NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Sign Keogh, Batson and Rouse

Published on November 17, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, November 17)... Rochester Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres announced today that the team has signed its top pick, Stephen Keogh, to a three-year deal. The Knighthawks completed the day with signing Jamie Batson and Scott Rouse. All of the contracts are pending league approval.

The Knighthawks selected Keogh with the second-overall pick in the 2011 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. Keogh, 24, arrives in Rochester after becoming the third straight Syracuse player selected with the Knighthawks' top draft pick. He joined the likes of Sid Smith and Cody Jamieson. Keogh completed his four-year career at Syracuse in 2011 as a two-time NCAA champion (2008 and 2009). The 2011 BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year after leading the Orange in goals (33) and tied for the team lead in points (41). He ended his career ninth in Syracuse history with 133 goals. He took his field game to the professional level in 2011 and played for a Hamilton Nationals team that advanced to the Major League Lacrosse Finals. He cannot wait to make his professional indoor debut this season.

"I am really excited to get the season underway. I need to keep working hard," said Keogh. "It feels good to be signed."

The Knighthawks added to its defense with the signing of Rouse to a three-year agreement. Rouse played in 13 games with the regular-season champion New Westminster Salmonbellies of the Western Lacrosse Association this summer. The 6-2, 215-pounder racked up 23 penalty minutes in his rookie season at the Senior "A" level. The 22 year old from Surrey, BC, adds toughness to the lineup, having accumulated 199 penalty minutes in 49 junior games.

The Knighthawks rounded out their signings with inking Batson to a one-year deal. In 2011, he was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player, while playing for the Senior "B" Ohsweken Warriors. He notched 19 points in 14 games (7+12) for the Warriors. Last season, he attended training camp with the Buffalo Bandits after spending the summer with Ohsweken.

"It's awesome and I am really pumped about it," said Batson, who recently returned to the sport after focusing on football, rugby, track and basketball in high school. "I didn't think anything like this was even possible. I am surprised and happy with my progress."

Batson impressed the coaching and lacrosse staffs at the team's Open Tryouts in October. Styres was especially encouraged with his workouts.

"We have been watching him for a while and this is not his first time at camp," said Styres. "The power he carries is top-notch and he has to be one of the fastest players in the league."

The Knighthawks will open their 2012 Training Camp at Total Sports Experience in Gates on Saturday, November 19th with a 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. session. Rochester will host a home preseason game against the Minnesota Swarm on Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. Tickets for the game are FREE and available online at Knighthawks.net. For more information or to purchase season tickets, call (585) 454-HAWK (4295).

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National Lacrosse League Stories from November 17, 2011


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