The Washington Stealth announced the re-signing of defenseman Mike Grimes on Friday, just two days after they re-signed goaltender Kevin Croswell and forward Mike Mallory.
Grimes is going into his seventh season in the NLL and his fifth with the Stealth. In 2012, Grimes tallied 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) and collected 65 loose balls despite missing three games with injury.
Grimes had a breakout season in 2011, proving to be one of the more skilled offensive defenseman in the league. He led the NLL among defenseman in goals (11) and points (21), both were career highs. His 10 assists and 103 loose balls were also career highs and helped earn him an appearance in the NLL All-Star game.
The Stealth also announced the signing of six free agents on Wednesday as the National Lacrosse League’s free agency period opened.
The free agents signings are left-handed forward Peter Jacobs, right-handed forward Brett Hickey, left-handed forward Jerome Thompson and forward Ryan Johnson on the offensive side of the ball. The Stealth also signed defenseman David Joyce and Patrick O’Meara.
Jacobs and Hickey both have experience in the NLL. Hickey, a fifth-round selection in the 2011 NLL entry draft, played in six games scoring a goal and dishing three assists last season.
The free agents will be part of the 40-man training camp roster fighting it out to earn one of 23 spots when the season begins in Jan. 2013.
Croswell joined the Stealth midway through the 2012 season and appeared in three games with the team. He posted a 9.60 goals against average and a .789 save percentage in his time on the floor.
“Kevin came in and did a spectacular job for us last season,” Stealth general manager Doug Locker said. “He has all the skills necessary to be a top goaltender in this league and we are looking forward to having him again this season.”
Croswell backed up Tyler Richards last season and will most likely do the same in 2013.
Mallory appeared in one game for the Stealth last season.
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