The Vancouver Stealth announced that they have locked up their top scorer for next season as Rhys Duch re-signs for another year, pending league approval. Duch is entering his 6th season in the NLL, and has spent his entire career with the Stealth, competing in a total of 89 regular season and playoff games.
“The most clutch player in the NLL, there is no doubt that Rhys is the best young player in the game. He simply gets better each year and we are counting on him heavily heading into the coming season,” said President and General Manager, Doug Locker.
“He is an intense competitor and shines in the toughest situations which is what great players do – and he is a great player.”
Duch has been with the Stealth since 2009, and is looking forward to another year with the team and the opportunity to play in Vancouver,
“I’m super excited to be part of such an awesome organization. From the top down, it’s first class,” said Duch.
“I was a little sad to leave the great lacrosse community in and around the Seattle area. However, the opportunity that presents itself, and the deep lacrosse roots surrounding the Langley and Vancouver area is very exciting! It is close to home so makes for much easier travel for family and friends as well.”
Duch sits second on the all-time points list for the Stealth with 440 regular season points (188g, 252a) as well as first for points all-time in the playoffs with 65 (30g, 35a). Since entering the league back in 2009 Duch has been a force to be reckoned with, as he scored 35 goals and 54 assists in his rookie campaign. His remarkable numbers in his first year set a new rookie record for single season points and it earned him rookie of the year honors as well.
Duch continues to get better each year and last year was no exception as he was third in the league in points with 96 and first in goals with 45. As the new season fast approaches Duch is looking to lead the team to another shot at the Champions Cup Title,
“The mindset I’m taking into this season is the same as every other: do what it takes to win,” said Duch.
The Stealth will begin the 2014 season on the road in Colorado on January 4th followed by their home opener at the Langley Events Centre on January 11th against the Minnesota Swarm.
