The Rochester Knighthawks will hold their annual Open Tryouts from Friday, October 18th through Saturday, October 19th at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, Ontario. The tryouts have been a valuable tool for the back-to-back World Champions, producing three players on the 2013 Championship team.
Veteran defenseman Ian Llord was the latest player to use the Open Tryouts to make the Knighthawks roster. It was the tryouts that reenergized the career of the seven-year NLL pro, and allowed him to win the Champion’s Cup this past May.
“It showed Curt (Styres) and the coaching staff that I was fully committed. I had been in the league for seven years already and I wanted to prove that I would do anything to make the team,” said Llord, who ended his first season in Rochester with the second Cup of his career.
Llord, who was personally invited to camp by Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres after playing the past five seasons in Buffalo, is one of several success stories that have come out of the tryout camp.
Tyler Burton and Jamie Batson used the Rochester Knighthawks Open Tryouts to launch their professional lacrosse careers. The defensemen went from undrafted free agents to members of the back-to-back World Champion Rochester Knighthawks.
“I looked at the roster and the defense and they were stacked. I had really nothing to lose,” said Burton, who made the team in 2011. “I went out there and worked my butt off.”
To be eligible for the Open Tryouts, players are required to submit a lacrosse resume, applicable references and a current photo. All athletes are also responsible for funding any and all expenses associated with the tryout and the team can provide contacts for any necessary accommodations.
Athletes must provide their own equipment and are strongly encouraged to attend both practices. Attendees should be prepared to complete a fitness testing and workout regime, including body fat and Body Mass Index measurements. Upon arrival, players are required to sign an NLL Participation Waiver and advise team officials of any past injuries or pre-existing medical conditions. Those who require the assistance of medication or medical devices are advised to bring them to the tryouts. Lastly, all athletes must have proper and authorized government-issued documentation to satisfy custom requirements for travel purposes.
