Shamrox loses player in expansion draft

The Chicago Shamrox had forward Matt Holman plucked away from the team by the Boston Blazers on Thursday in the 2008 NLL expansion draft. Holman was picked up by the Shamrox on July 7, 2008, in a trade with the Portland LumberJax that sent Brad MacDonald to the team in exchange for Matt Holman and a second-round selection in the 2009 Entry Draft.

The newest team in the NLL for the 2009 season, the Boston Blazers, selected one player from each of the 12 returning team's unprotected lists, which were released earlier this month. Clubs were given the option of either protecting one goaltender and 13 of its runners (forwards or defensemen), or two goaltenders and 10 runners.

Holman, who just finished up his second season in the NLL, appeared in 10 games last season for the Portland LumberJax, scoring 5 goals and 3 assists while scooping 16 loose balls. Over his two-year career in the NLL, Holman has appeared in 19 games and recorded 19 goals, eight assists, while scooping up 28 loose balls. During his rookie year in the league in 2007, Holman scored an impressive 14 goals in nine games.

The Shamrox are beginning their third season in Chicago after averaging over 5,500 fans per game over the past two seasons. Part of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), the Chicago Shamrox play their home games at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates January through April. The Shamrox are currently accepting season ticket holder deposits for the 2009 season. For a $25 deposit, fans can place their name on the season-ticket holder list.