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Knighthawks' Legend to Coach USA in Bowhunter Cup

September 12, 2012 - National Lacrosse League (NLL) Rochester Knighthawks

It is only appropriate that Tim Soudan will coach his first international lacrosse game at The Blue Cross Arena. For over a decade, Soudan starred for the hometown Rochester Knighthawks en route to team Hall of Fame honors.

On Saturday, October 13th at 8:00 p.m., the Fairport native will serve as the head coach of the USA squad at the Third Annual Bowhunter Cup. Soudan will lead the Americans into the international exhibition against the Iroquois Nationals at The Blue Cross Arena, which is the home of the 2012 World Champion Rochester Knighthawks.

"There's no better feeling than when you have that U.S. jersey on and the National Anthem plays before the game. Guys take great pride in that," said Soudan. "Any time you get the chance to represent the United States, it's worth it to play. I think it's very special."

His coaching résumé includes coaching his hometown Fairport Red Raiders for 10 years, where he teaches physical education. Soudan also recently wrapped up his second season as the head coach of the Rochester Rattlers.

Soudan spent much of his 15-year NLL career in Rochester. He played with the Knighthawks from 1995-2005, guiding the team to its first league championship in 1997. A member of the Knighthawks' Hall of Fame, he ranks in the top 10 of every major offensive category. He is fourth in faceoffs won (316), fifth in goals scored (156), sixth in games played (125) and loose balls (665), and eighth in assists (161) and points (317).

Rochester reached the playoffs in 10 of Soudan's 11 years with the team. His 16 playoffs games are tied for the third most in franchise history and his 36 points in the postseason is fourth overall.

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Soudan was a two-time United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-American, earning First Team honors in 1990. He is also a two-time gold medalist with Team USA in the 1994 and 1998 World Championships. The 1994 squad still ranks first in program history with 150 goals in seven games.

While the full roster has not been finalized, Knighthawks Joe Walters and Joel White will both be playing for Soudan in the Bowhunter Cup. Soudan also announced that Casey Powell, who was franchised by Rochester this offseason, will captain the team.

"He's one of the local legends of lacrosse. I've known Tim since I was a little kid. It's going to be a cool feeling playing for him. I think the team's in good hands. He's very knowledgeable, a great player," said Walters. "I think the one aspect of Tim that sets him apart his how tough he plays and how hard he goes, and I think that's something he's going to pass on to the guys on the team."

Working alongside Soudan are former teammates Chris Schiller and Regy Thorpe. Thorpe, also a Knighthawk Hall of Famer and member of the 1997 championship team, is the Bowhunter Cup USA General Manager. Schiller, a 10-year Rochester veteran, played with Soudan from 2001-05. Knighthawk scout Brian Hobart is also an assistant coach for Team USA.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Individual tickets range in price from $18 to $30, while group seats are $13 to $22. Knighthawks and Buffalo Bandits season ticket holders will receive special individual pricing.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from September 12, 2012


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