Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/21/20
From Press Release
Today the Philadelphia Barrage announced their first trade. In a step towards establishing the culture Head Coach Spencer Ford outlined in the 2020 protected roster release, the Barrage have traded Bryan Cole and Randy Staats for LSM P.T. Ricci (Conestoga) and three draft picks in the 2020 MLL Collegiate Draft.
PT Ricci
“Bryan and Randy were members of a record-breaking team, we wish them the best, but I am looking to build a team that is authentically Philly,” Ford said. “I want guys who represent this city and its culture, and will bring that to the field.
“P.T. is a local product and a seasoned MLL veteran. Bringing P.T. in and securing three additional draft picks from the most talented NCAA senior class in over a decade, will allow us to secure the most aggressive and impenetrable defense in the league.”
Ricci is still ranked second all-time in career caused turnovers at Loyola, and second for single-season caused turnovers. In 2009 Ricci was picked up in the second round of the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft by the Bayhawks. In his rookie season, Ricci’s teammate was Ford.
When Ford became GM of the Bayhawks in 2010, and Ricci was in his second season, the Bayhawks won the MLL Championship. Ricci was traded to the Boston Cannons in the 2011 season, where he would go on to win another MLL Championship.
From 2011 to 2019 Ricci played for the Cannons, the Launch and then headed back to the Cannons. Over his 11-year career, Ricci has played in 123 games, scooped-up 391 ground balls, scored 15 goals and had 10 assists.
Outside of playing, Ricci has dedicated himself to growing the sport of lacrosse, fostering the love for the game and developing the next generation of talent. Ricci has coached for Towson University, Loyola University, Haverford College, Cabrini University, Malvern Prep, and he now has come full circle and is coaching for his alma-mater, Conestoga High School.
He spends his summers coaching club lacrosse with Team Ten.
“Getting to come home and play locally in Philadelphia for the first time in my career is such an amazing opportunity,” said Ricci. “Spencer and I have had a great relationship for more than 10 years. He has the right plan in place to make the Barrage a force in MLL, just as they were back in ‘07, and it is an honor to be a part of this team’s legacy.
“I can’t wait to take the field in front of my wife Kristen, daughter Laine, and the rest of my family and friends who have supported me my entire career. I also look forward to showing the guys I coach at Conestoga and Team Ten what the highest level of lacrosse looks like.”
