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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Acquire Rowan Kelly from Colorado

March 11, 2019 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Rowan Kelly with the Colorado Mammoth
Rowan Kelly with the Colorado Mammoth
(Rochester Knighthawks)

The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have traded defenseman Ian Llord to the Colorado Mammoth in exchange for Rowan Kelly and their third-round selection in the 2021 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.

"I am really excited to be a part of the Knighthawks," he said. "I have been waiting to get into the lineup, waiting for the opportunity to prove myself. I hope I can get the opportunity in Rochester to fight for a spot on the active roster."

The 22-year-old defenseman heads to Rochester after spending the past two seasons with the Mammoth. The Toronto, Ontario, native made his professional debut last season with Colorado after being selected by the Mammoth in the sixth round (55th overall) of the 2017 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.

Prior to the draft, Kelly played five seasons with the Junior "A" Toronto Beaches. In 46 regular-season games, he notched eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. At 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, Kelly was also an impactful midfielder at Western University, where he won three consecutive Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association Championships (2016-18). This summer, Kelly played for the Cobourg Kodiaks and collected one goal and three assists in 13 Major Series Lacrosse games.

"We are excited to welcome Rowan to the Rochester Knighthawks," said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. "He is a hard-working player who gives us depth at the defensive position."

In the deal, the Knighthawks sent Ian Llord to Colorado. This season, the veteran appeared in nine games and scooped up 24 loose balls. The 34-year-old has played in Rochester since signing as a free agent in 2013. In 109 games, he posted nine goals, 16 assists and 367 loose balls. During his time with the Knighthawks, the St. Catharines, Ontario, native also established himself as one of the league's premier shot-blocking defensemen. In his first two seasons in Rochester, he helped the team win two straight championships (2013-14).

"Ian was a major contributor to our defense during his seven seasons with the Knighthawks," said Styres. "He had an instant impact after he arrived Rochester, as we won back-to-back championships his first two years. He also helped us reach the 2015 East Division Finals and the 2018 NLL Finals."

This weekend, the Knighthawks will play two East Division games in two nights. Rochester will host the Georgia Swarm on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. The Knighthawks will then travel north of the border to battle the Toronto Rock on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Arena.

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Images from this story

Rowan Kelly with the Colorado Mammoth
Rowan Kelly with the Colorado Mammoth
   



National Lacrosse League Stories from March 11, 2019


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