by October 22, 2014)… The Rochester Knighthawks have announced the signing of defenseman Anthony Patterson (Tuscarora Six Nations) to a one-year deal. Patterson was the Knighthawks’ 46th overall pick in the 2014 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
“I was really excited to join a team that has won the championship the past three years,” said Patterson about being selected by the three-time defending champions. “I just want to contribute to the team and help them keep winning.”
In 2014, Patterson capped off his third season with the Six Nations Arrows with a Minto Cup championship. He was a key member of the Six Nations Arrows’ top-ranked defense, which allowed a league-low 6.55 goals per game. The 6-2 defenseman also chipped in seven goals and six assists during the regular season. In his Junior “A” career, he appeared in 31 games and scored 11 goals and added 10 assists.
“We like big bodies that can move. That is what our defense is built around,” said Knighthawks Assistant General Manager Landon Miller, who is also the president of the Six Nations Arrows. “We want him to come in and compete for a job.”
Patterson was a two-sport athlete at Niagara-Wheatfield High School where he played basketball and lacrosse. In his senior season, he helped the Falcons win the Section VI Class “B” Lacrosse Championship. This past summer, Patterson, who is from the Tuscarora Reservation, was a member of the Iroquois Nationals’ 44-man Training Roster for the 2014 FIL World Championships. The 21-year-old will now set his sights on making the jump to professional lacrosse with the Knighthawks.
“I am really excited to get out there, show them what I’ve got and hopefully be part of the team,” said Patterson.
The Knighthawks will open their 21st season on Saturday, January 3rd against the rival Toronto Rock at The Blue Cross Arena. Prior to the 7:30 p.m. game, Rochester will celebrate its historic third straight NLL Championship by raising the 2014 Championship Banner. To experience the excitement of Knighthawks lacrosse, call (585) 454-4295 (HAWK) or go online to www.knighthawks.com to purchase your season tickets today.
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