NLL Colorado Mammoth

Ward, Hope Named to All-Pro Second Team During 2019-20 National Lacrosse League Awards

Published on July 2, 2020 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - The National Lacrosse League announced recipients for its 2019-20 NLL Awards Tuesday evening, naming Colorado Mammoth goaltender Dillon Ward and defenseman Robert Hope to the league's All-Pro Second Team.

"Our league continues to celebrate the accomplishments of our players and staff for their work on the field and in the community, and we're very excited that Dillon and Robert were recognized for their efforts this season," Colorado Mammoth Assistant General Manager Brad Self shared. "Both of these gentlemen are professionals on the turf and leaders in the locker room and our organization is proud of their efforts this season."

After earning the team's Most Valuable Player award for the 2019-20 season, Ward was named to the league's All-Pro Second Team Tuesday alongside some of the NLL's best athletes in fellow teammate Robert Hope, Rob Hellyer, Kiel Matisz, Cody Jamieson and Dan MacRae. The read-and-react professional posted career-best goals-against average (9.62) and save percentage (.816%) totals and ranked second in the league in save percentage, minutes played (729:51) and saves (520) as one of two goalies who recorded 13+ games. The nomination marks the netminder's third All-Pro Second Team selection.

"Anyone who's followed the Colorado Mammoth or National Lacrosse League knows how valuable Dillon Ward is to our team and regularly gives us a chance to secure a victory," Colorado Mammoth General Manager and Head Coach Pat Coyle said. "The belief that our team holds in understanding we're capable of winning any game on any given night directly correlates with having Dillon in net."

Voted as Colorado's Top Defenseman for the 2019-20 season, the Mammoth assistant captain recorded a phenomenal season as part of an elite defensive unit that regularly limited opponents' top scorers. Hope's 114 loose balls led the Mammoth for the third-consecutive season and qualified for the third most in the NLL, while his 10 caused turnovers paced the team as well. The veteran also led Mammoth defenders in average time played per game (22:34) and ranked seventh in the league among defenseman/transition players. The honor represents Hope's first All-Pro Second Team selection.

"Robert has had an enormous impact on our organization for years and it's great to see his hustle rewarded after a spectacular season," Self said. "He appreciates and respects the game each time he's on the turf; paired with his natural leadership and physical, yet insightful approach to a defensive series, he's definitely a guy we're glad to have on our side of the turf."

The annual awards are a testament to the hard work put forth by players and staff members throughout the league and regularly feature a variety of athletes and sports professionals like who are going above and beyond in representing their organizations and communities.

"It's a great honor to see Robert and Dillon recognized alongside the league's elite talent this season," Colorado Mammoth Governor and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Matt Hutchings shared. "We're very proud to have these gentlemen represent the Mammoth on the floor and throughout the Denver community each year and applaud them for their exceptional efforts this and every season."

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