The National Lacrosse League today named Boston Blazers forward Dan Dawson as the 2009 Most Valuable Player.

Dawson had another standout season while playing for the expansion Blazers. The All-Star forward scored 30 goals and set a new career highs in assists (74) and produced his second-highest career point total (104).

Dawson's 74 assists put him in a tie with Calgary Roughnecks forward Josh Sanderson for the league lead. The total also stands as a new record for most assists in a single season.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Dawson's season was the leadership that he brought to an expansion team with a young roster. Serving as team captain, Dawson led Boston to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in the East Division. The ten wins included road victories at Buffalo and Calgary.

Dawson, an eight-year NLL veteran, was recently named the winner of the league's Sportsmanship Award for the 2009 season. This is the first Most Valuable Player award of his career.