The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have re-signed defenseman Ian Llord to a four-year deal. For the nine-year National Lacrosse League pro, the decision was an easy one to re-up with the Knighthawks.
“A four-year contract shows me that (Owner) Curt (Styres) has faith in my abilities,” he said. “Now it’s up to me not to let him down. Curt wants to win and that’s all I can ask for as a player.”
It was the Knighthawks owner and general manager who gave the defenseman a shot at trying out for the team back in 2012. Rochester was fresh off the first of three straight Champion’s Cups when they signed Llord to a one-year deal. That moment proved to be the turning point of his career. Llord, who won his first NLL title in 2008, would win back-to-back Cups with the Knighthawks in his first two seasons in Rochester.
“I told Curt that this is the only place I want to play. I feel at home and have a very high regard for everyone in the Knighthawks’ organization,” he said. “Speaking from experience, you can’t find that everywhere you play.”
Llord, who will enter his fourth season with the Knighthawks in 2016, has made stops in Philadelphia and Buffalo in his NLL career. In 123 games, he has collected 12 goals, 44 assists and 416 loose balls. Last season, the St. Catharines, Ontario native played in a career-high 17 games, while chipping in one goal, five assists and 59 loose balls for the Knighthawks. The 30-year-oldshot-blocking defenseman was a member of the top-rated defense in the National Lacrosse League.
“‘Llordy’ is a hard-nosed guy,” said Knighthawks defenseman Paul Dawson. “He is a stay-at-home defenseman who is fundamentally sound with his feet and his stick. He is a great all-around guy. He is one of those guys who you hate playing against, but you love having on your team.”
It’s Llord’s fearless attitude that makes him such a valuable member of any team. It’s not uncommon to see him knock away an outside shot or dive in front of a close-range opportunity.
“He is a guy who will do anything he can for the team,” said Knighthawks defenseman Scott Campbell. “He will put his body on the line. Whatever you need from him, he will go out there and do it.”
“Ian Llord plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to get under the others teams’ skin,” added Knighthawks defenseman Mike Kirk. “He has elevated his game and has been a big part of our defense. He tries to block as many shots as possible and will do anything to get the win.”
Llord has a penchant for winning championships, which began in 2003 when he won the Junior “A” Minto Cup with St. Catharines. His career accolades also include three Mann Cups, with his two most recent titles coming in 2013 and 2014 with the Major Series Lacrosse Six Nations Chiefs. In 2013, he pulled off a rare feat in lacrosse, capturing the Champion’s Cup, the Mann Cup and the Senior “B” President’s Cup.
In November, Llord will begin his quest for a fourth NLL championship when he joins the Knighthawks in Training Camp.
“I’ve made a lot of great friends in Rochester and look forward to getting back into the winner’s circle,” he said.
