NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Kirk Anchors Rochester Defense

Published on March 9, 2012 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


After only six years playing in the NLL, Mike Kirk already has had what can be considered a journeyman career. Kirk was drafted 27th overall by the Chicago Shamrox in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft, and from there his career has taken an interesting path.

Over a five-year period, all three teams that Kirk played for either folded or were relocated. Such unpredictability surely did not mark an ideal start to a career and at times he started to wonder if any team he played for would ever be able to stick in the league. Finally, in year six, it appears that Kirk has found his niche in Rochester, with a team that does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Not only has Kirk found a team with some security, but his outstanding play this season was recognized when he was named to his first ever All-Star roster.

When asked to talk about what it meant to be named an All-Star, he described it as a great honor, but also said that it was rather shocking to him.

"Honestly, I am still kind of shocked that I was selected; with all the great league talent in our league," Kirk said.

All-Star contests are sometimes viewed as an opportunity for players to showcase their individual talents on a grand stage against the best athletes in the league. Kirk, however, took a slightly different approach to playing in the game.

"I am not a flashy player. I don't have all the stick moves and flair that a lot of other guys in the league have," he said. "I just took it as an opportunity to go out there and represent the Hawks and have fun."

When speaking with Kirk, it's easy to see that he is the epitome of a team player. On the field, he is a tenacious defenseman whose knowledge of the game has helped him to become one of the best defenders in the league. Off the field he is truly a team-oriented individual who will do anything he can to help his teammates. This unselfish nature has helped him to become a dominant force on the Rochester defense, as he is currently tied for the team lead in forced turnovers, and is among the team leaders in loose balls.

The success Kirk is having on the field can also be traced back to his lacrosse roots in Orangeville, Ontario. Kirk has been playing the game since he was around 10 years old, and grew up with three brothers who also all played lacrosse. His two younger brothers, Jamie and Evan, also currently play professionally, so an innate sibling rivalry surely has helped push him toward the success he is now having.

Kirk attributes a great deal of his success to the support and encouragement he has gained from his parents Janie and David, as well as his high school and college coaches. He describes his parents as "the biggest lacrosse supporters you can find" and credits his coaches with allowing him to learn the game and get an education in the states.

Kirk has clearly devoted a great deal of time and effort to his job as a professional lacrosse player, but lacrosse is only his job on the weekends. During the week, Kirk works full time as manager of two Dairy Queens in the Orangeville area. Kirk has been working at Dairy Queen since he was in high school, and became a store manager after he graduated college six years ago. Working two full-time jobs is extremely demanding and at times he finds it challenging to put one aside in order to focus on the other.

However, he takes it all in stride as he knows this is what he has to do in order to continue living the dream of playing professional lacrosse. He also gives credit to his boss for being extremely supportive of his career ambitions and allowing him to pursue his dream.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 9, 2012


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