Philadelphia Wings Sign Free Agents - Bates & Mueller Retire
The Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League signed Tom Phair, Nick Trudeau, and Jason Clark for the upcoming 2000 season, according to General Manager Steve Govett. Both Phair and Trudeau played for the Buffalo Bandits while Clark was a 1999 draft pick for the New York Saints. In accordance with team policy, terms of the contract were not released.
The three free agents still must try-out for a roster position when the Wings training camp opens in October. The signings are the first for Govett, who became the club's General Manager on June 22.
"We're excited to have the opportunity to sign a veteran player in Tom Phair," said Govett. "He has a lot of experience and has won championships. We also have two up and coming young players in Trudeau and Clark who will have significant impact for a long time."
Phair (F), a three-time member of the Canadian National Team in 1990, 1994 and 1998, tallied 42 points (19 goals and 23 assists) in 29 regular season games with the Bandits from 1996 to 1998. His father, Tom Sr., was a member of the NLL's Rochester Griffins and Long Island Tomahawks from 1974 through 1975.
Trudeau (A) recorded six points (five goals and one assist) in eight regular season games with the Bandits from 1997 through 1998.
Clark (A) was the Saint's fifth round pick in last September's NLL Entry Draft. The University of Hartford alum did not play in any regular season contests for the Saints last year.
In related news, Philadelphia Wings eight-year veteran Chris Bates and NLL 10-year veteran Adam Mueller have both announced their retirement.
Bates (F), an alternate captain for the Wings, recorded 65 points (26 goals and 39 assists) in 58 regular season games from 1992 through 1999. He was the captain of his Dartmouth lacrosse team in 1990, named All New England in 1990, All Ivy in 1989, was a member of the Burnaby Lakers of the Western Lacrosse Association (Canada) in 1993 and was on the 1998 NLL Champion Philadelphia Wings. Bates was married on August 28, to the former Dr. Ann Baldwin. He was also recently named Head Coach for the Men's Lacrosse Team at Drexel University.
Mueller (F) compiled a total of 122 points (51 goals and 71 assists) in 75 regular season games while playing with Detroit (1990 to 1994), Baltimore (1995 to 1996) and Philadelphia (1997 to 1999). He maintained a seven-game scoring streak in 1998 and was a member of the 1991 MILL Champion Detroit Turbos, played on the 1991 MILL All-Star Team and was on the 1998 NLL Champion Philadelphia Wings.