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'I’m definitely excited about coming to Colorado.' - John Grant (Photo: Larry Palumbo)

The Colorado Mammoth have confirmed the deal Insider reported on earlier today, the Mammoth sending Matt Vinc, Matt Zash, Brad Self and their first & third round picks in the 2012 entry draft to the Rochester Knighthawks in exchange for John Grant, Mac Allen and Rochester’s first round picks in the 2011 and 2013 draft. After the jump check out what Mammoth GM Steve Govett and Head Coach Bob Hamley have to say about today’s blockbuster, as well as Grant’s comments in regards to his new franchise.

From Press Release

The Colorado Mammoth continued to make major splashes in the lacrosse world today by announcing that the club has acquired John Grant, Jr. from the Rochester Knighthawks.  One of the most decorated and accomplished lacrosse players in the world; Grant joins the Mammoth along with former Knighthawks teammate and one of the game’s premier shutdown defenseman, Mac Allen.  Colorado also claims Rochester’s 1st round selection in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft as well as their 1st round selection in the 2013 draft.

In exchange, Colorado sends the rights to goalie Matt Vinc, defenseman Matt Zash and forward Brad Self to Rochester.  The Knighthawks also get Colorado’s 1st and 3rd round selections in the 2012 NLL Entry Draft. 

A 10-year NLL veteran, the 6’2”, 224lb. Grant has spent his entire career with Rochester.  Considered to have the best stick-handling stills in the sport, the left-handed forward has an incredible 976 career (regular season and playoff) points to his credit.  The balanced career statistical breakdown of 480 goals accompanied by 496 assists results in an incredible 6.33 points per game average – an average even better than former Mammoth legend Gary Gait’s average of 5.86.

“John is the same age as Gary was when he came here to Denver in 2003,” said Mammoth President and General Manager Steve Govett.  “Hopefully he’ll continue, maybe even improve on, his incredible career here in Colorado and we can enjoy the success Mammoth fans are used to.”

Mammoth head coach Bob Hamley agrees.  “John, just like his father, is an amazing player.  Definitely one of the best to ever play our sport,” the coach declared.  “I’m excited to get him here to Denver and start working with him.  His veteran presence, on a young team like ours, will be like having a coach on the field.” 

Grant, like Hamley, will reside in Denver.  “I’m definitely excited about coming to Colorado,” said Grant.  “It’s one of the best organizations in the league.  They’ve put together one of the best rosters in the NLL and have one of the best coaching staffs as well.”  The veteran is no stranger to Pepsi Center, but occupying a spot on the home bench will be a change.  “I’ve played out there a few times and it’s definitely one of the toughest places to play!  I’m really looking forward to having those fans cheer for me instead of against me.”

Colorado will host the Toronto Rock in preseason action at Pepsi Center on Saturday, December 4.  The Mammoth’s 2011 regular season opener is Saturday, January 8th against the defending NLL champion Washington Stealth.

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