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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Select Quartet of Players at Draft

September 16, 2013 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The back-to-back National Lacrosse League Champion Rochester Knighthawks added four players tonight to help in their bid for a third straight championship. The Knighthawks drafted Mark White, Taylor Northway, Zac Reid and Brandon Styres in the 2013 NLL Entry Draft in Oakville, Ontario.

Rochester used its first selection to take transition player Mark White in the third round (27th overall). White received his teal Knighthawks sweater from fellow Oakville native and Brampton Excelsiors teammate Dan Dawson, along with one of his former coaches in Mike Hasen.

"He will do whatever it takes to get on this roster. He will push everyone to get better," said Hasen, who coached White in 2012 in Brampton. "He is quick and goes into the dirty areas to get the loose balls, and pushes the ball up the floor very well."

It was definitely a family affair as White was selected at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, which where his mother, Susan, works. Mark White (5-11, 187 pounds) joins the Knighthawks after a stellar field career at the University of Southern Maine, and an impressive season with Brampton of Major Series Lacrosse in 2013.

"It's a tough roster to crack. They just won it for the second straight year," said White. "I look forward to working my hardest to try to help them make it three-in-a-row."

The Knighthawks used their next pick to take Northway from the Delta Islanders Jr. "A" team. Over the past two seasons, he has played in 28 games and collected six goals and 14 assists. In 2013, he also played in three regular season games and four postseason games at the Senior "A" level with the Coquitlam Adanacs. Western Scout Kevin Hill was impressed with Northway for his play at the junior level and during his call-up during the Western Lacrosse Association Playoffs.

"He is big, fast and he is a smart D-tranny (defensive transition)," said Hill of the 6-0, 200-pound 18-year-old. "He's the type of guy that Hasen likes because he thinks defense first. He still has two years of junior left so he could develop into one of the top defenders in BC."

With the 46th overall pick, the Knighthawks tabbed Mercyhurst University midfielder Zac Reid of St. Catharines, Ontario. Last season with the Lakers, he was an Honorable Mention All-American choice and First Team All-ECAC. The 6-1, 195-pounder had a breakout season in 2013, scoring 29 goals and adding 14 assists. He tied a Division II Semifinal record when he scored seven goals in Mercyhurst's overtime win over Limestone. Reid played in his second NCAA Final in 2013, winning the 2011 title with Mercyhurst. In the indoor game, he has played transition in 29 games over three seasons (2008-10) for the St. Catharines Athletics.

 

Rochester used its final pick to make NLL history as Owner and General Manager Curt Styres selected his son Brandon with the 55th pick in the sixth round. The selection is believed to be a first in the history of the league that dates back to 1987.

"I am very fortunate. I don't know how many owners or GMs get to draft their sons," said Curt Styres. "It is a huge honor to be in that position."

Brandon is a Six Nations' product that also played in the prestigious AleÃ...¡ HÃ...™ebeský Memorial box lacrosse tournament in Prague in 2012. The goalie has been fortunate to spend time with the back-to-back NLL Champions and has been training with three-time NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc.

"I will give it all I have and make the most of this opportunity," said Brandon Styres. "I was already getting some pointers from Matt Vinc and have been out practicing with him. I have been training hard (to get ready for training camp)."

 

The Knighthawks will kick off their historic 20th season on Saturday, December 28th, as they host the Minnesota Swarm at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. Season tickets are currently on sale by calling (585) 454-4295 (HAWK) or by going online to www.knighthawks.com. Rochester is bidding to become the first NLL team to win three straight Champion's Cup's.

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