Knighthawks Re-Sign Two Defensemen
Published on November 20, 2013 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The Rochester Knighthawks have re-signed defensemen Ian Llord and Cody McLeod for the 2014 National Lacrosse League season. The back-to-back NLL Champions are set to open Training Camp on Saturday in East Rochester at the new Total Sports Experience.
"It feels really good and makes me feel like they have confidence in me," said Llord about re-signing for two seasons. "It is going to be a really tough camp.
"I think my experience and coming into camp in good shape (will benefit me this season)," added the veteran of 90 NLL games. "I played a lot of lacrosse this year and kept my stick in my hands. I have to go out there, work hard and show them I am ready to come back and be an asset to the team."
In 2013, Llord arrived in Rochester after spending five of his six seasons in the NLL with the Knighthawks' thruway rivals, the Buffalo Bandits. The 28-year-old St. Catharines, Ontario native played in 14 games with the Knighthawks and notched one goal, two assists and 42 loose balls. He also appeared in all three of the team's playoff games en route to the second Champion's Cup of his career.
"He is a good stay-at-home defenseman and helps the goalies with his willingness to sacrifice his body to block shots," said Assistant Coach Jason Johnson. "He is one of the big guys on the team that is ready to do the dirty work."
Defenseman Cody McLeod, 22, re-signed a one-year deal with the Knighthawks. McLeod, who spent his rookie season on the practice squad, is ready to take the next step in his professional lacrosse career.
"The same goal applies - a different perspective and look from what I'm bringing and what I want to accomplish this year - but the main goal remains the same, and that's to get the third straight championship in a row," he said.
In his second season in the National Lacrosse League, he has changed his approach to the game. No longer is he satisfied with his role on the practice squad. Instead, he is ready to crack the starting lineup.
"Every practice he got better," said Rochester Head Coach Mike Hasen. "That's all we can ask of him. His opportunity will come, and we're pretty confident he is getting prepared for it the best he possibly can. We'll see when that opportunity comes."
McLeod, the 56th and final pick of the 2012 NLL Entry Draft, has prepared himself this offseason to contribute to Rochester's run to a third consecutive league title.
"I think I'm ready. I had a great offseason. I worked really hard. I lost a lot of weight and gained a lot of muscle. I made it my job this offseason to get bigger, faster, stronger," he said. "I did a lot of work studying the game so I could get smarter. I worked on my foot speed and my agility. I really took it upon myself to get better in every aspect."
McLeod also sharpened his mental game, as he found a mentor in fellow Orangeville, Ontario native and seven-year NLL veteran Mike Kirk. Both graduates of the prestigious Orangeville Junior "A" lacrosse program, the two bonded during commutes to games and practices.
"Cody knew his role as a young guy in the NLL. He practiced hard every week to get better, but also help make the team better," said Kirk, who serves as one of the Knighthawks' assistant captains. "I had the honor of traveling with him each week and it was a lot of fun getting to know him. Coming from the same hometown, it was great to try and show a young guy the ropes in the NLL."
The Knighthawks will officially kick off the 2014 season this weekend. The first Training Camp practice will commence on Saturday, November 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Knighthawks will hit the turf again on Sunday, November 24th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Both practices are open to the public.
National Lacrosse League Stories from November 20, 2013
- Allen Signs Rochester Knighthawks' Offer Sheet - Rochester Knighthawks
- McLeod Re-Signs with Knighthawks - Rochester Knighthawks
- Knighthawks Re-Sign Two Defensemen - Rochester Knighthawks
- Knighthawks Re-Sign Llord for Two Years - Rochester Knighthawks
- 2014 Training Camp Opens Thursday, November 28 - Edmonton Rush
- Stealth Re-Sign Bucktooth - Vancouver Stealth
- Roughnecks Re-Sign 2013 NLL MVP - Calgary Roughnecks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
