NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Cousins, the Ultimate Team Player

Published on March 26, 2012 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Ryan Cousins knows the value of being part of a team, which is evident in every facet of his life. Be it in an arena in downtown Rochester or in the city streets of Markham, Ontario, Cousins works to defend his home turf.

On weekends, it's in a teal and purple sweater guarding the Rochester Knighthawks' goal in the National Lacrosse League. On weekdays, he suits up in a leather trench coat, rubber boots and a black helmet with a face shield for the Markham fire department.

For the past two years, the 31-year-old Cousins has served the fourth largest community within the Greater Toronto Area. Each weekend, the mild-mannered city servant transforms into a top-notch professional athlete showcasing his speed and stick skills in front of thousands of fans. Despite the disparity in public adulation, Cousins explained the similarities between his two professions.

"It's an easy adjustment for anyone coming from a team sport. It's one of the things they look for when they hire guys," said Cousins. "You look around the NLL and there are a number of different firefighters out there. Getting along with the guys... that's the main point.

"Even with the Knighthawks, you just fit in and get along with the guys. It makes your job on the floor that much easier," he added. "When you're a firefighter, you jump on the trucks and you're going to calls. As long as you can get along with the guys and get used to the team atmosphere, you are going to be good out there."

Rochester Head Coach Mike Hasen, a standout defenseman during his playing career, was excited to get Cousins into the lineup because of what he adds to his team as a lacrosse player.

"He is a smart physical defender that will bring grit and character to our back end," said Hasen. "He is a natural leader that will make his teammates and the opposition accountable."

Cousins proved his leadership as the Minnesota Swarm's team captain for seven seasons, while earning the NLL Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Pro selections in 2007 and 2008. He was acquired by the Knighthawks in an offseason trade with the Edmonton Rush.

Yet, his arrival in Rochester was delayed due to an offseason knee injury he suffered while weight training. It was a tenuous time for the NLL veteran, who thought he was on the verge of retirement. Although fearing he might have played his last game, Cousins used the opportunity to travel to games and meet his new teammates. It was a valuable experience, especially after he was cleared to play in early February.

"It definitely helped going out to the games and being around the dressing room and the guys," said Cousins. "It helps you get into a different routine around the arena. Being in contact with the guys, talking and joking around with them is a big part of being teammates."

Cousins made his Rochester debut on February 18th, as the Knighthawks won an emotional 15-12 victory over the Washington Stealth. Rochester used a seven-goal fourth quarter to earn the come-from-behind win. After watching two of the games from the stands, Cousins was glad to be back amongst his teammates on the turf.

"It's always tough getting back into the lineup after you miss a few games. I am jumping into a good system so it made things a lot easier," he said. "I used my first game to work out the cobwebs and get back into the flow of things with the guys."

Despite missing the first six games of the season, he felt comfortable with the team in Rochester. It was his fourth stop in 11 seasons, which also included time in Minnesota, Arizona and Columbus. The Toronto native, who was a perennial NLL All-Star Game participant and a four-time Mann Cup champion, admitted he was anxious to play for the Knighthawks.

"It's been a long time coming. I am definitely happy to be out there to help these guys any way I can," said Cousins. "I really feel like part of the team now after the first couple of sessions. We have a good squad here and have to keep moving forward."

Cousins also found time to add to his team at home, as his wife, Lauren, gave birth to their second child on February 28th. Four days later, he was on a plane to join the Knighthawks for an 11-8 win over the first-place Philadelphia Wings. He had one of the most hectic schedules on the team, as 20 of his teammates used the week to unwind after the NLL All-Star Break.

"Most guys were resting and I was doing the complete opposite. That's all good, it was worth it," said Ryan, who welcomed Audrey into the world. "Obviously, it's a little bit of an adjustment with a second one around the house. We're all good for it."

With Audrey and his son, Colton, at home, Ryan has to carefully plan out his schedule each week to accommodate his full-time job, lacrosse career and duties as a husband and a father. That might overwhelm some players, but not Cousins.

"I have to sit down at some point and go through the calendar and schedule everything I need to do. I then check in with the wife and make sure the schedule works and trade shifts at work with guys," he said. "It's a lot planning, but it's really worth it."

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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 26, 2012


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