The Vancouver Stealth have announced that the team has signed newly-acquired forward Johnny Powless to a two-year contract, pending league approval.
The Stealth acquired Powless in a blockbuster trade in September from the Rochester Knighthawks along with transition player Joel McCready and the Knighthawks first and third round picks in the 2014 NLL Draft. In exchange, the Stealth sent their 2014 first round pick (2nd overall) to Rochester, as well as their second round pick (11th overall) and first round picks in 2015 and 2017.
“Johnny is one of the best players in the NLL,” said President and General Manager Doug Locker. “It’s great to have him in a Stealth uniform. We could not be happier.”
The contract has Powless under contract through the 2016 NLL season.
“Ever since I found I was traded to Vancouver, I’ve been pretty excited,” said Powless. “I’ve got a lot of support from my family and fans and I’m excited about the next chapter for me. I’ve got some memories here already and hopefully can make some more.”
The 21 year old from Six Nations boasts an impressive resume in his young lacrosse career. He’s won three straight National Lacrosse League Champions Cups (2012-2014) with Rochester, two Mann Cup titles (2013-2014) with the Six Nations Chiefs in Senior A Lacrosse and one Minto Cup (2014), where he captained the Six Nations Arrows as the top team in Canadian Junior Lacrosse at the Langley Events Centre. In 2012, he was named to the NLL All-Star team, the All-Rookie team and won the league Sportsmanship Award. Powless scored 30 goals and totalled 53 points for the Knighthawks in 2014.
“It’s going to be a treat to coach Johnny and a treat for the fans to watch him,” said Head Coach Dan Perreault. “He sees the floor so well and makes everyone around him better.”
Watch Powless and the Stealth play, by locking in your Season Tickets or choose from a selection of 3, 4 and 5 Game Packs. The Stealth open up the season in Calgary on January 3 and will host the Toronto Rock on January 10 for the 2015 Home Opener at 7:00PM at the LEC.
