Colorado Inks Defenseman Evan Downey to New Agreement

DENVER – The Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) today announced the organization has re-signed defenseman Evan Downey to a two-year contract agreement, set to begin during the 2023-24 NLL campaign.

“Coming into camp without any professional experience, Evan was a welcomed surprise for us last season,” Mammoth General Manager Brad Self said. “After having a productive rookie season while establishing himself as a full-time player, we can’t wait to see what he can bring to our group in year two.”

Signed as a free agent prior to the start of the 2022-23 campaign, the rookie defenseman spent his first professional training camp with the Mammoth at Foothills Fieldhouse, later getting his first taste of NLL competition in Toronto and Las Vegas throughout the month-long regrouping sessions.

Eventually making his NLL debut during the second contest of the year, Dec. 17 at Panther City, the first-year defenseman managed an impressive two points (0g, 2a), five loose balls and two caused turnovers in the team’s 12-9 victory, its first of the season. Serving as a regular in the defensive rotation, yet not afraid to push the tempo and get involved during a transition opportunity, Downey racked up 14 points (5g, 9a), 63 loose balls, 10 caused turnovers, three blocked shots and 11 penalty minutes in 15 regular season appearances. The back-ender actually paced defensive scoring efforts last season, leading defenseman with five goals and 14 points.

Drawing into the lineup in six of the Mammoth’s seven postseason contests last year, Downey posted four points (1g, 3a), 19 loose balls, one caused turnover, three blocked shots and two penalty minutes during his first run at an NLL Championship. Ending the playoff stint just shy of teammates Warren Jeffrey (2g, 4a) and Jordan Gilles (2g, 3a), the Palmyra, Pennsylvania native ranked third in scoring among defensive players in just six games played.

Mammoth fans can stay tuned to coloradomammoth.com and Colorado Mammoth social media channels for the latest transactions, offseason announcements and beyond!