Shamrocks bring back Dawson
The Victoria Shamrocks have just become that much more dangerous.
The two-time defending Western Lacrosse Association champions have acquired (Dangerous) Dan Dawson in their first of what is expected to be a few transfer moves in hopes of getting back to the Mann Cup, which will be held at the home of the WLA champion this year.
Dawson returns to the club in which he suited up for from 2005-07, winning the Mann Cup with the Shamrocks in 2005 against Peterborough and coming up a runner-up the next season. He was the MVP of the WLA playoffs both those seasons.
The six-foot-five righty had 284 points in 68 regular- and post-season games with the Shamrocks and has won four other Mann Cup rings with Brampton in 2002, 2008, 2009 and 2011 and has added two Champions’ Cup victories in 2013 and 2014 with the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League. Dawson was MVP of the championship in 2014 and is a seven-time NLL All-Pro selection.
“He’s a proven winner who one day will be remembered among the alltime greats in our sport,” Shamrocks general manager Chris Welch said of Dawson. “In addition to tremendous skill, he brings intelligence, experience and outstanding leadership qualities to our group.
“Dan is definitely one of the most popular players to play for the Shamrocks in the modern era and we’re thrilled that the great lacrosse fans of Victoria will get to enjoy watching him with us again this summer.”
Dawson recently recorded his 400th career goal in a 12-11 win over Calgary, in a rematch of the 2014 Champions’ Cup series, dunking the ball from behind the Roughnecks’ net. In late January, the 33-year-old suited up in his 200th consecutive NLL regular-season game and a week later he posted a career-high 11 assists in a win over Buffalo.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to play for the green and white again,” the Oakville native said in a statement. “Victoria has the best fans in Canada and I am honoured to be able to put on the Shamrocks jersey once again in 2015.”
CLOVER POINTS: It’s expected that local product Nolan Heavenor will also be returning to the Shamrocks as he took part in the team’s St. Paddy’s Day shoot-around last weekend. Heavenor retired from the NLL in 2013 and also did not play last season with the WLA club.