National Lacrosse League

The Ottawa Rebel have acquired veteran defenseman and faceoff specialist Steve Fannell in a trade with the Albany Attack.

In exchange for Fannell, the Rebel send its second-round choice of the 2003 National Lacrosse League draft to Albany.

Rebel coach Terry Sanderson said the addition of Fannell will provide veteran leadership to the Ottawa defensive zone.

"We're very excited about this deal," said Sanderson who previously served as Fannell's coach in Albany. "Steve will give us a lot of stability of defense."

Fannell, a 31-year-old resident of St. Catharines, Ont., registered four assists in 12 games with Albany during the 2001-2002 season. More importantly, he served as the team's top faceoff player and won 156 draws, ranking seventh in the league.

"I really like the way he plays the game," said Sanderson. "I think he still has a lot to offer."

Fannell served as co-coach of the Ontario Lacrosse Association champion (Junior A) St. Catharines Athletics during the recent summer league. The Athletics advanced to the Minto Cup championship before bowing to the Burnaby Lakers in six games during the Canadian Junior A final.

"He's going to be an excellent leader on our team," said Rebel captain Bruce Codd
. "He's very knowledgeable about the game, and he's going to help with the younger guys on our team."

The Rebel continue training camp this month at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton. Ottawa opens the season on Saturday, December 28 against the Calgary Roughnecks at the Civic Centre (Lansdowne Park).