ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Friday, February 17, 2012) - The Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today they have acquired veteran attackman John Grant Jr through a trade with Long Island. In exchange the Lizards received Chesapeake’s 2013 second round Collegiate Draft pick and the rights to attackman Matt Gibson acquired by the Bayhawks in the 2012 Collegiate Draft.
The University of Delaware Alum and Peterborough, Ontario native started his MLL career with the Rochester Rattlers in their inaugural season (2001). In his first year, Grant finished second in the league with 59 points (41 goals, 3 two-pointers, 15 assists) in 14 games. He was also named an MLL All-Star and earned league Offensive Player of the Year honors. After a two year hiatus from the MLL, Grant returned to the Rattlers in 2005.
“John Grant, Jr. is one of the best talents lacrosse has ever seen,” Bayhawks’ general manager Brian Reese stated. “He is going to compliment the group we have and be another great finisher on our offensive end. We have a lot of respect for what John has accomplished in his career and are excited to have him on the roster this season.”
In 2007, Grant broke the league's single-season points record with 71 points was named Offensive Player of the Year for the second time, and was awarded the Major League Lacrosse MVP Award. In 2008, Grant led the league in scoring with 64 points (47 goals, 4 two-pointers, 13 assists) and was named the 2008 Bud Light Major League Lacrosse Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row. Grant led the Rattlers to their first Steinfeld Trophy with a 16-6 win over Denver in the 2008 MLL Championship. Grant and the Rattlers franchise and roster, were transferred to the Toronto (later Hamilton) Nationals when the franchise was bought by a new ownership group in 2009. In 2011 it was Grant was traded to the Long Island Lizards.
“After speaking with John, it is apparent that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Bayhawks win a MLL Championship,” head coach and president Dave Cottle said. “Both Brian Reese and I have watched him play in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) this winter and he is playing at an extremely high level. The Chesapeake region will have a chance to watch one of the best players to ever play lacrosse.”