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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Sign Second-Round Pick, Luke Van Schepen

November 29, 2018 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Rochester Knighthawks Sign Second-Round Pick Luke Van Schepen at the NLL Draft
Rochester Knighthawks Sign Second-Round Pick Luke Van Schepen at the NLL Draft
(Rochester Knighthawks)

The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that the team has signed defenseman Luke Van Schepen to a three-year deal. The 22-year-old was the Knighthawks' second-round selection (16th overall) in the 2018 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.

"It's a great feeling," he said about signing his first pro contract. "It's a dream come true for a kid growing up playing lacrosse, especially joining a storied franchise like Rochester."

The gritty Van Schepen joins the Teal and Purple after completing his first season of Senior "A" ball with the Brampton Excelsiors. This past year, he posted eight points (4+4) in 11 games. Now, just four months after finishing the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season, he will make the leap to the pros this weekend when the Knighthawks open training camp.

"It's taking the next step in your career and an exciting part of your life," he said. "I am very eager to see what pro lacrosse is all about."

In 2018, the lefty defenseman completed his collegiate career at Division I Siena College. With the Saints, he collected six goals and 77 ground balls in 52 games. He also received MAAC All-Academic Team honors his final three seasons. As a freshman, Van Schepen was a MAAC Academic Honor Roll selection. He finished his career with 37 caused turnovers, which tied him for fifth all-time in school history.

The Brampton, Ontario, native spent five seasons with the Junior "A" Excelsiors, where he collected 32 points (9+23) and 78 penalty minutes in 89 games. He also earned valuable playoff experience, appearing in 27 games in five trips to the postseason.

"We look at him as a good defender," said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. "He can play the game and is built for the rough stuff. That's one of the reasons we got him."

Van Schepen plays with passion and grit, which is no surprise when you consider that his childhood lacrosse idol was former defenseman and current Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. To this day, he wears No. 10 because Hasen wore that number with the MSL's Brampton Excelsiors.

"Growing up, he was the captain of the Excelsiors, so that's why I took that number way back when," he said.

Hasen has also followed Van Schepen's career for years, watching him graduate from junior to senior lacrosse. In fact, Luke played with Mike's son, Austin, during the 2017 Junior A season. With a detailed scouting report on one of Rochester's top prospects, Hasen believes that Van Schepen will fit right in with the veterans on the Knighthawks' defense.

"He's a physical, mainly stay-at-home defender," said Hasen. "He's got good feet and has some edge to his game. He's going to fit in well with our left side with (Graeme) Hossack, 'Llordy' (Ian Llord) and 'Soupy' (Scott Campbell). There's a need on that side, and he is going to come in and fight for a job."

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Rochester Knighthawks Sign Second-Round Pick Luke Van Schepen at the NLL Draft
Rochester Knighthawks Sign Second-Round Pick Luke Van Schepen at the NLL Draft
   



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