The Boston Blazers have acquired former University of Massachusetts defenseman Jack Reid from the Rochester Knighthawks in exchange for defenseman Kyle Laverty, Blazers head coach and GM Tom Ryan announced today.


Reid played 16 games during the past two seasons in the National Lacrosse League for Rochester and recorded four assists last year. He played four years of college lacrosse at UMass where he became the school’s first defenseman to be named a First Team All-American. Reid, 6-foot-3 and 220-pounds, played 63 games for UMass from 2003-2006 and has since become a top professional indoor lacrosse prospect. Reid hails from Glastonbury, CT, and is currently playing in the MLL for the Rochester Rattlers.


“Jack is one of the most promising defenders in the league,” said Ryan. “He is a dominant force in the MLL and is still learning the indoor game. He is a local product who grew up in Connecticut and played college lacrosse at UMass, so he is a perfect fit for us.”


Laverty was on the Blazers roster for less than a week after being selected as the fourth overall pick in the July 24 NLL expansion draft.


The Blazers will play eight home games as part of the NLL’s 16-game regular season schedule from January through April 2009 at the TD Banknorth Garden. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1-888-BLAZERS or by logging onto www.blazerslacrosse.com.


About the Boston Blazers

The Boston Blazers will make their National Lacrosse League (NLL) debut in January 2009 and will play eight home games at the TD Banknorth Garden as part of the team’s 16-game NLL regular season schedule. The Blazers became the 13th member franchise of the NLL on May 7, 2007 when owner Tim Armstrong was awarded New England’s only indoor lacrosse franchise. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1-888-BLAZERS. For additional information, please see: www.blazerslacrosse.com.