The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have signed defenseman/transition man Zac Reid to a one-year deal. The former draft choice joins the Knighthawks after an impressive summer season with the Major Series Lacrosse Brampton Excelsiors.
“On a young Brampton team he really stood out this summer,” said Knighthawks and Brampton defenseman Mike Kirk. “He was extremely coachable and was able to buy into our defensive system very quickly. He was a very good all-around defender in his first year with Brampton.”
“It’s exciting,” said Reid on signing with the three-time defending champs. “Coming off this summer in Brampton, I feel like I am ready to come up to camp and play some good lacrosse.”
The 25-year-old Reid played in 15 games with the Excelsiors and collected two goals and three assists, while playing defense, transition and on the penalty-killing unit. The St. Catharines, Ontario native was originally drafted by the Knighthawks with the 46th overall pick of the 2013 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
“It was an awesome experience. I had my family there with me,” said Reid. “To get picked up by an organization like Rochester – with a great reputation and success in the league – was an honor.”
Reid had a standout four-year career at Mercyhurst University, notching 87 points (55+32) in 50 games. In his final season with the Lakers in 2013, he was an Honorable Mention All-American choice and First Team All-ECAC. The 6-1, 195-pound midfielder had a breakout senior season, scoring 29 goals and adding 14 assists. In the postseason, Reid tied a Division II Semifinal record when he scored seven goals in Mercyhurst’s overtime win over Limestone en route to his second NCAA Final appearance. He won his lone NCAA Championship in 2011.
“Playing in two national championships and winning one was something I will never forget,” said Reid. “I am just grateful to be a Mercyhurst alumnus. Being on teams with such talented players and playing for Coach (Chris) Ryan was a great experience.”
In the indoor game, he played transition in 29 games over three seasons (2008-10) for the St. Catharines Athletics. This summer, Reid played a lot of lacrosse, spending time with Senior “A” Brampton and the Senior “B” St. Catharines Saints. With the Saints, Reid played in 13 regular season games and three postseason games. He put up seven goals and six assists in the 16 games. Reid said playing for the two clubs prepared him for the Knighthawks’ upcoming season.
“I competed against some of the best guys in the summer league,” said Reid. “In (Brampton) I got to play with guys like Mike Kirk, Chris Corbeil and Sandy Chapman, and they were a big help. From a learning curve perspective, they taught me a lot. I just tried to take all the advice and apply it to what I was doing on the floor.”
With Reid’s development with the Excelsiors, the coaching staff is excited to see him at Training Camp.
“We heard a lot of good things. He was playing many different roles with Brampton this summer,” said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen. “He was getting experience with the group of guys they have, especially on the back end, which bodes well for him. We expect him to come into camp and compete for a spot.”
