The Rochester Knighthawks have locked up two more defensemen from their 2012 National Lacrosse League Championship team with the re-signing of Ryan Cousins and Brad Self. Both players agreed to new one-year deals, pending league approval.
“It’s great to be back with the Knighthawks for another NLL season,†said Cousins. “It’s even better to have a chance to defend our title all season long with a great group of teammates and a classy organization.â€
Cousins played in 10 regular season games and three playoff games in 2012 en route to his first Champion’s Cup. He arrived in Rochester last season via a trade with the Edmonton Rush. The Markham, Ontario native had spent the previous seven seasons with the Minnesota Swarm. While with the Swarm, he served as the team captain since the team’s inception in 2005. While in Minnesota, he was named the NLL Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Pro in 2007 and 2008. Cousins was also selected to the All-Star Game from 2005-09. He begins his 12th season of professional lacrosse in 2013.
Self, who also plays transition, enters his second season with the Knighthawks. In 2012, he played in a career-high 16 games and collected a career-best 87 loose balls. His season also included a six-game goal-scoring streak and a seven-game assist streak. Self concluded his sixth NLL season with his first Champion’s Cup.
“I look forward to coming back and defending our title,†said Self.
The Peterborough, Ontario native was acquired from Colorado in 2011 in the same trade that brought Matt Vinc to the Knighthawks. On Saturday, he won his second Championship in four months by capturing his second Mann Cup with the Peterborough Lakers.
The Knighthawks will begin their title defense on the road to open the 2013 National Lacrosse League season. The World Champions will start their 19th season as they face the Washington Stealth at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 5th. The Knighthawks will play their home opener on Saturday, January 19th against archrival Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. Season tickets are currently on sale at the Knighthawks Office and can be purchased by calling (585) 454-HAWK (4295).
