Knighthawks Acquire Andrew Suitor

August 15, 2016 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release

Knighthawks Acquire Andrew Suitor
(Rochester Knighthawks)

(August 15, 2016) - The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have acquired transition man Andrew Suitor from the New England Black Wolves in exchange for defenseman Derek Searle, the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NLL Entry Draft and a second-round pick in the 2019 Draft.

By trading for Suitor, the Knighthawks have added a well-decorated veteran who will help the team on and off the floor. The 27-year-old arrives in Rochester after an impressive six seasons in the National Lacrosse League.

"He is a born leader and he makes us better right off the bat," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. "He is a great addition to this team."

Suitor, who has served as a team captain five times in his pro career, will add leadership and production to the Knighthawks transition game. In the NLL, he has notched 44 goals, 38 assists, 477 loose balls and 143 faceoff wins in 74 games. After spending last season with New England, he now gets to bring his talents to Rochester.

"I am ecstatic and I am at a loss for words," said Suitor. "It's a team I always hoped to have an opportunity to play for. Seeing them go on that run a few years ago with three in a row, how could you not want to play there? Going through the roster of guys, how is that not a team you'd want to go battle with -

While Suitor always hoped to land in Rochester, Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres was glad to get a player who was always a fierce opponent.

"He is always one of the guys you hate playing against, but love playing with," said Styres.

Suitor spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Swarm after being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NLL Entry Draft. Suitor played 64 games in four-plus seasons in the Twin Cities and posted 75 points, 428 loose balls and forced 87 turnovers. In 2012, he had a career-year and garnered NLL Transition Player of the Year and NLL All-Pro First Team honors, while also playing for the West All-Star Team. That season, he registered career-highs in points (26), goals (15), assists (11) and loose balls (120). In 2011, he was named to the NLL All-Rookie Team.

Before turning pro, he had a storied junior career with the Orangeville Northmen. He won two Minto Cups (2008 and 2009) and three Ontario titles (2008, 2009, 2010) with the Northmen. He was also the winner of Dean McLeod Award as the Most Outstanding Player during the OLA Junior "A" Playoffs in 2008.

The Orangeville, Ontario native is turning back the clock this season, as he plans to rejuvenate his career. He said he cannot wait to get into camp with the Knighthawks.

"I am just coming here to work. I feel like I am a rookie in the league and have a lot to prove," said Suitor, who battled back from an injury last season. "I am coming in hungrier than I have ever been. I want to make them happy that they made this decision."

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