Mammoth Signs Derek Malawsky
from press release
DENVER –The Colorado Mammoth announced
today the free agent signing of veteran forward Derek Malawsky. The
Mammoth has released forward Peter Veltman to make room on the
roster for Malawsky.
“Derek is a solid veteran player that has the ability to
direct the offense on the floor,” said Mammoth President,
General Manager and Head Coach Steve Govett. “He is a
great ball-handler and a tremendous goal scorer, but we are
especially interested in his leadership skills with such a young
group of offensive players.”
The 11-year veteran said he understands what his role will be, as
he looks to help a Mammoth attack that has struggled at times this
season.
“I want to contribute with some experience and help balance
out the offense” said Malawsky. “I always look to
move the ball and distribute so that we can score from every
position on the field.”
Selected 11th overall by the Ontario Raiders in the 1997 NLL Entry
Draft, Malawsky has three times been the victim of a dispersal
draft and has played for Ontario, Buffalo, Rochester, San Jose,
Arizona and Portland.
“The Mammoth is such a professional organization, top to
bottom,” said Malawsky. “Every guy in the league feels
a little envious of the Mammoth. They all want to play for
the Mammoth. I’m excited to say I can now. The
way the fans are in Colorado, I can’t wait to play
there.”
Malawsky has appeared in three Champion’s Cup finals, yet the
title still eludes him. During his career, Malawsky has
racked up 233 goals and 416 assists and collected 877 loose
balls.
The British Columbia native comes from a lacrosse family. His older
brother Curt is a former NLL player and currently serves as
Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach of the Calgary
Roughnecks. The two had the opportunity to play together in
Rochester, San Jose and Arizona.
Malawsky will join the Mammoth this Saturday, February 27 as
Colorado plays host to the Minnesota Swarm at Pepsi Center at
7pm. The game will be Wild West Night as the Mammoth also
celebrates its one-millionth fan. Tickets are on sale now.
