MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-ORLANDO, Fla.  (December 14) --  The Orlando Titans took a huge step forward today, reaching contract terms with former Syracuse star Dan Hardy for the 2010 season. 

A forward, Hardy was a second round (19^th overall) draft pick by the Titans in October’s NLL Entry Draft.   He was rated by Inside Lacrosse Magazine as the 15^th best prospect in the draft and was also called the “perhaps the most NLL-ready player of any prospect” by the publication.   

“That’s a huge compliment,” Team President Steve Donner said in announced the signing.  “A lot of college players need a year or two of adjustment as they move from the outdoor field lacrosse to the indoor professional game.  We believe that Dan is going to be able to help our team immediately.” 
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An outstanding player from one of the most storied lacrosse programs in the nation, Hardy tallied 83 goals and 53 assists (136 points) as four-year starter for Syracuse.  He was the third leading scorer on Syracuse’s 2009 national championship team, accounting for 43 points on 25 goals and 18 assists.  He was credited with the assist on the game-winning goal, as Syracuse defeated Cornell in overtime of the championship game. 

In his final two seasons with Syracuse, Hardy helped lead the Orange to a 32-4 record (.889 winning percentage) and pair of national championships.  In his junior year, he scored eight post-season goals and had a “hat-trick” in NCAA Final against Johns Hopkins.  Overall, he was a three-time All-America selection. 

A first round draft pick of Denver, Hardy earned Rookie of the Year honors in Major League Lacrosse – the outdoor professional league. 

TITANS NOTES:   The Titans split a pair of pre-season scrimmage games in Ontario this past weekend, losing to Rochester on Saturday night before defeating Toronto on Sunday afternoon…the team will continue its 2010 pre-season camp this weekend in Orlando with a pair of practices on Saturday (12 noon and 4 p.m.) and a single practice on Sunday (10 a.m.) at Barber Park…Both single game (TICKETMASTER, Amway Arena) and season tickets (407-601-6516) remain on sale…select players and dance team members will make an appearance at the UCF St. Petersburg Bowl Pep Rally being held at the Pour House, 2461 S. Hiawassee Road in Orlando this Thursday from 3-6 p.m.    

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