontario, was named the NLL's Goaltender of the Year in 2002 after leading the Albany Attack the Champion's Cup Final and leading the league in saves (644) and wins (13). The upcoming season will be Blasdell's tenth in the NLL.
The Arizona Sting is a professional indoor lacrosse team playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Their home games are played at the Glendale Arena and their season runs annually from January-April. For more information, please visit www.ArizonaSting.com.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from August 1, 2006
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