Rochester Knighthawks Sign Quartet To Roster
Published on September 22, 2008 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Knighthawks General Manager Regy Thorpe announced today that the team has signed forwards Joel McCready and Allan Downey and defensemen Logan Kane and Dan Elliott to two-year National Lacrosse League contracts.
"Joel and Logan are two up-and-coming NLL stars. They both bring many years of box-lacrosse experience with them and both are coming off outstanding Junior "A" seasons. We are excited to have them in Rochester and we look forward to their growth and development within our organization," said Thorpe.
"Dan 'Book' Elliott brings his box-lacrosse experience and his 6-foot-6 frame to help add toughness and tenacity to our back-end. I know Book has been waiting for an opportunity like this and we fully expect him to take full advantage of it. Downey, who was an original draft pick of Arizona before its cease of operations, brings much knowledge to the club as well, specializing on the defensive end of the ball. We are excited to see what this young man can offer us," added Thorpe.
McCready joins Rochester after being selected in the second round (18th overall) of the 2008 NLL Entry Draft. A nephew of former Knighthawk Pat McCready, the 5-foot-10 transition man appeared in four games for the Cornell Big Red in 2007, notching two shots. Last season, he completed his first season in the Ontario Lacrosse Association playing Junior "A" ball with the St. Catharines Athletics. In 22 games, he finished fifth on the team with 47 points (24+23). His 24 goals were good enough for fourth on the team.
Prior to joining Cornell, McCready played four years at Holy Cross Secondary School, along with fellow freshman Michael Howe. He was named the team MVP as a senior and helped lead his team to the Ontario championship in his junior year. He also played four seasons on the football team, earning offensive MVP honors as a sophomore and defensive MVP honors as a senior.
Downey, who signed with the Knighthawks as a free agent, spent the 2008 season playing Senior "A" lacrosse with Kitchener-Waterloo Braves of the OLA. In 15 games for the Braves, the 5-foot-11, 207-pound native of Waterloo, Ontario racked up one goal and added three assists. Prior to his arrival to the OLA, the former Arizona Sting draft pick played four seasons at Mercyhurst College, compiling two points (1+1) in 41 games.
The Knighthawks used their fifth-round pick (54th overall selection) of the 2008 NLL Entry Draft to tab Kane from the OLA's Six Nations Arrows (Junior "A"). The 6-foot-3, 220-pound hard-nosed defender also enters his first season in the NLL. Last season with Six Nations, Kane picked up 12 points (3+9) in 18 games under head coach and Knighthawks General Manager Regy Thorpe. Kane helped guide the Arrows to the 2007 Minto Cup, earning two goals, one assist and eight PIM. Kane has been a member of Junior "A" Six Nations since the 2006 season.
Kane was also a member of the Onondaga Community College from 2007-08. As a midfielder, he recorded his best season for the Lazers, establishing career highs in points (22), assists (12) and points (34) in 14 games as he helped guide the team to its four consecutive Region III championship in 2008.
The Lazers also clinched their eighth straight Mid-State Conference Championship last season. The Lazers were the No. 1 seed in the NJCAA National Tournament and reached the national semifinal game. Kane was named to the Honorable Mention All-Region team. In 2007, Kane recorded four goals in seven games.
Elliott turns pro after completing his second stint with the Senior "B" Mohawk Stars in 2008, earning six points (4+2) and 18 PIM in 14 appearances. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound defender served as an alternate captain for Mohawk last season.
Rochester enters its 15th season of professional lacrosse in 2009 and takes aim at its 14th playoff appearance. In 2007, the Knighthawks won their second title, capturing the Champion's Cup. Rochester won its first championship in 1997. The Knighthawks home opener is scheduled for Saturday, January 10th against the Chicago Shamrox at 8:05 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena.
National Lacrosse League Stories from September 22, 2008
- Rochester Knighthawks Sign Quartet To Roster - Rochester Knighthawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
