Chicago Machine

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For the Chicago political machine, see Chicago machine.
Chicago Machine
Image:Chicago-Primary-web.gif
Conference Western
Founded 2006
Home stadium Sports Complex at Benedictine University
Based in Lisle, Illinois
Colors red, black, gold
Head coach
General manager
Local media Chicago Daily Herald
Website www.chicagomachine.com
Championships
Conference Championships


The Chicago Machine is a lacrosse team based in Lisle, Illinois. Since the 2006 season, they have played in Major League Lacrosse.

Contents

[edit] Franchise history

The establishment of a Chicago Major League Lacrosse expansion franchise was announced on August 21, 2005. Along with expansion teams representing Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver, the Chicago Machine became part of the Western Conference of the MLL in 2006.

The Machine are committed to both the expansion and improvement of lacrosse in the midwest by running clinics and camps to try and bring lacrosse to the next level.

[edit] Players of note

Both current Machine star Doug Shanahan (midfielder) and former star Todd Rassas (defensemen) were named to to the 2006 USA team after competing together in the 2002 World Championships. The 2006 USA team competed in the IFL World Championships in Ontario, Canada from July 13-22, 2006.

Machine attackman, Kevin Leveille, was named to play in the 2006 Major League Lacrosse All-Star game on July 6th, 2006 in Boston, MA. Leveille was also named an alternate on the 2006 USA team to compete in the IFL World Championships in Ontario, Canada from July 13-22 2006.

Michael Culver, Machine defenseman, was voted 2006 New Balance Sportsman of the year by both general managers and coaches of each of the ten Major League Lacrosse teams. Culver received this award after starting all 10 games for the Machine and recording 27 ground balls. Culver is a leader both on the field and off. Off the field he helped the community by donating half of his 2006 salary to the [www.childrensheartfoundation.org Children's Heart Foundation].

In the November 2005 expansion draft, the Chicago Machine drafted Philadelphia Barrage Midfielder Doug Shanahan as their first pick.

The Chicago Machine also drafted Todd Rassas in the 2005 supplemental draft. He is a local product from Northfield, Illinois. He was a three time All-American at Notre Dame, Captain of the 2002 Gold Medal Team USA and part of the 2006 Team USA.

It is not uncommon for retired athletes to become sports broadcasters when they retire. However, the Chicago Machine may be the first team to have a former broadcaster become a professional player. In the December 2005 supplemental draft, the Machine drafted former WCAV-TV anchor Zach Heffner.

Another Machine draftee, Lyle Shirley, is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at Lake Forest College.

[edit] Coaches and others

[edit] Current Team

Founded: 2006, as a member of Major League Lacrosse


Major League Lacrosse
Eastern Conference: Boston Cannons | Long Island Lizards | New Jersey Pride | Philadelphia Barrage | Rochester Rattlers | Washington Bayhawks
Western Conference: Chicago Machine | Denver Outlaws | Los Angeles Riptide | San Francisco Dragons
Related articles: Steinfeld Cup | All Star Game | Most Valuable Player | Rookie of the Year | Coach of the Year | Defensive Player of Year | Offensive Player of the Year | Iron Lizard Award | Goaltender of the Year | Sportsman of the Year | Most Improved Player | Community Service Award | First draft selections | MLL Seasons
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