The Return of Troy
Published on March 25, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
(Rochester, March 25)... Rochester defenseman Troy Bonterre has enjoyed his return to the National Lacrosse League and so have Knighthawks fans. From his bone-rattling hits to his bouts with league heavyweights, Bonterre has endeared himself to the residents of Knighthawks Nation.
"It feels nice to get back at it again. This season has been great so far, we just need to get in gear and make a strong push toward the championship," he said.
After taking a season off, the nine-year veteran signed a three-year deal with the Knighthawks on November 10, 2010. There was an adjustment period for him as he became reacquainted with his teammates and the tempo of the NLL. The 32 year old started feeling comfortable after his first month. Too bad no one warned John Christmas and Rory Smith. On February 5th, Bonterre had the hit of the game as he steamrolled Philadelphia Wings forward John Christmas. The next weekend featured a right hand that snapped the head of Rory Smith back in a battle of two of the league's tough guys. Troy Bonterre was back! The fight against Minnesota's Rory Smith even garnered over 7,000 views and brought emails, texts and phone calls from friends.
"Ya you are always going to get feedback when you get into a fight. It is nothing unusual though. Everyone who knows me knows that that is a part of my game. I have been on the winning end of a YouTube video and on the losing end so I get the gears from my friends no matter what," he said.
His recent success with his fists has mustered a grassroots following for a fighter that did not even rank in the Inside Lacrosse Top 5 best fighters. When asked who the best fighter was he had some fun with his answer.
"Me. Of course! The fighters in the league now are all very skilled and anyone could win at anytime. The person I think would be one of the toughest is obviously Tim O'Brien. No one has officially beaten him since I have been playing pro lacrosse," said Bonterre. "I know we have T.O. one more time this year and I am hoping that he will dress for that. It has been a long time since we went at it and would be nice to do it again."
Bonterre's career he taken him to teams in New Jersey, Columbus, Arizona, Buffalo and Edmonton. In 73 regular season games, he has seven assists, 157 loose balls and 259 penalty minutes. He last played in the NLL with Rochester in 2009 after being acquired from the Edmonton Rush. His year off was necessary after taking a job as a Nuclear Response Team member at Bruce Power, which is a nuclear facility in Ontario. His training has helped Bonterre elevate his game.
"It has helped it quite a bit. Having the workout time at work made it really easy for me to get ready for the season," he said.
Bonterre also saw his home life undergo some changes, while he was away from lacrosse. Troy and his wife, Shauna, added son, Kai, to their family that already included a daughter, Aliyah. The 6-3, 259-pound defenseman turns into a gentle giant around his kids as he learns the nuances of fatherhood.
"I love my kids. They are the best thing that has ever happened to me," he said. "My daughter Aliyah is 3 1/2 and my son Kai is 15 months. I have come to realize that there is no such thing as a clean anything anymore. When something gets put away it is right back on the floor again. Absolutely love it though."
Troy had three weeks to spend with his family, but this Saturday he will get back to work as the Rochester Knighthawks will host the Philadelphia Wings at 7:35 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. It is the second of three contests between the two teams and the series could determine which team clinches the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. The Knighthawks defeated Philadelphia, 11-6, on February 5th behind a 10-point night (1+9) from Shawn Evans. Rochester is 21-15 all-time against the Wings.
"I think we are all looking forward to getting back out there. We all had time to think, watch video and mentally prepare for the remainder of the season and I know that we are going to come out hard," he said.
The Knighthawks (5-5) enter the game with only a one and half game lead over the Wings (4-7) for fourth place. Rochester is also closing in on third place as it trails the Boston Blazers by only a half game. The K-Hawks travel Boston on Saturday, April 2nd, which is part of five divisional games in their final six to end the regular season.
"The East is so competitive right know and to win you have to have no mistakes and all be on the same page," said Bonterre. "It is going to be a hard-fought battle to win this division. That is why we are extremely focused right now and know what has to be done to finish this season off strong."
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 25, 2011
- The Return of Troy - Rochester Knighthawks
- Rush Game Tonight against Swarm - Edmonton Rush
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.
