(SAN DIEGO, CA – April 15, 2019) The San Diego Seals announced today that rookie forward Austin Staats will miss the remainder of the 2018-19 season due to a tear in his right knee of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Staats leads all rookies in goals (32), assists (29) and points (61) in 14 games played. He was named NLL Rookie of the Week four times and was the only rookie to earn NLL Player of the Week honors (Week 2).

“I feel for the kid,” said general manager and head coach Patrick Merrill. “He’s the ultimate competitor and has been outstanding for us all year. To see him go down, especially at this time of year, is heartbreaking. He’s a had a great rookie season in the NLL but this is just the beginning for Austin Staats. He’s in good hands with our doctors here in San Diego and I’m sure he will come back stronger for many more years to come. He’ll be missed on the floor but will continue be a key part of our family off the floor. The rest of the team will certainly be motivated to step up in his absence.”

The San Diego Seals will play two final home games to close out the regular season. The Colorado Mammoth will make their first trip to America’s Finest City on Friday, April 19. Reserve your seats today at SealsLax.com.

About San Diego Seals: The San Diego Seals are an expansion team in the 33-year-old National Lacrosse League (NLL), the world’s only professional box lacrosse league. The league ranks third in average attendance for professional indoor sports worldwide, behind the NBA and NHL. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena San Diego, the city’s leading destination for sporting events, family shows and live entertainment. For more information, visit SealsLax.com or follow the Seals on social media.