ROCK ACQUIRE CRAIG CONN IN NLL DISPERSAL DRAFT

The National Lacrosse League held the 2008 Dispersal Draft this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST via conference call where the Toronto Rock acquired former Arizona Sting forward Craig Conn.

Conn finished the 2007 season as Arizona’s second-leading scorer with 76 points (21 goals, 55 assists). He appeared in all 16 regular season games and ranked second on the team in loose balls with 106. Conn also helped lead Arizona to an appearance in the NLL Championship as he tied for the league lead in playoff scoring with 19 points (7G, 12A).

The St. Catharine’s native was selected onto the Buffalo Bandits roster during the first round of the 2007 NLL Dispersal draft but was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List for the 2008 season after suffering a knee injury while playing summer lacrosse.

“We are aware of Craig Conn’s injury but feel a player of his tremendous ability and heart is an opportunity we could not bypass” said Mike Kloepfer, Director of Lacrosse Operation for the Toronto Rock. “The report from our doctors who examined Craig along with his determination to return to form will be a great boost to our offence and leadership.”

Conn was originally drafted by the Vancouver Ravens in 2003 (4th overall) and was acquired by the Sting in a trade with Minnesota midway through the 2005 season. The two-time NLL All-Star played in 36 career regular season games with the Arizona Sting and recorded 154 points (71 goals, 83 assists).

Mike Attwood, practice roster goaltender for the Rock in 2008 was also selected by Toronto this afternoon and will remain with the Rock for the upcoming season. “Adding Attwood to our goaltending depth allows for our club to be prepared for the present and the future”, Kloepfer added.

For all NLL 2008 Dispersal Draft results and details, please visit www.nll.com
-T.Workman-