Inside Lacrosse reported the Langley Events Centre will be the new home of professional lacrosse in British Columbia. The National Lacrosse League board of governors unanimously approved the relocation of the Stealth franchise from its previous home in Everett, Washington to the Metro Vancouver area effective immediately. The team will be known as the Vancouver Stealth and will begin play at the events centre in the 2014 NLL season.
"It's a historic day for the NLL to be returning to British Columbia," said NLL Commissioner George Daniel in the press release. "We are proud to bring the world's best lacrosse players back to the Vancouver market."
The Stealth have been one of the most successful franchises in the nine-team league, having reached the final three of the last four seasons, including this most recent year - which was hosted at the LEC - and winning the championship in 2010.
"We are excited to bring the National Lacrosse League back to BC," said Stealth owner Denise Watkins. "Our goal is to bring our brand of Stealth lacrosse with us and continue the strong tradition we have built to the Greater Vancouver market."
The move will have a tremendous impact on the community of Langley, as well as the surrounding areas,
"The Stealth will represent and draw from all over the Metro Vancouver area and beyond. The Township of Langley is extremely proud to have the Stealth and the NLL call the Langley Events Centre home," Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese said. "We welcome our residents and visitors to the Township who look forward to watching and cheering for the Stealth."
The Stealth and the Langley Events Centre will be hosting a press conference on Tuesday, July 2 at 11 a.m. at the LEC in which information pertaining to ticket pricing, season ticket availability, sponsorship opportunities and more plans will be announced. The press conference will also provide the opportunity to hear from and meet NLL Commissioner George Daniel, the Stealth ownership, staff, and players.
