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Grimes leaves Langley for the east

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The Vancouver Stealth have said goodbye to a veteran defenceman and one of the faces of the franchise.

The Langley-based Stealth traded defenceman Mike Grimes, along with a third round selection in the 2016 NLL Draft, to the Minnesota Swarm in exchange for transition player Tyler Hass and forward Dane Stevens.

Grimes has been with the Stealth since 2009. 

In 2014, he was one of the key leaders on the team, playing in all 18 games while putting up 22 points (five goals, 17 assists).   

“Mike’s decision to pursue a new job on the East coast factored in to our decision… and we are happy for him as he begins this new opportunity,” Stealth president and general manager, Doug Locker said. “At the end of the day, he is, in our opinion, one of the top defenders in the National Lacrosse League so losing him is certainly something we did not plan on. Personally, and as an organization, we cannot thank Mike enough for all that he has done for our franchise over the years.”

One of the players coming to Langley in the deal is, Hass, a 29-year-old a native of Victoria who has played four seasons in the NLL, all with Minnesota since being drafted 30th overall in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft. 

While with the Swarm, Hass put up 42 points (32 goals, 10 assists) in 53 games.  

“We are absolutely elated to acquire a player of Tyler’s caliber and feel he will be a tremendous asset for us in the coming season,” Locker said. “Throughout his career, he has shown the willingness to do whatever is needed and he brings us an added weapon in transition as well as being a steady presence on defence.”

Stevens, 26, played in 2010 and 2011 with the Edmonton Rush and in 2014 with the Swarm, totaling 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists).

“We have watched Dane for a number of years and feel he brings a different dynamic to our offence,” Locker said. “He is a guy who has a very high lacrosse IQ who can not only score goals, but distribute the ball very well.  We are looking for Dane to contribute in a big way in the upcoming season.”

Stealth season tickets, starting at $99, are on sale.  

For details visit www.StealthLAX.com.