Brad Self Back Where He Belongs
Published on December 1, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
When Brad Self arrived in the German port city of Bremerhaven last fall to continue his professional hockey career, it took him only a matter of days to realize he was in the wrong place at the wrong time in his life.
"I knew as soon as I got there that it wasn't what I should be doing. At that point, I thought I had some lacrosse left in me and decided that I'd like to play full time in the NLL," he said.
The German League's loss was the Knighthawks' gain, as Self returned to give the National Lacrosse League and the Champion's Cup another shot. It was not that long ago that he left the NLL and his lacrosse career thousands of miles behind him to focus on hockey. At the urging of his friend, Mark McArthur, the former Peterborough Pete moved to Germany to pursue a professional hockey career. The 30-year-old former Buffalo Sabres' draft choice played five seasons overseas. From 2006-2011, he logged over 200 games and recorded 261 points. Four of those seasons were spent with SC Riessersee before moving on to play for the Fischtown Penguins last season.
It was an incredible experience, but pro lacrosse was always a phone call or email away. His parents even sent clippings from the Peterborough Examiner to keep him up-to-date on the Major Series Lacrosse Playoffs, the Mann Cup and the NLL.
"Every year I've played hockey, I've thought about it. I wish there were more months in the year so that I could have played both," said Self. "I was fortunate to play hockey in Germany for my first four years in a place that I don't think anyone thought they could leave once they got there."
But not even living in the mountain resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, southern Germany, could diminish his dream of playing professional lacrosse. His love for the game was evident as the Peterborough, Ontario, native returned home in the summers to play for the Major Series Lacrosse Peterborough Lakers. During the 2006-07, 2009 and 2011 seasons, he played lacrosse until he had to depart in August for another hockey season.
"I missed playing in the pro league, but I was never completely out of the game. I only missed two summers playing lacrosse in Peterborough," said Self. "I've missed being on the big stage and playing lacrosse at the highest level."
Self broke into pro lacrosse in 2003 with the Ottawa Rebel and his career took him to Colorado, Philadelphia and Chicago. His final season was in 2008 with the Chicago Shamrox, as he flew back from Germany to play in the team's final five regular season games after his hockey season was over. His interest in the NLL was ignited once again while over in Bremerhaven when he was acquired by the Knighthawks on October 27, 2010 in a four-player, four-draft pick deal with the Colorado Mammoth that also brought Matt Vinc to Rochester. Fast forward to 2011 and Self is back for another shot at pro lacrosse.
"It's really nice to be back. I am still working out the kinks, but I am fortunate to have a chance to be here in Rochester and play with the Knighthawks," said Self, who enters his sixth season in the NLL. "It's a great league and a great team."
The Knighthawks were excited to get Self in the deal for Vinc, and were even more impressed that he decided to return to the NLL. The transition man adds leadership and athleticism to both ends of the floor, which is supported by 101 points and 223 loose balls in 40 NLL games.
"He is another solid two-way player," said Knighthawks Assistant General Manager Landon Miller. "He can play straight offense or come out of the back end."
Self competed in his first NLL Training Camp in over four years in November. It not only allowed him to measure his preseason fitness level, but to gauge his recovery from offseason sports hernia surgery.
"You have to be mentally and physically sharp each and every week, and trying to get yourself ready for that one big game," he said. "I know from my past experiences flying all over the place from the east coast was tough. Not having trained full time for lacrosse, I am focusing on being more game-ready than last time."
Self has two weeks to prepare for his first NLL game since he recorded a five-point, nine loose ball performance on April 26, 2008 against the Minnesota Swarm. The Knighthawks will begin their preseason schedule on Sunday, December 11th with a 1:00 p.m. showdown against the Philadelphia Wings at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, NJ.
"I can't wait. That's what we all play for. It's the competitive side of things once you get into a game. This weekend and last weekend were good, but it's different when you are playing against the other guys," he said.
Self will make his home preseason debut against the same Minnesota Swarm on Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. After meeting the fans on November 27th at the team brunch hosted by the Knighthawks Krew, he cannot wait to hit the home turf for the first time.
"Every time you start with a new team it's always exciting to charge out onto your home floor in front of your home fans," said Self. "It's pretty cool to have fans that support you like they do here."
National Lacrosse League Stories from December 1, 2011
- Knighthawks to Kick off School Program in Joel White's Hometown of Cortland - Rochester Knighthawks
- Brad Self Back Where He Belongs - Rochester Knighthawks
- Minnesota Swarm Back in Action this Weekend - Minnesota Swarm
- Philadelphia Wings Sign Seven to Solidify Roster - Philadelphia Wings
- Knighthawks Sign 'Kedoh' for Two Years - Rochester Knighthawks
- Minnesota Swarm's Movember Campaign Raises Total of $2,410 - Minnesota Swarm
- 2012 Washington Stealth Single Game Tickets on Sale Today - Washington Stealth
- Rock Totals $10,182 in Donations During Movember Campaign - Toronto Rock
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