It’s been 10 years since “Dangerous” Dan Dawson helped lead the Victoria Shamrocks to a Mann Cup lacrosse title as a fresh-faced 23-year-old power forward, and eight since he wore the green and white.
Having won four more Mann Cup rings with the Brampton Excelsiors in the meantime, and Champions Cups the past two seasons with Rochester in the professional National Lacrosse League, the 33-year-old is on his way back to Colwood.
The defending Western Lacrosse Association champion Shamrocks announced they’ve come to terms with the six-foot-five, 217-pounder to play here for the 2015 season.
“He’s a proven winner who one day will be remembered among the all-time greats in our sport,” club general manager Chris Welch said in a statement. “In addition to tremendous skill, he brings intelligence, experience and outstanding leadership qualities to our group.”
As of this week, seven-time NLL All-Pro selection Dawson was second on the Knighthawks’ scoring list with 12 goals and 35 assists in 10 games.
He tallied 284 points in 68 regular and post-season games with the Shamrocks, earning league playoff most valuable player honours in 2005 and 2006. He voiced excitement at coming back to the Island to rejoin the team.
“Victoria has the best fans in Canada and I am honoured to be able to put on the Shamrocks jersey once again in 2015,” he said.
Dawson’s addition is expected to boost an already powerful lineup for the two-time defending WLA champions. Earlier this month the club re-signed co-scoring leaders Rhys Duch and Corey Small for the season.
The Shamrocks open the season May 22 at The Q Centre against Nanaimo. More team information is available at victoriashamrocks.com.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com