The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have signed defenseman Greg “Honosawi” Longboat to a one-year deal. Longboat was the selected by the Knighthawks in the fourth round of the 2015 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “You probably hear it a lot, but it really is.”
Longboat played for the Six Nations Arrows where he won the last two Minto Cups, while making his Major Series Lacrosse debut with the Six Nations Chiefs in 2015. During his Junior “A” career, the 21-year-old defenseman collected six goals and eight assists in 32 games with his hometown team. During the postseason, Longboat recorded four goals and six assists in 30 games. This past season, one of his coaches was Knighthawks defenseman Paul Dawson.
“‘Sawi’ is a great kid. He does everything well,” said Dawson. “He plays solid ‘D’, he’s great on loose balls and can run the floor and finish in transition. I look forward to competing with him in camp.”
Longboat, who is a self-described stay-at-home defenseman, was selected by the Knighthawks with the 38th overall pick. Learning the news, he was floored that he would be joining one of the most successful franchises in the history of the National Lacrosse League.
“I was in shock,” he said. “To go to a team that wins so much and has so many amazing players is unreal. You don’t really ever think about this when you are growing up. It’s crazy. I have no words for it.”
Like the Knighthawks, Longboat is accustomed to winning. To go along with a pair of Minto Cups, he won three straight Founders Cups with the Six Nations Rebels (2011-13). In 34 regular season Junior “B” games with the Rebels, he posted 20 goals and 38 assists. On the international stage, the hard-working defenseman also won a bronze medal at the 2014 FIL World Field Lacrosse Championship.
“I consider myself pretty lucky to be a part of those teams,” he said. “I just hope I can bring something else to this team.”
Longboat will now join a franchise that has won five Champion’s Cups, including three in the past four years. He said he is excited to begin Training Camp on Sat., Nov. 21st when the Knighthawks arrive in Rochester to practice at the East Rochester Total Sports Experience. He will work out alongside players like Sid Smith, Craig Point, Matt Vinc and Dan and Paul Dawson.
“This is amazing. You grow up watching these guys play and they are winning all these scoring titles and winning NLL championships and Mann Cups. It’s like a team full of Hall of Famers,” he said. “I am really looking forward to getting out there and seeing what these guys do in terms of preparing for games and practices, and how they get ready for the season.”
