ROCHESTER – The Rochester Knighthawks announced on March 16 they have activated defensemen Sid Smith from the injured reserve list. In a related move, the Knighthawks placed Joel Matthews on the hold out list. Smith is now available to play Friday night when Rochester visits the New England Black Wolves.
“It feels great to be back on the active roster,” said Smith. “Our team has been improving week by week and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to get back out and help my team in the playoff race.”
The Knighthawks (4-7), who have won two of their last three games, sit just one game behind New England (5-6) for the third and final spot in the East Division. Rochester is also only one half game behind Buffalo (4-6) for fourth place. Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen said it was perfect timing to have their team captain back for the playoff push.
“He’s our leader and where he goes we follow,” said Hasen. “To have him back at this stage of the season is huge for us.”
In 2017, the Six Nations product has played in five games and collected 24 loose balls. In 113 career games with Rochester, Smith has posted four goals, 18 assists and 507 loose balls. The defenseman was originally the first overall selection in the 2009 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
Smith has been one of the stalwarts on defence since making the jump from Syracuse University to the pros during the 2010 campaign. He was a key member of the Knighthawks’ historic run of three straight championships from 2012-14. Five times he has named the team’s Best Defenseman—2010 to 2011, 2013 to 2015.
The veteran last played on Feb. 3 in New England. Now, he will make his return in Uncasville, Conn. as the Knighthawks take on the Black Wolves at 7:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena.
“It’s massive to have Sid back,” said fellow defenseman Ian Llord. “He is a calming factor and one of the best in the game. He sees the game differently than most.”
