The Washington Stealth announced today that defenseman Mike Grimes has been signed for the 2013 season, pending approval by the National lacrosse League. Grimes is entering his seventh NLL season, his fifth with the Stealth, and is widely regarded as one of the league’s top defensemen.
Grimes, a native of Peterborough, Ontario, notched 12 points (6g, 6a) and 65 loose balls in 2012 despite missing three games due to injury. He established himself as one of the top offensive defensemen in the NLL in 2011, leading all NLL defensemen in goals (11) and points (21), both career highs. His 10 assists and 103 loose balls were also career highs in his 2011 All-Star season.
“Mike is without question one of the top defenders in the NLL and is an anchor on our back end,†said Stealth General Manager Doug Locker. “Having him back in 2013 was a very important priority for our organization.â€
Grimes entered the NLL as the sixth overall pick in the 2006 Entry Draft for the Arizona Sting. He played the 2008 season with the Edmonton Rush before joining the Stealth in 2009. In his career, Grimes has tallied 66 points (28g, 38a) and 433 loose balls in 81 games. He’s also appeared in eight playoff games – all with the Stealth – and has one goal, six assists and 54 loose balls.
