Sting sign pair of key veterans
November 21, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Arizona Sting News Release
GLENDALE, AZ --- Arizona Sting Head Coach and General Manager Bob Hamley announced Tuesday that veteran goaltender Rob Blasdell and newly acquired forward Derek Malawsky have been signed to one-year contracts, pending league approval.
"Rob and Derek are both quality players that bring a lot to the table in terms of ability, leadership, and passion for the game," said Hamley. "We have a young team in Arizona, so we'll be looking for these guys to lead by example and help provide direction for some of the younger players as we look to reach our goal of winning a Champion's Cup in 2007."
Blasdell, 36, registered a record of 5-5, a save percentage of 73.73%, and a G.A.A. of 12.44 with the Sting last season. The 6'1", 205 lb. native of Orillia, Ontario has logged 4,898 minutes of action in nine NLL seasons, posting a career G.A.A. of 12.31 and a save percentage of 75.11%. Blasdell's best season came in 2002 when he led the Albany Attack to a league-best record of 14-2 en route to being named NLL Goaltender of the Year.
Malawsky, 33, led the San Jose Stealth in scoring last season with 20G-30A-50P. Arizona acquired the perennial All-Star from San Jose in exchange for defenseman Andrew Guindon and a first-round pick at the 2006 NLL Entry Draft on September 13, 2006. In eight NLL seasons, Malawsky has tallied 112GP-169G-313A-482P. The 6'0", 175 lb. native of Coquitlam, BC holds the league record for assists in a game, having registered 11 on January 5, 2002 as a member of the Rochester Knighthawks.
The Arizona Sting is a professional indoor lacrosse team playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Their home games are played at the Jobing.com Arena and their season runs annually from January-April. For more information, please visit www.ArizonaSting.com.
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