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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Laverty Brings Grit and Passion to Defense

April 19, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Every day, Kyle Laverty grabs his hard helmet and lunch pail and heads to work as a linesman for Hydro One. His role is an important one as he installs and maintains electrical lines - most of the time in the worst conditions.

Yet, the 30 year old from Peterborough, Ontario, enjoys his fulltime job, which personifies his blue-collar demeanor. That hard work also emanates from his uniform every weekend as he suits up for the National Lacrosse League's Rochester Knighthawks.

That was evident two weeks ago in Boston with the Knighthawks played their second game in 19 hours. Rochester opened the weekend with a 9-8 loss to Buffalo and then traveled to Philly the next day for an afternoon contest.

"You feed off each other and do what you have to do," he said. "You play off adrenaline and emotion and get the job done."

Rochester won that game in Philly, 10-6, and has won three straight road games to lock up third place in the East Division. But there is much work to be done before the playoff game in Toronto on May 1st. The Knighthawks head to Buffalo for a 7:30 p.m. encounter Saturday.

"We want to head into the playoffs on a streak with things going well for us. It's nice to get to the playoffs, but it's just another step on the way to the top," he said.

He knows all about winning, having won a Champion's Cup in 2008 and capturing four Mann Cups with the Peterborough Lakers.

Laverty is one of the veterans on the defense that has six new players from a season ago and a new goalie in Matt Vinc. The team made sweeping changes to the roster after missing the playoffs in 2010 and that has paid off. Laverty, who is in his third season with the K-Hawks and 11th in the NLL, has recognized a difference on the defense since the All-Star Break.

"It's starting to come along. It takes time to build chemistry," he said. "At this level, you have to trust each other and guys have that trust and are playing for each other."

The Rochester defenseman has a knack for the rough stuff as he protects his net and his teammates. Don't let his 6-1, 190-pound fool you. Laverty plays a very physical game, which draws attention from opposing tough guys. In fact, he is the all-time leader in penalty minutes in NLL history. His grittiness has made him popular with the fans, but it is also his humbleness off the floor that has endeared him to the fans.

"We have some great fans in this league. The support is great and we appreciate it," said Laverty after the season-high 9,216 on April 9th. "It's a lot of fun playing in front of the fans. That's why we play...for the thrill of those guys. They're the ones that are supporting the league and us."

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 19, 2011


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