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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Turner Named MVP of Western Lacrosse Association Finals

September 5, 2003 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Knightawks defenseman Andrew Turner was named the most valuable player of the Western Lacrosse Association Finals last week.

In addition, the Victoria Shamrocks defenseman was a First Team All-Star and the 2003 WLA Defenseman of the Year. Turner and the Shamrocks defeated the Coquitlam Adanacs in five games to advance to the Mann Cup Finals and a date with the Ontario Lacrosse Association champs, the Brampton Excelsiors. Game One of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5th in Victoria.

All seven games will be played in Victoria because the Mann Cup rotates each season from the OLA champion to WLA champion. Last season, Brampton hosted the Finals and defeated Victoria in seven games.

Turner is one of four members of the Knighthawks playing in the Mann Cup Finals. Derek Malawsky is also playing for the Shamrocks and is currently sixth among all WLA playoff scorers with 27 points (15+12). Brampton boasts two players from Rochester's defense: Mike Hasen and Steve Penny. Brampton advanced to the Finals with a five-game series victory over the Peterborough Lakers. Turner just completed his fourth season with the Knighthawks. He was Rochester's second-round selection (eighth overall) in the 1999 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.

Follow the Mann Cup Finals at www.theboxrocks.com.

NLL MOVES TEAM TO ARIZONA

The National Lacrosse League has announced the relocation of the former Columbus Landsharks franchise to the state of Arizona for the 2003-2004 season. The team will now operate in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and will play its home games at the new Glendale Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The Glendale Arena will be the new home of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League, and the Arizona NLL team. The arena is in the final stages of construction, and will open in December. The Phoenix Coyotes organization has retained an ownership stake in the franchise, and will handle the marketing, ticket sales, and day-to-day operations of the team. The upcoming season begins on the weekend of December 27th. The league schedule will be released shortly.

"This is a great day for the sports fans of the Valley of the Sun, the entire state of Arizona and the NLL," said Commissioner Jim Jennings. "We have moved into another successful National Hockey League market, and formed a partnership with the Phoenix Coyotes. The Coyotes are moving into a beautiful new arena, and they are taking us with them. We are very excited to work with the Phoenix Coyotes and Coyotes Hockey, LLC and look forward to a great future in Glendale."

Wayne Gretzky, Managing Partner of the Coyotes, is one of many past and present NHL players who played indoor or "box" lacrosse while growing up in Canada. "I played lacrosse while growing up in Ontario," said Gretzky. "It's a fast, exciting game that's very similar to hockey. I know our fans will love it."

"We are extremely excited to bring the NLL to Phoenix and specifically Glendale and the West Valley," said Douglas Moss, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Phoenix Coyotes. "In the past few years, the sport of Lacrosse has grown substantially throughout the United States and Canada, particularly on the west coast with new franchises in Anaheim and San Jose. Indoor professional lacrosse is an exciting, fast paced, physical game that our fans will really enjoy."

For more information on the team, tickets and a "Name the Team" contest, please visit www.arizonalax.com to register and submit entries for the competition. Arizona lacrosse can also be reached by telephone at (408) 563-PUCK (7825).

KNIGHTHAWKS RELEASE PRICING FOR 2003-04

(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Knighthawks have released season ticket pricing for the 2003-04 season. This season fans can take advantage of discounted premium seating pricing and current season ticket holders have the option to purchase discounted season ticket packages as part of the new Assist Packs.

The Knighthawks return for their historic 10th season of professional lacrosse with a lineup that includes leading scorer John Grant, 2003 Goaltender of the Year Pat O'Toole, Shawn Williams, and Curt and Derek Malawsky. The team also welcomes the Ottawa Rebel's leading scorer, Matt Giles, and tough guy Shawn Zettel to the ‘Hawks.

Season tickets and group packages are currently on sale at the Rochester Knighthawks' Office, or by calling (585) 454-5335. Eight-game season ticket packages range from $54 to $160. Season ticket holders will enjoy a savings of up to 34% percent with a purchase of season tickets. FULL STORY AND PRICING.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from September 5, 2003


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.

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