Chris Garrity Retires from the MLL
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ANNAPOLIS, MD –Chesapeake Bayhawks’ goalie Chris Garrity has announced his official retirement from Major League Lacrosse (MLL) today, January 19th 2012.
The Pennsylvania State University graduate boasts an All-Star nomination, five play-off berths, and a 2010 MLL Championship Title over his nine year career in the league. Garrity was drafted 15th overall by the Boston Cannons in the 2003 MLL Collegiate Draft. He was named the 2003 Rookie of the Year and the 2005 MLL Goalie of the Year, and three-times the Bud Light MVP. Garrity was also the starting goalie for the 2006 U.S Men's National Team.
The goaltender’s five year career with the Bayhawks began when he was traded from Boston in 2007. Garrity played over 2,709 minutes in the cage for the Bayhawks earning him first place in franchise history. With 50 games under his belt at Chesapeake, Garrity also holds the franchise record for goalie games played and tallied a .541 save percentage.
“Being part of the Bayhawks organization over the last 5 seasons has been an amazing and cherished opportunity. The sport of lacrosse has treated me very well over the years and obviously having the opportunity to play at the highest level for 9 years has been a dream come true. It wouldn't have had the same impact if it weren't for the quality of teammates, fans, coaches and front office involved.”
As a captain for the Bayhawks in 2011, Garrity immersed himself into the community involvement initiative the team prides itself on and became a great ambassador for the sport in the Chesapeake region. His participation in events such as the Polar Bear Plunge, the Run for Miss Darby for Breast Cancer Research, and youth lacrosse tournaments helped to grow awareness for the Bayhawks and the league.
“I'd like to especially thank my teammates,” Garrity continued. “Over the years, I have developed many great friendships and there is nothing better than knowing each and every teammate is dedicated to the success of the organization and the growth of the sport. Secondly, I owe a great deal of appreciation to our owner Brendan Kelly and the whole coaching staff for their leadership and support over the years. They have proven why the Bayhawks are one of the most successful organizations in the MLL. Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank the fans for their enthusiasm and support. Without you there would be no Bayhawks. I've seen firsthand the impact of shaking a young fans hand before or after a game has on the growth of the sport and the MLL. These interactions make the MLL special.”
“We are very fortunate that Chris retired as a Bayhawk,” head coach Dave Cottle remarked. “Most Bayhawks’ fans will remember how Chris dominated the 2010 Championship Weekend – in particular the semi-final versus Boston. As an Annapolis native, Chris able to play in his hometown and watching him grow over his career has been exciting for us as coaches.”
Garrity’s departure from the Bayhawks will open up the spot for newly acquired Kip Turner and Princeton senior goalie Tyler Fiorito. Chesapeake will look for immediate leadership from the goaltenders in their first game on April 28th at Long Island.