The Lizards have executed a trade with the Chesapeake Bayhawks that will bring former Lizard, Brian Spallina, back to New York. In exchange for Spallina, the Bayhawks will receive the Lizard’s 2016 third round MLL Collegiate Draft pick.
Spallina, who has been a part of Major League Lacrosse since it’s inaugural season in 2001, played with the Lizards for the 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, and 2011 seasons. He played with the Philadelphia Barrage from 2004 – 2008, and most recently for the Bayhawks since the 2012 season. Spallina is currently second in the League for most games played. He has appeared in 138 games in 13 seasons, only appearing in fewer games than Matt Striebel at 159.
Spallina was drafted 70th overall by the (then) Long Island Lizards in the Inaugural Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft. A Long Island native, he graduated from Hofstra University in 2000 and was just inducted into the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame. He holds the record for most MLL championships won by a single player with six.
“I want to start off by saying we are really excited about what this trade brings to our organization,” said Lizards’ head coach Joe Spallina. “Brian is a fierce competitor and a physical presence; one of the best locker room guys and leaders to ever play in the MLL, evidenced by his six championship rings and he still has plenty of juice left.”
Aside from his on-the-field accolades, one thing about Brian stands out off the field. His older brother is Lizards’ head coach, Joe Spallina. During Brian’s most recent stint with the Lizards in 2010 and 2011, Joe served as an assistant coach under head coach Jim Mule.
Brian Spallina will have his first opportunity to join the rest of the Lizards’ roster on March 27 when training camp kicks off. The Lizards will play their first game of the 2015 season at home at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium on Sunday, April 12 against the Ohio Machine at 5:00 PM. Season tickets are available now by calling the Lizards at 1-855-NYLizards. Single game tickets will go on sale March 2. For more information about the New York Lizards, be sure to check out NYLizards.com.
