2005 NLL season

Labour dispute

The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the Professional Lacrosse Players' Association (PLPA) expired at the end of the 2004 season, and negotiations for a new CBA took place over the summer. However, these negotiations did not result in a new agreement, and the NLL even accused the PLPA of negotiating in bad faith. The league made its "last, best, and final offer" to the PLPA on September 29, 2004, and announced that if this offer was not accepted by the players, the season would be officially cancelled on October 2.

Marathon negotiations continued until early morning on October 1, and resulted in two different proposals. Both were presented to the players that day with the stipulation that if neither of them was acceptable, the season would be cancelled. One of the two proposals (a three-year deal) was accepted, and the season went on as scheduled.

Team movement

The season featured a new team added to the East division, and one removed from the West. The ownership of the Minnesota Wild NHL team purchased the rights to the old Montreal Express franchise, moving it to Minnesota and renaming it the Minnesota Swarm, while the Vancouver Ravens franchise was removed from the schedule less than three weeks before the start of the season.

Teams

necks](calgary-roughnecks)**}}

Milestones

• February 10: Buffalo Bandits legend John Tavares became the first player in league history to reach 500 assists, as the Bandits defeated the Anaheim Storm 20–9.
• February 18: Tavares reaches another milestone in his very next game, scoring his 1000th point in an 11–7 defeat of Rochester. Tavares becomes only the second player ever to reach that milestone, following Gary Gait.

Final standings

Regular season

Playoffs

| RD1-text1= | RD1-text2= | RD1-seed1=3 | RD1-team1=Rochester | RD1-score1=17 | RD1-seed2=2 | RD1-team2=Buffalo | RD1-score2=16 | RD1-seed3=3 | RD1-team3=Colorado | RD1-score3=13 | RD1-seed4=2 | RD1-team4=Arizona | RD1-score4=16 | RD2-seed1=3 | RD2-team1=Rochester | RD2-score1=10 | RD2-seed2=1 | RD2-team2=Toronto | RD2-score2=12 | RD2-seed3=2 | RD2-team3=Arizona | RD2-score3=19 | RD2-seed4=1 | RD2-team4=Calgary | RD2-score4=15 | RD3-seed1=E1 | RD3-team1=Toronto | RD3-score1=19 | RD3-seed2=W2 | RD3-team2=Arizona | RD3-score2=13

• Toronto hosted the championship game.

All Star Game

The 2005 All-Star Game was held at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta on February 26, 2005. The East division defeated the West 11–10 in a thrilling overtime game. John Tavares scored the winner, and hometown captain Tracy Kelusky was named game MVP.

All-Star teams

Awards

Annual

All-Pro Teams

Reference:

First Team

• Colin Doyle, Toronto
• John Grant, Jr., Rochester
• John Tavares, Buffalo
• Dan Dawson, Arizona
• Steve Dietrich, Buffalo
• Andrew Turner, Rochester

Second Team

• Gary Gait, Colorado
• Blaine Manning, Toronto
• Josh Sanderson, Toronto
• Jim Veltman, Toronto
• Bob Watson, Toronto
• Tracey Kelusky, Calgary

All-Rookie Team

Reference:

• Ryan Boyle, San Jose
• Delby Powless, Buffalo
• Andrew Burkholder, Philadelphia
• Rory Glaves, Anaheim
• Ryder Bateman, Minnesota
• Dan Finck, Philadelphia

Weekly awards

The NLL gives out awards weekly for the best overall player, best offensive player, best defensive player, and best rookie.

Monthly awards

Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.

Statistics leaders

Bold numbers indicate new single-season records. Italics indicate tied single-season records.

Attendance

Regular season

Playoffs

References

References

1. Philly, R.A.. (May 15, 2005). "Les Bartley, 51, loses battle with cancer". Outsider's Guide to the NLL.
2. Philly, R.A.. (April 1, 2005). "Tom Marechek to retire at end of season". Outsider's Guide to the NLL.
3. Philly, R.A.. (October 27, 2004). "Gary Gait to retire after 2005 season". Outsider's Guide to the NLL.
4. (September 30, 2004). "Cancellation of Season Looms". NLL web site.
5. (September 30, 2004). "NLL threatens to cancel 2004–05 season if new CBA isn't signed by Friday". NLL web site.
6. (October 1, 2004). "League and Player's (sic) Union Hammer Out Two Proposals". NLL web site.
7. (October 2, 2004). "League & Players Reach Agreement". NLL web site.
8. McAllister, Deb. (February 11, 2005). "Bandits blow away Storm as JT hits 500 assists". Outsider's Guide to the NLL.
9. McAllister, Deb. (February 19, 2005). "Tavares hits another milestone in Bandits' 11–7 win". Outsider's Guide to the NLL.
10. "National Lacrosse League - attendance | Pointstreak Sports Technologies".
11. "National Lacrosse League - attendance | Pointstreak Sports Technologies".