Crosbie, Williams named to NLL East all-star team

DURHAM -- The National Lacrosse League (NLL) has announced Toronto Rock player Jason Crosbie and Rochester Knighthawk Shawn Williams as members of the 2009 Eastern Division All-Star team.

Former Rock captain, Jim Veltman, has been appointed head coach of the East team.

Toronto Rock points leader, Crosbie, receives his first ever all-star nod this year. In his freshman year with Toronto, the Courtice resident and coach of the Clarington Green Gaels has collected 31 points from nine goals and 22 assists. His impressive start to the season gave Crosbie special consideration by league coaches during All-Star voting.

Williams, the captain of the Brooklin Redmen, will make his sixth appearance in the annual showcase. As a key offensive threat on the Knighthawks, he is currently 11th overall in the NLL scoring race with 32 points, and sixth overall in assists with 24.

Toronto Rock legend Jim Veltman will coach the Eastern Division All-Star Team. Veltman is no stranger to All-Star weekend, being named to the East team six times over his career with Toronto (1999, '02, '04, '05, '06, '08). This year Veltman is also being inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame for his talent, sportsmanship, and outstanding contribution to the sport of lacrosse. Fellow Hall of Fame inductee Dallas Eliuk will serve as coach of the Western Division All-Star Team.

Veltman and Eliuk will be honoured during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony as part of the NLL All-Star Weekend festivities in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, March 7, followed by the All-Star game at 9 p.m. ET.