World's best players to play at Turning Stone Casino Arena in Verona, New York on Feb 27

Edmonton, AB --The National Lacrosse League has reached agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation to serve as host and presenting sponsor of the league's 2011 All-Star Game. The game takes place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on February 27 at 2 PM. The 2011 NLL All-Star game presented by the Oneida Indian Nation will be televised live nationally on VERSUS.

The modern sport of lacrosse is derived from a game created by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) centuries ago, and it still inspires cultural passion and community healing. Oneidas and other Iroquois cherished the game as entertainment and physical conditioning, but lacrosse was also a spiritual celebration. The game was said to be a gift from the Creator and, often, the game was played simply to please the Creator. It was also described as the medicine game since it was used to peacefully settle disputes between nations or villages. After games, the people would gather for a feast, strengthening the confederacy.

"We are gratified to be hosting the National Lacrosse League on our Oneida Nation Homelands," said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises. "It's a great opportunity to showcase the modern version of the Creator's game, while reminding everyone of the sport's significant origins."

"We're truly excited to form this new partnership with Turning Stone Casino and the Oneida Nation," said NLL Commissioner George Daniel. "Bringing the All-Star Game to this great venue helps us connect with the roots of our sport."

Every active player in the league is eligible to participate in the game. Each team has 6 players on the ballot that may be voted in to the starting line-up. Rush players represented on the ballot include forwards Gavin Prout. and Ryan Ward, transition player Brodie Merrill, defensemen Bill Greer and Brett Mydske, and goaltender Matt Disher.

The game, which will be broadcast live nationally on VERSUS, begins a nine-game television package with the network that will culminate with the 2011 NLL championship game.

All-Star fan voting begins today on NLL.com.