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Mohegan Sun revives lacrosse all-star tilt

Author

Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker Contributor, Uncasville, Connecticut

Volume

19

Issue

11

Year

2002

Page 29

The National Lacrosse League will bring its top players to Connecticut this spring for an all-star game at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville on April 21. The contest will be staged one week after the league championship final.

The Mohegan Sun Arena is owned by the Mohegan Tribe, and is part of the Mohegan Sun casino complex. The facility has become popular for gaming and entertainment events.

The site of the all-star tilt is somewhat of a surprise since Connecticut does not have an NLL franchise.

"They had a great interest in hosting this game," said NLL spokesperson Doug Fritts. "And we want to spread the word about our game as far as we can."

Fritts said if there is a good response to the all-star game, a franchise for the area might follow.

"If the game has a great local response, they might be interested," Fritts said. "I know we would like to be back in the New England market."

The Boston Blazers were members of the NLL until the team folded in 1999.

Connecticut had been mentioned as a possible expansion site for the NLL a year ago. But the loop, which grew from nine to 13 franchises, added teams in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and New Jersey.

Fritts said he is not sure whether it would be possible for Connecticut to have a franchise as early as the 2002-2003 campaign.

"It's hard to say," he said. "But anything is possible. The league deadline for expansion and relocation is June 1. Since the all-star game is in late April, they'd have to move pretty quickly after that to get things going if they're interested."

Fritts added he doesn't think the financially-strapped Washington Power will move to Connecticut.

"From all the published reports and everything I've heard, Edmonton is the frontrunner (to get the Power franchise)," Fritts said. "And all the possibilities after that are significantly behind."

This marks the first NLL all-star game since 1999. During the 1999 contest staged in Rochester, Team Canada edged Team U.S.A. by a 25-24 score.

The NLL has eastern, central and northern divisions this year. Teams will be divided into North and South for the all-star contest.

The North roster will be made up of players from the Calgary Roughnecks, Montreal Express, Ottawa Rebel, Rochester Knighthawks, Vancouver Ravens and Toronto Rock. The South lineup will include players from the Buffalo Bandits, Albany Attack, Columbus Landsharks, New Jersey Storm, New York Saints, Philadelphia Wings and Washington Power.

"We're excited to bring this great event to the Mohegan Sun," said spokesman Paul Munick. "We are pleased to welcome the National Lacrosse League and the national television audience that will watch this great game at our arena."

The game will be televised in the U.S. via the CNN/Sports Illustrated Network. League officials are also hoping the game will be shown nationally in Canada.

The Mohegan Sun will also play host to the NLL awards banquet, which will be held one night before the all-star game.

Fans can vote for players they would like to see compete in the all-star game online at www.nationallacrosse.com. The league's coaches and general managers, as well as media members will also have a say in the selections.

Mohegan Sun is situated on 240 acres and opened the Casino of the Earth in 1996. Last year it opened a 10,000-seat arena, as well as the Casino of the Sky. The facility also includes 40 retail shops and dining venues.

A 34-storey hotel with 1,200 rooms is expected to open this spring.

The Mohegan Sun Arena played host to a National Basketball Association game this past fall, featuring Michael Jordan's Washington Wizards. The rink will also be home to a pro indoor football franchise this year.