Casey Powell thrilled Rochester fans in 1999 and 2000, helping the team reach the NLL finals in both seasons while registering over 60 total points. With Powell returning to Rochester, some Knighthawks faithful may be anxious to dust off their old number 99 Powell jerseys. With lacrosse’s new superstar and fellow number 99 enthusiast Paul Rabil also property of the Knighthawks, it looked as though there may be a different name above Powell’s old Rochester digits. However, despite currently being under contract as per terms of his trade, Rabil was absent from this past weekend’s training camp. Factor in sources speaking on Rabil’s desire to join the Philadelphia Wings and it seems as though a second elite player wearing number 99 for the Knighthawks will not be occurring this season.
After being shipped from Washington to Edmonton in a blockbuster deal that also involved prolific scorer Athan Iannucci, Rabil opted to sit out the remainder of the 2012 season rather than join the Rush. Dealt to Rochester for Jarett Davis in the off season, it appears as though Rabil will be holding out on a second team this year.
One upside of a currently unpromising situation is that Rabil is in fact property of the Knighthawks. Casey Powell is just one example of Rochester Owner/GM Curt Styres working his magic to lure in a previously unattainable high profile prospect. Other players to join the Knighthawks surprisingly include Gary Gait and Cory Vitarelli. Despite Rabil’s clear unwillingness to play for Rochester, Curt Styres has made big time signings in the past and history could very well repeat itself yet again.
With a heavy group of returnees from the 2012 championship team and the addition of Powell, there is no rush for the Knighthawks to beg Rabil to join them. Rabil’s world class athleticism would have a greater impact as part of the Wings’ American heavy roster than it would in Rochester. If he is in fact interested in being traded to Philadelphia, it may be the best option for both teams.
Paul Rabil is undisputedly the new face of lacrosse. With high profile endorsement deals, he is the game’s most recognizable figure and his career in the NLL is essential to the game’s growth. While his indoor accolades do not measure up to his accomplishments on the field, he is still a NLL Champion and two time All-Star who has produced over 300 points in just 52 career games. In addition to his abilities, he would be an instant fan attraction for any team. While his refusal to play for two separate franchises could be viewed as a sign of disrespect towards the league, his presence on any NLL roster (be it in Rochester or elsewhere) will have great benefits for the league as well as the overall growth of lacrosse. Whatever the New Year holds for Paul Rabil, his return to the indoor game will be eagerly anticipated by the lacrosse world.
