NLL Rochester Knighthawks

The Captain Is Back

February 12, 2016 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that the team has activated team captain Sid Smith. The veteran defenseman returns to the lineup for Saturday's game against the Vancouver Stealth.

"I am really looking forward to it. It has been a pretty long layoff for me with the two bye weeks and the one game sandwiched in between there," said Smith. "It's been a few weeks since I've had to play."

Smith has appeared in three games this season, missing only the Knighthawks game on Jan. 30th. The 29-year-old is among the team leaders with 20 loose balls. The former first overall pick has been one of the team's anchors on defense since his rookie season in 2010. His absence was definitely noticed on the floor and on the bench two weeks ago.

"We were missing him and it will be good to have him back," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. "He is our leader back there. He will settle the ship a bit. Coming off a bye week, he'll be fresh and ready to go."

Now in his seventh season, Smith has played in 94 games and has posted three goals, 16 assists and 402 loose balls. In 2015, he was named the team's Best Defenseman for a team-record fifth time. Last season, he also caused a team-best 30 turnovers, while notching a career high in goals (2), assists (5) and points (7). He capped off the season by being voted the Knighthawks Teammate of the Year.

"Sid is the voice of our team, but his play on the floor always speaks more than his words," said Knighthawks assistant captain Mike Kirk. "He is a tenacious defender who always plays with an edge. It's easy to follow a guy when he always plays at 100 percent and comes ready to compete every shift."

Smith made his return to practice Wednesday night as part of an evaluation process. The former NLL All-Pro was in top form as he participated in running and defensive drills at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations.

"It was great. I got the legs really going for the first time," he said. "I feel like I am more a part of the team when I am able to get out on the floor with the boys."

Smith will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 13th as the Knighthawks complete their three-game homestand. Rochester (2-2) will host the Vancouver Stealth (2-3) at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena.

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