The National Lacrosse League has formally announced the sale and relocation of the former Albany Attack franchise to the city of San Jose, California and the HP Pavilion. HP Pavilion is the home arena of the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. The yet-to-be-named San Jose team will begin play at the HP Pavilion with the start of the upcoming 2003-04 season, expected to begin in December of 2003. NLL teams each play eight home games as part of a 16-game regular season schedule. All games are played on the weekends. The league's regular season typically runs 16 weeks, starting in late December and ending in April, with the Champion's Cup Playoffs to follow.

"This is a great day for the sports fans of San Jose, the entire Bay Area and the NLL," said Commissioner Jim Jennings. "We are now a truly national league, with teams across the United States and Canada. The arrival of this franchise in San Jose shows that our business plan is working. We have moved into another successful National Hockey League market, and formed a partnership with the NHL team in the market. We are very excited to work with the San Jose Sharks and look forward to a great future in San Jose."

The San Jose team is owned by a partnership consisting of three entities: Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E), The Bay Area Lacrosse Owners Group, led by Silicon Valley area businessman Peter Wendell, and a group of Canadian investors, led by Toronto businessman John Bergsma. Johnny Mouradian will serve as General Manager. Mouradian is well-known among fans of the NLL as the architect of Championship teams in Buffalo and Toronto during the 1990's.

The team will be operated by Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E). SVS&E serves as the business and marketing arm of the San Jose Sharks. "We are extremely excited to be bringing the NLL to the West Coast and specifically the Bay Area," said Malcolm Bordelon, SVS&E Executive Vice President of Business Operations. "The sport of lacrosse has witnessed a substantial growth spurt across the Nation and in Northern California as well. The indoor professional game is a furiously fast paced contest that local fans will find hard to resist."

"SVS&E is very pleased and proud to be working with Peter Wendell, John Bergsma and Johnny Mouradian in forming this partnership to bring professional Lacrosse to HP Pavilion," added Bordelon. "They are passionate about the sport and are dedicated professionals who share our high expectations for success both on and off the field of play. We've worked hard together to bring this venture to fruition."

SVS&E will be conducting a "Name the Team" contest from June 9 - 27 that will give sports fans throughout Northern California and the nation to participate in naming the Bay Area's newest sports franchise. Fans interested in taking part in the contest are encouraged to logon to www.BayAreaLacrosse.com
Bay Area Professional Lacrosse
525 W. Santa Clara
San Jose, CA 95113