Washington Stealth lacrosse team to relocate to Vancouver

Toronto Rock goaltender Bob Watson makes a save on Washinton Stealth's Paul Rabil (right) in the National Lacrosse League championship game in Toronto on Sunday May 15, 2011.

NEW YORK -- The National Lacrosse League added a fourth Canadian franchise on Thursday by giving unanimous approval to a plan for the Washington Stealth to relocate to the Vancouver area.

The Vancouver Stealth will play at the Langley Events Centre starting in the 2014 NLL season, the league said in a statement.

The Stealth, previously based in Everett, Was., have been one of the most successful franchises in the nine-team league over the past five years. The team reached the final in three of the last four seasons and won the championship in 2010.

"The Stealth will represent and draw from all over the Metro Vancouver area and beyond," said Langley Mayor Jack Froese. "The township of Langley is extremely proud to have the Stealth and the NLL call the LEC home.

"We welcome our residents and visitors to the township who look forward to watching and cheering for the Stealth."

The Toronto Rock, Calgary Roughnecks and Edmonton Rush are the other Canadian franchises in the nine-team league. Details on the Vancouver Stealth's ticket pricing, season tickets, sponsorships and other plans are expected to be released next week.