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Washington Stealth Re-Signs Two Top Defensemen

October 3, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Washington Stealth News Release


Everett, Wash. - The Washington Stealth has re-signed two prominent members of its defense, Kyle Sorensen and Mike Grimes, to one-year contracts, pending approval by the National Lacrosse League. Sorensen and Grimes were instrumental in the Stealth's back-to-back Western Division titles and the team's first NLL Championship in 2010.

Sorensen, an assistant captain for the Stealth, has been a staple in the Stealth lineup since being drafted by the team in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft. In five NLL seasons, the Peterborough, Ontario native has recorded 44 points (19g, 25a) and 288 loose balls in 62 regular season games. In 2011, Sorensen missed the majority of the season due to injury, but joined the team for the final four regular season games and played in all three playoff games as the Stealth appeared in its second straight NLL Championship Game. He enters 2012 healthy, however, and is excited to get back on the floor with his Stealth teammates.

"I'm feeling great and training hard for the Stealth season," said Sorensen in an interview for the Stealth website (www.stealthlax.com). "I can't wait to get out there for training camp with the boys and start working towards bringing the Champion's Cup back to Washington."

Grimes is another world-class defenseman set to rejoin the Stealth roster in 2012. A NLL All-Star starter in 2011, Grimes has emerged as one of the league's most dangerous defensemen in transition. He led all NLL defensemen in scoring in 2011, tallying career-highs in goals (11), assists (10) and points (21) during the regular season. While his offensive numbers are impressive, Grimes is also one of the top one-on-one defenders in the NLL, ranking second in the league with 27 forced turnovers and ninth with a career-high 103 loose balls. 2012 will mark the sixth season of Grimes' NLL career, and his fourth with the Stealth. In 68 career regular season games, Grimes has accumulated 54 points (22g, 32) and 368 loose balls.

"Mike Grimes is one of the best all around defensemen in our league and he continues to improve every season," said Stealth Head Coach Chris Hall. "He has an incredible knack for the ball and is very dangerous in transition. He's a big reason why we have been to the championship game in each of the last two seasons."

Sorensen, Grimes and the rest of the Stealth will begin preparation for the 2012 season in training camp, which starts in December. The Stealth opens its 2012 schedule on January 14, when it hosts the Calgary Roughnecks at the Comcast Arena at Everett. Season tickets start at just $99 and are on sale now by calling 877-MY-75-TIX or at www.stealthlax.com.

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