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Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Activate Derek Searle

January 9, 2016 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have activated defenseman Derek Searle for tonight's season opener against the Colorado Mammoth.

Things have been moving at a fast pace since the 23-year-old was selected by the Knighthawks in the second round of the 2015 NLL Entry Draft in September.

"When you do take a step back, you think about everything you have been doing (with the Knighthawks). It is stuff I have been dreaming about since I was a young kid when I started playing," he said. "It just puts a smile on your face that it is finally here. This is what you worked so hard for, and why you did all of those down and backs growing up. It all paid off and today was just another step in the right direction."

Searle's road to the NLL began with the Junior "A" Burlington Chiefs, where he was a stellar defenseman for four seasons. Searle was voted a First Team All-Star in 2013 and 2014, and was named the winner of the Gus McCauley award as the league's top defensive player in 2013. After an impressive junior career, he was the fourth overall pick in the Major Series Lacrosse Draft by Kitchener.

Searle spent this past summer playing for the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks. During his rookie season in the MSL, he appeared in 17 games and collected two goals and nine assists. Searle also made a name for himself by playing tough, tenacious defense.

"He has been very physical and has been pushing guys around," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. "He has been getting used to the system and used to the guys playing around him. He is fitting in well. At the same time, he is still making a presence on the floor for himself."

In December, Searle played in both of Rochester's preseason games and was then named to the Knighthawks practice roster. Today, the Dundas, Ontario received his first promotion to the 20-man active roster after defenseman Scott Self was placed on the physically unable to perform list.

"I am naturally ecstatic," said Searle. "It is nice to be on the practice roster and be on the team, but to get put on the active is a dream come true."

What made it even more meaningful was being activated at the same time as his former RIT teammate Brad Gillies.

"It's nice that we were both able to work hard and we were both able to achieve our goal," said Searle. "It's amazing. I am sure Brad is just as happy."

Another one of his lifelong dreams could come true this evening, if he gets the opportunity to make his NLL debut.

"It would mean the world (to play)," he said. "Whether I am in or not, just being put on the active roster is nice. For me, it would great because I have family and friends coming down to support the team. If I could get in, it would be nice for them to be able to watch because they are the ones who put in the time over the years."

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