Aug. 1, 2007

Eria, Pa. - Former Mercyhurst men's lacrosse player, Pat Merrill, was selected first overall in the National Lacrosse League Expansion Draft on Tuesday, July 31 by the league's newest franchise, which will be based in Boston.

Merrill (2000-02), a 28-year-old defenseman, was a 2002 first round draft choice of the Toronto Rock and appeared in 57 games. During that span, he totaled 330 loose balls, including a 93 in 2006 and 57 in 2007. He also recorded seven career goals and 31 assists.

Last season, he helped the Rock to a 6-10 record and a ninth playoff appearance in as many seasons. With Merrill on the roster, the Rock captured conference titles in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

The new Boston franchise will play its home games in TD Banknorth Garden, which is also the home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. Former NLL star Tom Ryan will serve as the team's head coach. The team filled out its roster by selecting 13 players from the league's 13 teams in the expansion draft.

In three years at Mercyhurst, Merrill scored 15 goals and accounted for 12 assists as a midfielder. As a senior in 2002, his 11 assists ranked second on the team. The team finished each season ranked in the top 10 in Division II.

Another former Laker, Mike McLellan, was protected in the NLL expansion draft by the New York Titans.