March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 43 F

Bayhawks trade for Matt Danowski

bayhawkslogoThe Chesapeake Bayhawks have acquired one of the most dynamic players in Major League Lacrosse without giving up a member of their current roster.

President and head coach Dave Cottle announced on Monday that Chesapeake has traded three draft picks to the Charlotte Hounds in exchange for perennial All-Star attackman Matt Danowski.

The Bayhawks gave up their first round selection in the 2015 Collegiate Draft along with their first and second round picks in the 2016 draft to get Danowski, who has amassed 278 points during his seven-year career in MLL and is a five-time All-Star selection.

“Matt Danowski is a great player, a great person and a great teammate,” Cottle said. “Matt wants to win and is very excited about joining the Bayhawks. We are absolutely thrilled to land a player of Matt’s caliber and know that he immediately makes us a better team.”

Charlotte also traded Chesapeake its second round pick (ninth overall) in this year’s Collegiate Draft, which will be held on Friday, Jan. 23. The Bayhawks had previously traded their second-round pick.

“I felt strongly that Matt Danowski was better than any college attackman coming out that we could have possibly drafted,” Cottle said.

Danowski, who grew up in Farmingdale, N.Y., was a four-time All-American at Duke University – earning the Jack Turnbull Award as the nation’s top attackman in 2005 and 2007. The 6-foot, 195-pounder was a two-time recipient of the Lt. Raymond Enners Award as United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association National Player of the Year and was also winner of the Tewaaraton Trophy as most outstanding player in Division I.

Danowski, who graduated as the all-time Division I leader for career points with 353, was the second overall selection of the 2008 MLL Collegiate Draft by the New Jersey Pride. He was transitioned to the Long Island Lizards once the Pride shut down and enjoyed three successful seasons with that organization.

Charlotte acquired Danowski via trade in December, 2011 and he provided the veteran foundation for building that expansion franchise. A three-year captain for the Hounds, Danowski led the team in scoring with 43 points in 2012 and a career-best 49 points in 2013.

Danowski also established a personal-best with 33 goals in 2013, one of three seasons that he was accorded All-MLL honors. He led the Hounds with 24 goals again this past season despite seeing considerable action at midfield out of necessity.

“Matt is the complete package as an attackman – a great shooter, great passer and great rider,” said Cottle, who recruited Danowski out of Farmingdale High and competed against him while head coach at Maryland. “Matt is a very unselfish player who has always made the players around him better. He will give us a big-time presence behind the net.”

Danowski is beginning his third year as an assistant coach at Duke University under his father. John Danowski ranks second among active coaches with 347 victories in 28 seasons (21 at Hofstra, seven at Duke).

“Since I’ve been in Major League Lacrosse, the Chesapeake Bayhawks have been the standard-bearer for excellence,” Danowski said. “I am unbelievably excited and extremely humbled to join such a successful franchise that has been synonymous with excellence.”

Danowski said he is looking forward to playing for Cottle, a long-time family friend for whom he has great respect. “Coach Cottle is one of the best in the business and it’s going to be a great experience to finally get to play for him.”

Danowski has built a well-deserved reputation as an offensive quarterback and playmaker, whether operating in front or back of the cage. He possesses a cannon crank shot and has shown an ability to make 2-pointers, but is also a dangerous dodger.

“I think the biggest thing I bring to the table is competitiveness and an intense will to win,” Danowski said. “At this point of my career, it’s not about points or individual accolades… it’s all about wins. My goal is to help Chesapeake recapture the MLL championship.”

Bayhawks 2015 season tickets are on sale and can be purchased over the phone by calling the Bayhawks Front Office at 866-99-HAWKS (42957).  This season the Chesapeake Bayhawks announced an upgraded 2015 Club season ticket package, Take It To The Field, which offers fans just that – a seat on the field.  Reserve your seat today and see the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this summer!

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