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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Add Four from Six Nations in NLL Draft

September 22, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


After taking Jeremy Noble with the second overall pick, the Rochester Knighthawks selected four players with ties to championship teams from Six Nations in today's 2014 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. Rochester chose defenseman Brier Jonathan (27th overall), forward Ian Martin (37th overall) and defenseman Anthony Patterson (46th overall) from the 2014 Minto Cup champion Six Nations Arrows. The Knighthawks also picked transition man Zach Williams from the 2014 Founders Cup champion Six Nations Rebels.

Rochester chose Jonathan after obtaining New England's third-round choice. In return, the Knighthawks sent their third-round selection in the 2015 Draft to the Black Wolves. Brier played in 32 games with the Arrows over the past two seasons (2013-14), collecting five goals and six assists. In the summer, he raised the coveted Minto Cup after Six Nations knocked off the Coquitlam Adanacs in six games. It was his second title in three years after winning the Founders Cup with the Six Nations Rebels in 2012.

"It feels great, especially joining the three-time defending champions," said the Six Nations defensive standout.

Brier has some strong ties to professional sports as the grandson of former NHL and Boston Bruin tough guy Stan Jonathan.

"It's a great honor. He's the person I have always looked up to," said the younger Jonathan. "He's the person who has been telling me to keep going and give it everything I've got."

Rochester added one of Jonathan's teammates with the 37th overall pick, obtaining forward Ian Martin. Martin has won four straight championships, winning three consecutive Founders Cups (2011-13) and a Minto Cup (2014). He now joins a team that has won three straight titles.

"Everyone knows what a successful organization it is," said Martin. "I am at a loss for words. It is a real honor."

Martin notched 50 points (19+31) in 30 games with the Arrows this season. In 2013, the playmaking forward led the Junior "B" circuit with an amazing 129 points (32+97) in 20 games.

Rochester stayed with the Arrows when they selected Anthony Patterson, who was part of a dominating Arrows' defense this year. Six Nations was the best in the Ontario Lacrosse Association, allowing a paltry 6.55 goals per game. Patterson has been touted as "solid in his own end with some transition capabilities." In 2014, the 6-3 defenseman recorded seven goals and six assists.

"We like big bodies that can move. That is what our defense is built around," said Knighthawks Assistant General Manager Landon Miller, who is also the president of the Six Nations Arrows. "We want him to come in and compete for a job."

The Knighthawks used the 55th overall choice to take transition man Zach Williams. In three seasons with the Junior "B" Six Nations Rebels, Williams put up eight goals and 52 assists in 31 games. Each season he won the prestigious Founders Cup. In 2013, he won the Craig Monture Memorial Trophy as the Rebels Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The Knighthawks will open their 21st season on Saturday, January 3rd against the rival Toronto Rock at The Blue Cross Arena. Prior to the 7:30 p.m. game, the Knighthawks will celebrate their historic third straight NLL Championship by raising their 2014 Championship Banner. To experience the excitement of Knighthawks lacrosse, call (585) 454-4295 (HAWK) or go online to www.knighthawks.com to purchase your season tickets today.

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