Three Chicago Machine Players Named Major League Lacrosse All-Stars

Kevin Leveille, Mike Gabel and Steven Brooks will play in July 17 MLL All-Star

Chicago, IL – Three players from the Chicago Machine pro lacrosse team – Kevin Leveille (#19, Attack), Mike Gabel (#9, Goalie) and Steven Brooks (#10, Midfield) - have been selected to play in the seventh annual Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game. Announced today by David Gross, commissioner of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the All-Stars were selected by the League's head coaches, general managers and players. For a full roster of MLL All-Stars, visit http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/.

The MLL All-Star game will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 8:00 PM MT at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High. For the second consecutive year, the game will match-up players from the Eastern Conference against their Western Conference counterparts. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

About Kevin Leveille (Attack - 19)
Arguably one of the league’s best players, Chicago Machine attackman Kevin Leveille began his lacrosse career as a standout in high school in Albany, New York. Named a high school All American in lacrosse, he was a multi-sport athlete and was captain of both his high school lacrosse and hockey teams. During his four-year career at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst he finished 11th on the all-time UMass scoring list, was an All American, and was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, Lacrosse’s Heisman. He started his pro career with the Boston Cannons where he played until being traded to Chicago at the end of the 2005 season. This year he is Chicago’s top scorer, is 3rd in the league in points, 2nd in goals scored, and has a 42-game scoring streak dating back to 2004.

Kevin’s brother, Mike Leveille, joined the Chicago Machine this season and the two now play together on the same team. When not playing lacrosse, Kevin works as the upper Midwest Sales Manager for Warrior and Brine Sports. He’s a huge music fans and has 6,000 songs on his MP3 player. His favorite bands include Phish, Grateful Dead, and the Talking Heads. In addition, he plays the guitar and enjoys going to concerts and hockey games.

About Mike Gabel (Goalie - 9)
Goalie Mike Gabel is one of the original players of the Chicago Machine franchise, now in his 3rd pro year. Mike is having a break-out year in 2008, currently ranked 2nd in the league in save percentage and goals-allowed-average. Mike’s college career at Vermont was record-breaking. His save percentage was 11th best in the country in 2005 and he ended his career breaking Vermont school records for “goals-allowed-average” both in a season and in a career.

When not protecting the cage for the Chicago machine, Gabel stays very busy as the co-founder of True Lacrosse with teammate Jake Deane. At True Lacrosse, Gabel and Deane train high school and college athletes, preparing them for college and professional lacrosse careers.

About Steven Brooks (Midfielder - 10)
Libertyville, Illinois, native Steven Brooks is known to the world of lacrosse as a powerhouse, having most recently played for the 2008 NCAA National Champion lacrosse team at Syracuse University. He’s already making a name for himself, ranking in the top 25 in the MLL in points scored and in the top five of the 2008 Rookies. To be named to the All Star team in his rookie season is certainly a portent of great things to come.

Steven’s teammates and friends know him as “Brooksie,” a fun-loving, superstitious, and outgoing guy. His spirit, despite some personal tragedies in his life, has helped strengthen the team. Steven’s lacrosse stick has the initials of his mother who passed away while he was in high school. He continues that tradition with his Chicago Machine stick as well.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Navy and Syracuse.

The Chicago Machine play the Los Angeles Riptide at 3:30 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2008, at TOYOTA PARK in suburban Chicago. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/. To receive score and team news updates, text “Machine” to 28546.

Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

Chicago Machine’s Mike Leveille wins Tewaaraton

“Heisman Trophy of Lacrosse” goes to Chicago’s #1 Draft Pick

Chicago, IL - Newly acquired Chicago Machine attackman Mike Leveille (Delmar, N.Y.) has been named the winner of the 2008 Tewaaraton Trophy as the player of the year in college lacrosse. Leveille was chosen from a group of five finalists by the selection committee, which is made up of 11 current and former head coaches.

The Tewaaraton Trophy has been presented to top lacrosse player in the nation each year since 2001. Leveille was selected over finalists Matt Danowski and Zack Greer of Duke, Paul Rabil of Johns Hopkins and Ben Rubeor of Virginia.

"Mike has been one of the real leaders of this team all year long," SU head coach John Desko said. "This is a great reward for him, the team and the University for all that he's accomplished. He was the main cog in our run to the national championship."

Leveille powered SU to victories against Virginia and Johns Hopkins at Gillette Stadium en route to the school's 10th NCAA title. A first-team All-American, Leveille was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, tallying 19 points, including 11 goals, in the Orange's four playoff victories.

He concluded the season ranked third nationally in points per game (4.61), seventh in goals per game (2.72) and seventh in assists per contest (1.89). Leveille led Syracuse in all three categories, notching 49 goals, 34 assists and 83 points. His 49 tallies are tied for seventh on the school's single-season list and his 83 points is tied for the 10th-best season total in SU history. Leveille finished his career ninth all-time at Syracuse in goals scored (132), 12th in career assists (83) and 12th in career points (215).

The Tewaaraton Trophy is the latest in long list of honors bestowed on Leveille in 2008. Last weekend he was named the second winner of the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for men's lacrosse. The award is presented to the sport's most outstanding student-athlete. Leveille also won Syracuse's Male Athlete of the Year Award and was the school's male recipient of the Soladay Award for athletic and academic excellence.

Look for Leville to contribute in Sunday’s Chicago Machine matchup against the Washington Bayhawks at TOYOTA PARK. Several Machine players are questionable due to injuries from last week’s game. Leveille may replace Eric Pittard at attack this weekend after Pittard was hurt last week. The opportunity will allow Mike to join his brother, Kevin Leveille on the field for the first time ever. The duo will become an asset for the Chicago offense along with midfielders Brad Heritage, Brian Clayton and Pat Heim, who have combined for 10 goals so far this season.

About Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Johns Hopkins, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse.

The team returns home for a Sunday, June 1, 2008, matchup with the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. Game time is 3:30 pm at Toyota Park. Tickets and information are available at http://www.chicagomachine.com/ or by calling the ticket hotline at (312) 255-1540. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN360.com, and on Comcast SportsNet (Tape Delay) on Monday, June 2, at 3 pm CT. To receive game updates, text “LAX Updates” to 28546.

Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

Bud Light, Chicago Machine and Duffy’s Tavern & Grille present June 1 is Pro Lacrosse Sunday Fun-Day

Ride the Lacrosse Party Bus from Duffy’s/Lincoln Park to the
June 1 Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse Game at Toyota Park

Chicago, IL – Bud Light, Chicago Machine pro lacrosse and Duffy’s Tavern & Grille are teaming up to take a bus of lacrosse fans – new and old – to the Sunday, June 1, 2008, Chicago Machine home game against the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. For just $25, fans of the fastest sport on two feet receive a bus ride to and from TOYOTA PARK, free draft Bud Light on the bus, a souvenir Bud Light cup, a souvenir Bud Light lacrosse t-shirt, a ticket to the game and a pass to the on-field VIP area – the “Bud Light Filling Station.”

“The opportunity to watch the game from the Bud Light Filling Station is the real prize here,” said Michael Culver, Chicago Machine Assistant General Manager. “With complimentary Bud Light and food, plus tables and seating literally feet from the edge of the playing field, fans in the Bud Light Filling Station feel like they’re right in the game.” Tickets that include access to the Filling Station are typically priced at $75.

“The cheering fans in the Bud Light Filling Station were a real boost to the players in last Sunday’s win over San Francisco,” said Chicago Machine Defenseman Jake Deane. “We love playing for the fans at home in Chicago.”

The Bud Light Party Bus leaves from Duffy’s Tavern & Grille, 420 ½ West Diversey, Chicago, at 2:30 pm. Game time is 3:30 pm. To pre-purchase seats on the bus, e-mail Tom Flynn at tom_flynn@bar1events.com, or call the Chicago Machine at (312) 255-1522.

The Chicago Machine faces the LA Riptide this Sunday, May 25 in Los Angeles. Fans can follow the live web broadcast of the game on ESPN360.com. The game will also be broadcast on Comcast Sportsnet on Monday, May 26, at 3 pm CDT. The team returns home for a Sunday, June 1, 2008, matchup with the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. Game time is 3:30 pm at Toyota Park. Tickets and information are available at http://www.chicagomachine.com/ or by calling the ticket hotline at (312) 255-1540.

The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine opened their third season at home with a 10-9 win over conference rival San Francisco.

Media Contacts: Josh Cole, Chicago Machine, (312) 255-1522, jcole@chicagomachine.com
Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

ESPN360.com To Stream Live All 2008 Chicago Machine Games

ESPN360.com To Stream Live All 2008 Chicago Machine Games
Deal augments ESPN2 and local market television coverage of pro lacrosse team

Chicago, IL – Starting with the very first home game on Sunday, May 18, fans of lacrosse, and especially of the Chicago Machine, will have an unprecedented opportunity to watch the hard-hitting action of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). The premier professional outdoor lacrosse league and ESPN360.com have announced that every MLL game this season will be streamed live on ESPN’s signature broadband network. Additionally, games will be archived and available for on-demand replay for a period of time after they are completed.

The MLL/ESPN deal includes coverage of all 60 regular season MLL games, July’s All-Star Game, both Semi-Final match-ups, and the NB ZIP Championship Game. A total of 64 Major League Lacrosse games will be available on ESPN’s broadband network in 2008.

“Being featured on ESPN360.com is a tremendous step both for the league and for the sport of lacrosse,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “For the first time, fans will have the chance to catch the full line-up of MLL action each and every week. This commitment from ESPN goes hand in hand with our goal to greatly expand our offering of lacrosse on the web this summer.”

ESPN360.com streamed its first MLL game on June 9, 2007 from INVESCO Field at Mile High when the Denver Outlaws defeated the Los Angeles Riptide by a score of 18-15. ESPN360.com went on to stream 5 more MLL events last season, including the NB ZIP Semi-Finals and Championship Game from PAETEC Park in Rochester, New York.

Television Coverage
In addition to the live online streaming, the ESPN2 cable television channel will air 11 MLL games this season. The Saturday, July 26, 2008, Chicago Machine game at Denver will be ESPN2’s MLL Game of the Week, airing at 2:30 pm CT. A local cable television deal for the Chicago Machine is also being negotiated.

ESPN and Major League Lacrosse have worked in agreement since 2003, when ESPN2 became the League’s national television home. In 2004, ESPN aired the New Balance Championship Game, making it the first live national telecast of a Major League Lacrosse competition.

Home Opener May 18
Fans of the Chicago Machine can tune-in on Sunday, May 18, at 3:30 pm (CT) when the Machine plays their division rival the San Francisco Dragons in their home opener at TOYOTA PARK. Tickets to the game are still available at http://www.chicagomachine.com/ or by calling (312) 255-1540.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine opens their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/.


Media Contact:
Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net
Josh Cole, Chicago Machine, (312) 255-1522, jcole@chicagomachine.com


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Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse Training Camp Starts April 26

Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse Training Camp Starts April 26
35 Players – Including 5 Open Tryout Walk-Ons – To Compete for 23-Man Roster

Chicago, IL - Thirty-five of the nation’s top lacrosse players will compete for a spot on the 2008 roster of the Chicago Machine Major League Lacrosse team at three weekend training camps starting this Saturday & Sunday, April 26-27. Chicago Machine training camps will take place at the Chicago Academy, 3400 North Austin Boulevard, April 26-27, May 3-4 and May 10.

The final training camp will take place Sunday, May 11, at Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview, the site of Chicago Machine home games. The final Chicago Machine roster will be announced May 12. The season opens Sunday, May 18.

Chicago Machine training camps are open to the public. “This is another Chicago professional sports team filled with great young players who are rising stars,” said John Meister, president and general manager of the Chicago Machine. “In just our third season, we have great expectations from this year’s team and welcome people to come to Chicago Academy to watch our training camp, cheer on our players, and support this great sport.”

Saturday sessions (April 26, May 3, and May 10) take place from 9:30 am to Noon and from 4 pm to 6 pm. Sunday sessions (April 27, May 4 and May 11) take place from 10 am to Noon.

Youth Lacrosse Clinic
A special Youth Lacrosse Clinic will take place on Saturday, April 26, from Noon to 2 pm. Youth interested in participating in the clinic should call (312) 255-1522. “We want to grow lacrosse in the Chicago area,” said Meister. “Watching training camp and participating in our clinic should benefit and inspire the region’s top youth lacrosse players.”

Five Selected for Training Camp from Open Tryout
Invitations to Chicago Machine training camp were extended to five players selected from Open Tryouts held on April 13. Paul Stansik (Defenseman, Bucknell University), Mike Kruger (Goalie, Fairfield University), Joe Barile (Midfielder, Hofstra University), Ryan O'Connor (Defenseman, Dartmouth College) and Sidney Jones (Midfielder, University of Minnesota) were selected from more than three dozen hopefuls and will join the team for training camp.

“These five players distinguished themselves at our open tryouts,” said Machine Head Coach John Combs. “We are excited to run them through the paces at training camp and see how they perform.”

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at Toyota Park, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine open their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit www.chicagomachine.com.


Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net
Media

All Terrain Retained by Chicago Machine (Major League Lacrosse)

March 20, 2008

Chicago-based firm to provide public relations and marketing support

Chicago, IL – All Terrain Public Relations, a division of Chicago-based All Terrain, a full-service marketing agency, announced today that it has been retained by the Chicago Machine, Chicago’s professional outdoor Major League Lacrosse team, as public relations and marketing counsel. All Terrain will work to increase the visibility of the Chicago Machine team and its players and increase attendance at Chicago Machine Games at Toyota Park through sports and non-sports media.

“Lacrosse is one of America’s fastest growing sports with a 68% increase in participation nationally at the high school and college level since 2001,” said Brook Jay, All Terrain President. “In just their third season, the Chicago Machine has attracted top-level lacrosse players from throughout North America; players that make the team competitive and the games exciting to watch. We are excited to be working directly with management and the players to introduce more fans to this great sport.” The Chicago Machine account will be managed by Kevin Boyer, All Terrain’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

“Lacrosse is attracting new players and fans because of its fast-pace, combining the best of basketball, soccer and hockey,” said John Meister, Team President of the Chicago Machine. “We are excited to have engaged All Terrain as part of our marketing strategies to increase interest in the sport, the team and raise the profile of our players.”

About All Terrain
All Terrain Public Relations is a division of All Terrain, a 10-year-old full-service marketing agency that personalizes and connects brands with relevant consumers across a full spectrum of formats. From one night only experiential events to integrated multi-site, multi-city, multi-platform campaigns, our distinctive solutions yield high returns because we engage people in ways that build meaning and loyalty. All Terrain clients include major brands such as General Motors, Anheuser-Busch, Red Bull, Tribune Company, Stolichnaya, and Pernod-Ricard. All Terrain Public Relations was founded in 2007 and clients include Chicago Blackhawks Hockey, Underwriters Laboratories, Apostrophe Brands/Kilo Kai Rum, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine are Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine play at Toyota Park, 15 minutes southwest of Downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team is has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine open their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/.

Media Contact: Kevin G. Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.boyer@allterrain.net

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