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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Agree to Terms with Six Players

August 1, 2019 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Forward JP Kealey with the New England Black Wolves
Forward JP Kealey with the New England Black Wolves
(Rochester Knighthawks)

(Rochester, NY) - Rochester Knighthawks General Manager and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations Dan Carey announced today that the team has signed forwards Dylan Hutchison and JP Kealey, defensemen Adam Perroni and Doug Utting, transition man Chris Willman and goaltender Craig Wende all to two-year contracts. All transactions are pending league approval.

Hutchison enters his first season in the with the Knighthawks after setting a career-high in assists (21) while appearing in 14 games for the Whitby Steelhawks in the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL) last season. The undrafted 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward has appeared in 26 games the past two seasons with the Steelhawks, posting 11 goals, 39 assists and 50 points. Additionally, the Peterborough, Ontario, native played in five postseason contests with Whitby, totaling 10 points (3+7).

Kealey comes to Rochester after spending the past two seasons with the New England Black Wolves (NLL), registering eight goals, five assists and 13 points in eight contests.

Prior to being drafted in the first round (10th overall) by the Black Wolves in the 2017 Entry Draft, the 6-foot, 188-pound forward played 16 games at Robert Morris University (NCAA) from 2014-2016. During his tenure with the Colonials, he produced 32 points on 23 goals and nine assists and was named to the All-NEC Rookie Team in 2014.

Perroni joins the Knighthawks after playing in two contests with the New England Black Wolves (NLL) last season. Additionally, he appeared in one game with the former Rochester Knighthawks as well as one playoff game.

Originally drafted in the second round (14th overall) of the 2017 Entry Draft by the former Knighthawks, the Whitby, Ontario, native appeared in 17 career games with the Whitby Steelhawks (ALL), totaling nine goals, 13 assists and 22 points. Also, the 6-foot-2, 214-pound forward played in four playoff contests, notching three points (1+2) while helping the Steelhawks claim the 2018 ALL Championship.

Utting enters his first season with the Knighthawks after spending the three previous seasons with the Peterborough Timbermen (ALL), where he recorded 17 goals, 26 assists and 43 points in 36 contests. In addition, he appeared in two playoff games.

Prior to joining the Timbermen, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound forward spent two seasons at Nipissing University (AUCC) from 2015-17. During his second season with the Lakers, the Brockville, Ontario native, who was named an All-Canadian Defensive midfielder, finished second on the team in scoring, producing 38 points (27+12) in 12 games while serving one of the team's captains.

Willman joins the Knighthawks after appearing in 16 games with Brampton Excelsiors (MSL) this season, where he scored three goals and had three assists for six points. The 6-foot-0, 215-pound transition man has appeared in 23 contests over the course of two seasons between Brampton and the Oakville Rock.

Prior to joining the Major Series Lacrosse, the London, Ontario, native played in 61 contests for Hobart and William Smith College (NCAA) from 2015 to 2018, when he tallied four points (3+1). As a senior with the Statesmen in 2018, Willman received the team's C.R.A.G. Outstanding Defensive Player Award while serving as captain.

Wende enters his second season in the NLL and first with the Knighthawks after making his pro debut last season with the Georgia Swarm (NLL), making 12 saves in one contest.

Prior to joining the Swarm, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound goaltender spent three seasons with the Toronto Monarchs (ALL) from 2017-19. In 35 career games with the Monarchs, the Kitchener, Ontario, native posted a 19-9-0 record while making 621 saves. Additionally, he totaled 44 assists and one goal. In five playoff contests, Wende showed a 2-2-1 record along with six assists.

New Season Ticket Memberships for the 2019-20 season start as low as just $16 per seat, with Loyalty Member pricing beginning at just $15 depending on seat location. Fans can take advantage of this special offer and lock in their seats with a $50 deposit per seat by July 15. For more information, visit www.rochesterknighthawks.com/season-tickets or call 585-454-5335 and speak with a Knighthawks sales representative.

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Images from this story

Rochester Knighthawks defensemen Adam Perroni
Rochester Knighthawks defensemen Adam Perroni
 Goaltender Craig Wende with the Georgia Swarm
Goaltender Craig Wende with the Georgia Swarm
 Forward JP Kealey with the New England Black Wolves
Forward JP Kealey with the New England Black Wolves

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