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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Sign Mikey Thompson

December 12, 2013 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have signed free agent goalie Mikey Thompson to a one-year deal for the 2014 National Lacrosse League season.

"I am glad to be a part of the organization," said Thompson. "It's a great bunch of guys and I am glad to be part of the family."

Thompson, who hails from Akwesasne, enters his ninth season in the NLL after spending the 2013 season with the Philadelphia Wings. The Wings acquired Thompson from the Buffalo Bandits in exchange for the team's 2013 third-round draft pick. He played with Buffalo for six seasons (2007-12). In his final season, he recorded 333 saves and a .753 save percentage. In his career, he owns an 11.53 goals-against average and a 31-13 record.

Thompson will add depth to the goaltending position that currently includes three-time NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc, Angus Goodleaf and Brandon Styres.

"Mikey is a great goalie. He is a great addition for our team and will provide support for 'Vno,'" said Knighthawks Assistant Coach and NLL Hall of Fame goalie Pat O'Toole. "If we need him, we will have a top-notch goalie to go in there and get the job done."

Thompson's best season was in 2010, when he posted career highs with a 9.92 GAA and an .809 save percentage. His save percentage ranked second in the league, just .001 behind new teammate Matt Vinc, who was then with Orlando. In 2008, he finished the postseason with 2-0 record and a 12.50 goals-against average en route to a Champion's Cup. In the NLL Championship Game, he made 39 saves to help Buffalo defeat Portland.

"Mikey brings a wealth of experience to the locker room and the position," said Vinc. "I look forward to working with him as we begin our quest for a title."

Thompson has two Mann Cup titles on his resume as well, winning with the Peterborough Lakers in 2010 and 2012. In 2012, he earned the Mike Kelly Award as the MVP of the Mann Cup. Thompson saved the series for the Lakers, who had fallen behind in Game Three and were facing a possible 3-0 series deficit. He guided the Lakers to a 14-10 win in Game Three as part of four straight victories. He registered a 7.25 goals-against average, yielding only 28 goals in 231:42.

"Mikey is a veteran goalie who has won at every level. He will be a great addition to our team. I know during his time with the Lakers he was tough to beat," said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk, who battled Thompson as a member of the Brampton Excelsiors. "It seemed the later in his career, the more clutch he became. I'm glad he's on our side now. He will certainly make our team better."

In 2013, Thompson was voted a First Team All-Star in the Presidents' Cup Tournament. For the past three years, he has represented his home nation as a member of the Iroquois Nationals. In November, he played for the Iroquois in the exhibition game against Team Canada in Montreal. In 2012, he helped the Nationals win the Bowhunter Cup against the USA All-Stars. Back in 2011, he aided the Iroquois as the team won a silver medal at the 2011 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships. Being so well traveled has allowed him to make an easy transition to the Knighthawks.

"I know a lot of the guys from playing in Buffalo and with the Iroquois," said Thompson. "I definitely feel right at home."

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