NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Manley to Play for Hometown Team Tonight

Published on March 5, 2016 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Mike Manley of the Rochester Knighthawks
Mike Manley of the Rochester Knighthawks
(Rochester Knighthawks)

Penn Yan native Mike Manley will make his Knighthawks debut tonight as Rochester plays the Calgary Roughnecks at 9:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome. It will be a surreal moment for the 27-year-old defenseman, who grew up as a Knighthawks fan.

"It is going to be awesome," he said. "I have been in this league for four years, so at first I will just settle in and it will be like any other game. But putting on a new jersey and playing for a team I grew up watching will be really special. It means a lot to me."

Manley was a huge fan of defenseman and Penn Yan native Pat Cougevan, goalie Pat O'Toole and forward Tim Soudan. On Feb. 12th, he became a Knighthawk after Rochester pulled off a three-player deal with the New England Black Wolves. The defenseman, who was on the physically unable to perform list, has been cleared to play and was added to the team's 20-man active roster today.

"I don't have words for it," said Manley. "I was extremely excited about it. It adds a little more to it coming off an injury. Then to have my first game back be with the Knighthawks means a lot. I am just excited to contribute anyway possible."

The transaction reached Penn Yan in a hurry and was exciting news, especially to Knighthawks American Scout Brian Hobart. Hobart, who is the longtime head men's lacrosse coach at Penn Yan Academy, coached Manley for five seasons and has seen his pride pupil succeed at every level of lacrosse.

"Michael was the type of kid that was going to work hard and anything he set his mind to he was going to accomplish," said Hobart. "He wanted to be the best player he could in high school. He wanted to exceed at the Division I level. He wanted to be a pro. He is a kid with a tremendous work ethic. Put something in front of him and he is going to do everything he can to accomplish it."

The fourth-year pro has been a solid contributor on defense since breaking into the National Lacrosse League with the Philadelphia Wings in 2013. Over the past three seasons, he has collected five goals, 14 assists and an impressive 189 loose balls.

Prior to making the jump to the NLL, Manley was a three-time All-American at Duke University. Besides playing in the professional indoor league, he has also been a standout defenseman for the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse. In four seasons with the Rattlers, he has played in two All-Star Games (2013-14) and was awarded the league's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014.

Manley will now bring his gritty, hard-nosed style to the Knighthawks. According to Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen, he will be a welcomed addition to a team that prides itself on playing sound, physical defense.

"He's strong, he's athletic and adds a bit of nastiness back there," said Hasen. "We are looking forward to him getting out there and seeing what he can do with this group."

This evening, Manley will get his chance to finally wear the teal and purple of the Knighthawks. It will certainly be a weekend to remember.

"I am really looking forward to it," he said. "This whole weekend is extremely special for me. It means a lot to have this opportunity to play for the Knighthawks."

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Mike Manley of the Rochester Knighthawks
Mike Manley of the Rochester Knighthawks
   



National Lacrosse League Stories from March 5, 2016


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