Despite being just 20 years of age and never playing a game in the NLL, Wenster Green is by no means a stranger to professional lacrosse. Drafted 40th overall by the Buffalo Bandits in 2012 NLL Entry Draft, Green was signed along with Kevin Brownell in mid-October before being released by the Bandits on December 18th of last year.
Green was also the 6th overall selection of the Iroquois Ironmen in the 2012 CLax draft. In six games with the Ironmen, the Six Nations product posted three goals and three assists for six points. Green appeared in two of three postseason appearances en route to the Ironmen capturing the CLax championship.
The youngster recently inked his third professional lacrosse contract in the span of slightly over a year, singing a one-year deal with Rochester on November 21st. This was included among a bevy of signings from the Knighthawks throughout the month.Green has been a regular in the Six Nations Arrows lineup since his rookie season of junior lacrosse. After appearing in every regular season game during his first two seasons and notching 29 points, his production has decreased slightly, finishing last year with nine points and over 50 penalty minutes during the Arrows run to the Ontario Jr. A finals.
With NLL roster size reduced by three spots and an experienced defensive core returning in Rochester, Green will be in the midst of fierce competition to make the final roster. Green’s future with the Knighthawks will likely be dependent on his play compared to other defensive prospects. Second year players such as Cody Mcleod and Matt Hummel already have the edge up on newly signed draft picks such as Zac Reid, Mark White and Taylor Northway. Though Green is not a new draft pick and has a year of professional lacrosse under his belt, his experience in international play is what will set him apart from other prospects.
The Six Nations native suited up as a defensive mid for the Iroquois Nationals U-19 team in the summer of 2013, before most recently representing the Nationals at the Bowhunter Cup and Heritage Cup. In the Nationals recent Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) exhibition play, Green has battled alongside current Rochester players Cody Jamieson, Sid Smith and Johnny Powless.
Knighthawks assistant coach Jason Johnson coached Green during the Bowhunter Cup. Playing alongside and being coached by current Knighthawks, members of theorganization obviously recognize the potential in Green and hope that he can showcasesuch talents in teal and purple.
Wenster Green will have his chance to show he belongs among the NLL’s best when the Rochester Knighthawks host the Minnesota Swarm on Saturday, December 7th atThe Blue Cross Arena.
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