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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Laverty Back for Playoffs

April 26, 2013 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Kyle Laverty was hesitant to file his retirement papers at the start of the 2ll013 National League Lacrosse season. So Laverty, who re-signed with the Rochester Knighthawks, decided to go on the holdout list. Four months later, Laverty's reluctance to end his 13-year playing career allowed the veteran to rejoin the Knighthawks just in time to defend their 2012 NLL Championship.

"Once you put in your retirement paperwork, you are ineligible to play, and I wasn't 100 percent sure what I was going to end up doing," Laverty said. "I didn't want to close any doors and keep it open just in case. Sure enough, something happened and it worked out."

In Laverty, Rochester gets a player who has logged 171 games and recorded 634 loose balls, 621 penalty minutes, and 54 points. He is the NLL's all-time penalty minutes leader, and the winner of two Champion's Cups. The title was his second in the NLL, as he won his first in Buffalo with the Bandits in 2008. The 33-year-old has certainly shown a propensity for winning championships, capturing four Mann Cups with the Peterborough Lakers. He won his last senior men's lacrosse championships in 2010.

"The biggest part of his game is that he holds people accountable on the floor," said Head Coach Mike Hasen. "He keeps other people honest and will do anything for his teammates."

Laverty returned to the team on April 17 th after receiving an inquiry from Knighthawks Assistant General Manager Landon Miller. Laverty was able to get a second practice in before the team's East Division Semifinal game against Philadelphia this Saturday.

"It felt great. I was definitely surprised to get the call at this point in the season, but I am able to come back and provide the team with a little bit of veteran depth for the playoffs run," said Laverty.

Before Laverty could jump back into professional lacrosse and restart his 13 th season in the NLL, he had to check with his family. Back in December, Laverty left the Knighthawks to focus on starting a family with his wife Jenni, who, by the way, is expecting in August. He was also beginning a three-month, 90-day probation period before starting a full-time position as a power line technician with Hydro One. With his wife's blessing, Kyle returned to the team.

"It felt a little weird showing up at this point in the season. I realize that guys have been here all year and have made a big commitment and paid a price," he said. "It was great to be back on the floor and playing the game. I missed all the things that come with playing and the camaraderie with the boys."

Laverty arrived in great shape, as he maintained a two to three-day gym schedule and played hockey to supplement his training regimen. His job, which requires heavy lifting and agility, kept him in "tip-top shape."

"He looks healthier and more rested compared to this point last year," said Owner/General Manager Curt Styres. "He kept himself in great shape."

Despite not playing during the regular season, Laverty remained tuned in to the Knighthawks, watching games on TV and YouTube, and reading the online boxscores. In addition, he received weekend reports from fellow Peterborough natives Brad Self and Cory Vitarelli. Laverty also accompanied the team to the playoff-clinching game in Buffalo on April 20 th .

"I was still in contact with Selfer and Vit, and a few of the guys, so I had a good idea what was going on behind the scenes," said Laverty.

By being in touch with the Rochester players, he was aware that the Knighthawks could use another veteran on defense heading into the playoffs. Laverty will help fill the void left by Rory Glaves, who was placed on the injured reserve list, and Jon Sullivan, out with work commitments. With the Knighthawks preparing to play against the Philadelphia Wings Saturday, Laverty admitted he will support the team wherever they need him.

"I thought about the situation the team was in with possibly losing two of their starting defensemen. You're past the (trade) deadline so the guys available to you are very limited," he said. "The team has done a lot for me over the years, and Curt has been good to me. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to get back with the guys and an opportunity to help the team out, especially if they call my number to jump into the lineup. I thought it would work out for both of us."

The Knighthawks will host the Philadelphia Wings this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. The last time Rochester played a postseason game at home, it was the night of the Champion's Cup victory over the Edmonton Rush. For Laverty, it could be his first game back since May 19, 2012.

"I think that's where my experience in the league will come in handy. I am familiar with our coaches and our systems and the pressures of the one-goal scenarios," he said. "It's a little tough getting thrown into the fire, but I am confident with my experience and my abilities. I still feel I am in good shape and I don't think it would be a problem to jump right into the lineup."

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