The Washington Stealth announced that the team has re-signed transition player Kyle Hartzell for the 2012 season, pending approval by the National Lacrosse League. Hartzell has played all three seasons of his NLL career with the Stealth.
Hartzell, 26, appeared in 15 games for the Stealth a year ago as the team won its second straight Western Division title. The Dundalk, Md., native tallied three goals and three assists for six points and grabbed 53 loose balls. He set a career high with two goals in the Stealth's 11-10 overtime victory against the Colorado Mammoth to start the 2011 season.
Hartzell was signed by the Stealth as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2009 season. Since then, the field lacrosse star has emerged as an exciting box lacrosse talent for the Stealth. In three seasons, Hartzell has played in 39 games, recording 17 points (5g, 12a) and 202 loose balls in a predominantly defensive role. He played an instrumental role during the 2010 playoffs, in which the Stealth went on to capture its first NLL title.
"Kyle is developing quickly into an outstanding NLL player," said Stealth General Manager Doug Locker. "He has an incredible knack for finding loose balls and adds strength and athleticism to our defense. We are excited to have him back with the Stealth this season."
The 5'10", 205 pound transition player has numerous championships on his resume. Hartzell was named MVP of the Major League Lacrosse playoffs in 2010 as he led the Chesapeake Bayhawks to the MLL title. He also won an NCAA Division III National Championship at Salisbury State University (Md.) and a National Junior College Championship at Essex Community College in Baltimore. Hartzell earned a bronze medal with the US National Indoor Lacrosse Team at the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships last summer.
The Stealth is set to begin training camp for the 2012 season on December 10. The regular season begins on January 14, when the team hosts the Calgary Roughnecks at the Comcast Arena at Everett.
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