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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Sign Billy Dee Smith

February 22, 2019 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Rochester Knighthawks signee Billy Dee Smith
Rochester Knighthawks signee Billy Dee Smith
(Rochester Knighthawks)

The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have signed defenseman Billy Dee Smith to a one-year deal. The 36-year-old will play tonight as the Knighthawks host the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena.

"I am looking forward to it," he said. "I am nervous; I feel like I am a rookie again. But, I always put that pressure on myself. I keep telling myself, it's just another game."

It's not just another game for the Knighthawks, as they get back a physical presence for a midseason showdown against a longtime rival. Smith's teammates are looking forward to having No. 3 back in the lineup.

"Billy brings a swagger anywhere he goes, and it is contagious," said Knighthawks alternate captain and defenseman Scott Campbell. "The room feels different with him in it, and guys on the floor have more confidence when Billy is around. We have missed that swagger, and it is nice to have it back."

Smith rejoins the team after appearing in 14 regular-season games and four playoff games during the 2017-18 season. He was a key contributor to Rochester's run to the 2018 National Lacrosse League Finals.

"We are excited to have Billy Dee back for another season," said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. "Throughout his career, he has been the ultimate competitor and a top-notch defender."

After being selected third overall in the 2002 NLL Entry Draft by Buffalo, he established himself as one of the toughest and fiercest defenders in the game. In his NLL career, Smith has collected 32 goals, 35 assists and 534 loose balls in 206 career games. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defenseman is also the league's all-time leader with 669 penalty minutes.

The 2008 season was the highlight of Smith's career as he helped the Buffalo Bandits win an NLL Championship. During the Cup run, he set career highs in playoff points (four), goals (four) and loose balls (16). The following season, he was honored as the NLL Defensive Player of the Year. In 2016, Smith joined select company as he was named Buffalo's team captain.

On the international stage, Smith has earned three trips to the world championships with Team Canada. He won gold in 2006 and silver in 2010 at the FIL World Lacrosse Championship. In 2015, Smith played in his first FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championship and won a gold medal.

The St. Catharines, Ontario, native originally signed with Rochester on Sept. 13, 2017, after spending 15 seasons with the Buffalo Bandits. The veteran defenseman now returns to the NLL to help the Knighthawks embark on another second-half run to the postseason. He admitted that the time off has made him even hungrier to get back in the lineup.

"I was just expecting to go off into retirement, but it's funny how things worked out," he said. "I have been thinking about it since January, but nothing ever came up. All of sudden I went on vacation and came back and decided to play some lacrosse."

Smith also missed the camaraderie and the time spent with guys at practice and during road trips.

"I think that's the biggest part you miss of the game," he said. "It's the reason I am back. I was sitting home on weekends. It was just me and the family."

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Rochester Knighthawks signee Billy Dee Smith
Rochester Knighthawks signee Billy Dee Smith
   



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 22, 2019


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