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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Pull off Blockbuster Trade

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


The Rochester Knighthawks have pulled off a blockbuster deal with the Vancouver Stealth to acquire the second and 11th overall picks in today's 2014 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. Rochester also receives the Stealth's first-round picks in the 2015 and 2017 drafts. As part of the deal, the Knighthawks send forward Johnny Powless and transition man Joel McCready, and the ninth and 23rd picks in the 2014 draft to Vancouver.

"I enjoyed my three years with the Rochester Knighthawks," said Powless. "I am looking forward to playing with Vancouver this year."

Powless has played in Rochester for three seasons and won three straight Champion's Cups. The former first-round pick has collected 144 points (78+66) in just 50 games. In 2014, he reached career highs in goals (30) and points (53), and finished third and fourth on the team in those categories respectively. During the 2014 Playoffs, Powless scored four goals and dished out four assists in six games.

The 21-year-old forward has won six championships in the past three years. To go along with three NLL titles, he has won back-to-back Mann Cups with the Six Nations Chiefs and a 2014 Minto Cup with the Six Nations Arrows. Powless was also named the Minto Cup MVP after leading the series with 21 assists and 29 points.

McCready played five seasons in Rochester, and contributed 23 goals, 27 assists and 180 loose balls in 48 games. In 2014, he notched career highs in every offensive category with 14 goals, 15 assists and 29 points. The St. Catharines, Ontario native netted his biggest goal of the year in the East Division Finals, tallying the game-tying goal in the 10-minute mini-game. The Knighthawks won the game in overtime to return to the NLL Finals. Rochester would defeat the Calgary Roughnecks to give the 26-year-old McCready his second straight NLL Championship (2013-14).

The Knighthawks will have seven picks in tonight's NLL Entry Draft. The 2014 NLL Draft will air live on NLL.com and on YouTube via The Lacrosse Network (YouTube.com/TLN), starting at 7:00 p.m. from the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville, Ontario.

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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