MLL annouces Warrior Challenge/2006 Draft

[Sonny]

Boston, MA – The 2006 Warrior Major League Challenge returns to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut on Wednesday May 31, 2006, with face-off set for 5:00 p.m. The event features the elite graduating college seniors playing in an all-star game under MLL rules, including a two-point goal line, 60-second shot clock and a limit of three long poles per team on the field. Immediately following the game, Major League Lacrosse will hold its 2006 Collegiate Draft, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The draft will be held at Sacred Heart's Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the event cost $5.00 and include entry to watch the draft.

New Jersey Pride attackman Jesse Hubbard and Denver Outlaws defenseman Mike Howley will serve as the game day coaches with Hubbard coaching the Hitmen and Howley overseeing the Bruisers. Both were all stars in 2005. Prior to the game Hubbard and Howley will conduct a series of drills with all of the players to help MLL coaches prepare for the draft.

Dr. Michael R. Redler, who serves as MLL's Orthopaedic Consultant, will once again assist with the Warrior Major League Challenge. Redler, who is a partner with The OSM Center in Trumbull, CT., is the head team physician for both Sacred Heart University and the Bridgeport Bluefish minor league professional baseball team. Dr. Redler is also a clinical professor for physical therapy and athletic training at Sacred Heart University and a Visiting Consultant at the University of Virginia Division of Sports Medicine. Dr. Redler will be assisted during the Combine physical examinations by Jeff Berman, MD and Dan Weiland, MD.

"We are delighted to have Sacred Heart hosting our Warrior Major League Challenge and Collegiate Draft for the third straight season," said Gross. "The MLL is very appreciative for the support we receive from Sacred Heart Associate Athletic Director for External Relations Mark Adzigian and his staff. The school's facilities are top-notch and provide the ideal location for two of our most important events. The 2006 graduating senior class is very strong and I expect another outstanding game. This will be one of our league's most important drafts, one that all fans will want to see."

"With our Division I men's lacrosse team competing in the Colonial Athletic Association and playing a national schedule featuring six ranked opponents and our women's lacrosse program competing against quality opponents in the Northeast Conference, we are pleased to partner with Major League Lacrosse for the third year in a row in hosting MLL's Draft & Combine," said Adzigian. "Working with the Fairfield County Sports Commission to bring the best college-age professional prospects to Sacred Heart University to showcase their talents, our programs and ultimately, the widespread and rapid growth of top quality lacrosse being played at all levels in the state of Connecticut is truly exciting and something that we are very proud to take a leadership role in."

Tickets for the 2006 Warrior Major League Challenge are available online at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com or by calling 866-MLL-TIXX. Tickets are also available at all Sacred Heart University Men's home lacrosse games.

Major League Lacrosse invites only the top 40 college senior lacrosse players to participate in the Warrior Major League Challenge. Invitations are based on recommendations from college coaches, statistical evaluation of player performance and input from MLL coaches. Players from all divisions of play are considered.

After checking in and undergoing physicals in the morning, players will participate in drills and situational play during the afternoon. Warm-ups for the game will begin at 4:30 p.m., with face-off for the Warrior Major League Challenge at 5:00 p.m.