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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Sign Second-Round Pick Derek Searle

October 20, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Rochester Knighthawks Second-Round Pick Derek Searle
Rochester Knighthawks Second-Round Pick Derek Searle
(Rochester Knighthawks)

The Rochester Knighthawks have announced today that they have signed second-round pick Derek Searle (Sir-rul) to a one-year deal. Rochester selected the former RIT Tiger with the 14th overall pick in the 2015 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.

"It feels absolutely amazing (to sign with Rochester). It's a dream come true," he said. "It's something you work for your whole life. When you finally sign it, that's when it becomes a reality."

Getting the chance to add a tenacious defenseman like Searle early in the second round was a steal for the Knighthawks.

"We were really excited to get him at 14," said Stu Brown, who was involved in the Knighthawks' draft. "We see him as a guy who brings a lot of toughness and has played at a high level. He has played juniors and had a good run this summer in senior. He also brings a lot of intangibles off the floor. He has strong character and he's got leadership qualities."

Derek learned his toughness on defense from his father, Tom, who played 20 years of pro hockey and was a three-time Best Defenseman award winner. Tom reached the American Hockey League and International Hockey League during five of those seasons, but spent the majority of his career in Austria. Following his dad to Europe every September until he was in his early teens, Derek had a behind-the-scenes look at life as a professional athlete.

"I grew up watching my dad and watching the pro guy's lifestyle. To me it was all about battling for every inch on the ice. I just took that mentality over to lacrosse once I started playing," said Derek, who began his lacrosse career at 11 years old. "I realized that you have to give everything you have. If that means being tough, being gritty and going to the corners, then you do that because that's what you have to do at the higher levels. Ever since I was young, that has been my style of play."

Searle was one of five defensemen that the Knighthawks drafted on Sept. 28th. Along with Searle, Rochester added Graeme Hossack, Brad Gillies, Adam Bomberry and Greg Longboat.

"We have a real strong defense in place in Rochester and want to see these young guys pushing for spots. I think Derek can do that," said Brown. "We are excited to see him. It's going to be a very competitive camp on the back end."

The 22-year-old defenseman arrives in Rochester after playing this summer with the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse. During his rookie season in the MSL, he appeared in 17 games and collected two goals and nine assists. Prior to making the jump to Senior "A" ball, the Dundas, Ontario native played four seasons with the Junior "A" Burlington Chiefs. Searle was voted a First Team All-Star in 2013 and 2014, and was named the winner of the Gus McCauley award as the league's top defensive player in 2013.

Searle also spent one season of college lacrosse at RIT. Now, Searle will return to Rochester with an opportunity to play for the Knighthawks. "I'm absolutely ecstatic going to Rochester. I couldn't be happier," he said. "I'm a pretty aggressive defenseman. I like to go out there and challenge the ball a lot so I look to keep doing that (with the Knighthawks). Rochester likes to play an in-your-face style of defense and I think I'll fit in well."

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Rochester Knighthawks Second-Round Pick Derek Searle
Rochester Knighthawks Second-Round Pick Derek Searle
   



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