Knighthawks Sign Mark Vradenburg
Published on August 24, 2018 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
Mark Vradenburg of the Capital Region Axemen awarded as scoring champ
(Rochester Knighthawks)
The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have signed Mark Vradenburg to a one-year deal. The high-scoring forward will get his first chance to crack a National Lacrosse League roster when he comes to camp in October.
"It feels amazing just to be given the opportunity," he said. "I am ecstatic to join the Knighthawks and play with the best players in the world and show them what I've got."
The news comes days before Vradenburg will depart for his fifth Senior "B" President's Cup tournament. The Ottawa, Ontario native recently helped the Capital Region Axemen sweep the Kahnawake Mohawks to win the Quebec Senior Lacrosse League (QSLL) title.
"I am excited for him, and I am sure he is going to do well there," said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres.
"For the past couple of years, we have been keeping an eye on him," added Styres. "We kept our options open, and this season he led his team in scoring. Like so many other players, with the new teams coming in, all these guys need is an opportunity and they are going to run with it."
With the Axemen this season, Vradenburg posted 18 goals and 30 assists in 12 regular season games. His 48 points were good enough for second in the QSLL and Three Nations Lacrosse League scoring race. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 110 points (45+65) in 24 games with Capital Region. In 2017, he completed his finest season, winning the league's scoring title with 62 points (27+35).
This winter, Vradenburg also displayed his offensive abilities with the Peterborough Timbermen of the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL). The 25-year-old led the Timbermen in assists and points, while his 43 helpers were fifth best in the league. His 58 points tied him for 10th in the Arena Lacrosse League.
"Mark brings a good skill set that can translate well to the pro game. He also has a very good game IQ," said Knighthawks President of Lacrosse Operations Jake Henhawk. "He has been able to produce at every level, and we are excited to see what he can bring to the Knighthawks."
Before joining the ALL, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward played two seasons in the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax). In his inaugural campaign of 2015, he registered 16 points for the Niagara Lock Monsters. In his second year, Vradenburg tallied eight goals and three assists in eight games and helped the Durham TurfDogs capture the Creator's Cup.
At the collegiate level, he played three years with the Brock Badgers in the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA). In his senior season, he connected for 24 points (14+10) in 12 games as the Badgers advanced to the 2014 CUFLA Semifinals. In 2011, he made a trip to the Baggataway Cup Finals.
At the NLL level, Vradenburg attended an open camp with the New England Black Wolves, but this will be his first time attending an NLL training camp. When he joins the Knighthawks, he plans to use his extensive lacrosse background to compete with other prospects and seasoned veterans.
"In terms of the experience I bring, I have played with and against some top-quality ballplayers," he said. "With that (in mind), I try to watch and learn from their play and apply it to my own game. It's taking that experience and using it to do my best at camp."
Images from this story
 Mark Vradenburg of the Capital Region Axemen awarded as scoring champ |
National Lacrosse League Stories from August 24, 2018
- Knighthawks Sign Mark Vradenburg - Rochester Knighthawks
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