Wings Trade Eliuk
press release December 13, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
History was made today as the Philadelphia Wings traded goaltender Dallas Eliuk and a second round pick in the 2006 Entry Draft to the Portland Lumberjax. Eliuk requested the trade due to a need to be closer to his family, who are based in Vancouver, BC. In exchange, the Wings acquired Portland's first round selection in the 2007 Entry Draft. The trade not only marks the move of the league's most experienced active player, but also the end of Eliuk's fifteen seasons in Philadelphia. Eliuk joined the Wings in 1991 as a rookie and has played his entire pro career for the Wings.
"This was the hardest decision I've ever had to make as owner of this franchise," said Wings President Russ Cline. "Dallas has been an integral part of our organization for 15 years. He is synonymous with indoor lacrosse in Philadelphia. We wanted to honor his request so that he could be closer to his family."
"I think the world of Philadelphia," said Eliuk. "This was a very difficult decision, but right now, I have to think of my family first and be closer to home. I want to thank Russ (Cline), the entire Wings organization, and Wings fans for the loyalty and support they have shown me over the past 15 years."
"We are fortunate to have two quality veteran goaltenders in place with Matt Roik and Erik Miller," said Cline. "We will have a solid lineup to compete for another championship this season."
Eliuk has spent his entire indoor lacrosse career with the Wings, a tenure longer than any other player on one team in the history of the sport.
Eliuk is the most decorated goaltender in professional lacrosse history. He has won four world championships (1994, '95, '98, 2001), nine All-Pro and two championship MVP awards.
Eliuk has faced close to 7,000 shots and has an 81% save percentage. He also leads the team in all-time loose balls recovered with 975.
The 5'10", 180-pound goaltender is a fan-favorite. He has made hundreds of charitable and promotional appearances during his tenure with the Wings.
The trade also means that Buffalo Bandits' forward John Tavares and defenseman Rich Kilgour now share the distinction of being the league's most tenured players with the same team. Kilgour and Tavares are both known as "original Bandits", having been with the team since its inaugural season in 1992.
The trade ends Eliuk's reign as longest tenured athlete in Philadelphia pro sports, a title which Flyers' defenseman Eric Desjardins now inherits.
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:32 pm