The Rochester Knighthawks have announced tonight, that they have acquired the ninth and 14th overall picks in the 2015 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. The Knighthawks now have four of the top 16 picks in what has been called one of the deepest drafts in league history.
“With the draft being so deep, it was hard to turn down an opportunity to get some great players,” said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres.
The Knighthawks obtained the picks in separate deals with the Saskatchewan Rush. In the first trade, Rochester dealt its first-round selection in the 2018 Entry Draft to Saskatchewan in exchange for its 14th overall selection in the 2015 Entry Draft. In the other deal, the Knighthawks sent their first-round selection in the 2016 Entry Draft to the Rush in exchange for the ninth overall selection in the 2015 Entry Draft.
On Monday, September 28, Rochester will make six selections in the NLL Entry Draft, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville, Ontario. The Knighthawks own the second, ninth, 14th, 16th, 26th and 38th picks. With two of the picks in the first round and two in the second round, it marks only the third time in 21 years that the Knighthawks have four selections so high in the draft.
This year’s talented draft includes top prospects like Wesley Berg (University of Denver), Graeme Hossack (Lindenwood University), Jesse King (Ohio State University), Randy Staats (Syracuse University) and Lyle Thompson (University at Albany).
The Knighthawks enter their 22nd season as winners of three of the last four Champion’s Cups, having captured a league-record three straight titles from 2012-14. Last season, Rochester finished second in the East Division and advanced to the East Division Finals.
Rochester will open its 22nd season on Saturday, Jan. 9 at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena against the Colorado Mammoth.
