The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are a professional box lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. The team plays at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada. The team began play in the 2023 NLL season.

Las Vegas Desert Dogs
SportLacrosse
Founded2021
LeagueNational Lacrosse League
ConferenceWestern
LocationHenderson, Nevada
ArenaLee's Family Forum
OwnersJoseph Tsai
Wayne Gretzky
Steve Nash
Dustin Johnson
Head coachShawn Williams
General managerShawn Williams
Websitelasvegasdesertdogs.com

History

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On June 21, 2021, the NLL awarded an expansion franchise to the city of Las Vegas and co-owners Joseph Tsai, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash and Dustin Johnson. The team began play in the 2022–2023 season beginning in winter 2022 at Michelob Ultra Arena. Tsai is the owner of the San Diego Seals and has received special permission from the NLL to own multiple teams.[1][2][3] Shawn Williams, one of the most accomplished players in NLL history, has been selected to lead the Las Vegas Desert Dogs as the franchise’s first general manager and head coach.

Roster

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Las Vegas Desert Dogs roster
Active (21-man) roster Inactive roster Coaches
Goaltenders
  • 42   Landon Kells
  • 92   Joel Watson
Defensemen
  • 25   James Barclay
  • 90   Travis Cornwall
  • 12   Nick Ellerton
  •  3   Garrett McIntosh
  •  7   Tor Reinholdt
  • 13   Tyson Roe
  • 37   Jackson Suboch
  • 77   John Wagner
Forwards
  • 61   Charlie Bertrand
  • 19   Sam Firth
  • 88   Zack Greer
  • 33   Jack Hannah
  • 10   Rob Hellyer
  •  9   Marshal King
  • 97   Reid Reinholdt
  • 20   Jacob Ruest
Transition
  • 63   Brandon Clelland
  • 34   Connor Kirst
  • 41   Erik Turner
Practice Squad
  • 27   Emerson Clark (D)
  •  6   Griffin Hall (D)
  • 17   Jon Phillips (F)
  •  8   Joe Robertson (F)
Injured Reserve
  •  2   Conrad Chapman (T)
Head Coach

Shawn Williams


Legend
  • * Suspended list
  • (C) Captain
  • (A) Alternate captain


NLL Transactions

Source:[4]

All-time record

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Season Conference W–L Finish Home Road GF GA Coach Playoffs
2023 Western 5–13 6th 4–5 1–8 179 222 Shawn Williams Did not qualify
2024 Unified 5–13 14th 2–7 3–6 176 223 Shawn Williams Did not qualify
Total 2 Seasons 10–26 6–12 4–14 355 445
Playoff Totals 0 Appearances 0–0 0–0 0–0 0 0 0 Championships

Draft history

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NLL Entry Draft

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First Round Selections

  • 2022: Dylan Watson (2nd overall), Jake Saunders (16th overall)
  • 2023: Adam Poitras (2nd overall)

Award winners

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Year Player Award
2023 Mark Fine Executive of the Year
2024 Zack Greer Teammate of the Year

Head coaching history

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# Name Term Regular Season Playoffs
GC W L W% GC W L W%
1 Shawn Williams 2023- 36 10 26 .278 - - - -

References

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  1. ^ "NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE AWARDS LAS VEGAS 15TH FRANCHISE, ANNOUNCES WAYNE GRETZKY, DUSTIN JOHNSON, STEVE NASH, AND JOE TSAI AS CO-OWNERS". Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  2. ^ "New Las Vegas lacrosse team will be owned by Wayne Gretzky, others". Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  3. ^ "Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, Dustin Johnson among owners of new Las Vegas pro lacrosse team". Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  4. ^ "Roster | Las Vegas Desert Dogs". www.lasvegasdesertdogs.com. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
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