ROCHESTER – The Rochester Knighthawks announced that the team has re-signed forward Wayne Van Every to a one-year deal.
“I’m grateful for another opportunity to earn a roster spot with the Knighthawks for this upcoming season,” he said.
Van Every returns to the Knighthawks after getting his big break last season. The 28-year-old opened the 2017 campaign by collecting points in three of his first four games. The Six Nations product concluded the year with two goals and three assists in four games.
“I think Wayne came in and did a great job for us,” said Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. “He is the ultimate team guy. We are excited to give him another opportunity.”
In 2017, Van Every was named to the 20-man roster after impressing the coaching staff during training camp. The camp was the third of his career, having previously attended New England Black Wolves’ camp in 2014 and the Buffalo Bandits’ camp in 2010. The forward made Buffalo’s practice squad after being selected in the second round (21st overall) of the 2010 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
After his first stop in the NLL, Van Every worked hard to finally make his pro debut. It would be seven years and several leagues later before he realized his childhood dream. But that wait was definitely worth it. On Dec. 29, Van Every made his NLL debut — on opening night — as the Knighthawks hosted the Toronto Rock.
What made that game unforgettable was that it took him just 8:46 to score his first professional goal. Van Every converted a Dan Dawson pass to open the scoring for Rochester early in the first quarter.
“My professional debut with the Knighthawks was such a memorable experience,” he said. “I dreamt of playing in my first professional game for so long and scoring a goal in my first game was just the cherry on top. I will definitely cherish that moment for the rest of my life.”
Prior to making the move to the NLL, Van Every played with the hometown Junior “B” Six Nations Rebels and the Junior “A” Six Nations Arrows. In 2007, he won the Founders’ Cup with the Rebels and three seasons later he was the top scorer in Junior “B” lacrosse. With the Arrows, Van Every appeared in 30 games and notched 30 goals and 24 assists over two seasons (2009 to 2010).
Last season, he proved he belonged in the NLL. With less than two weeks to go until the Knighthawks open training camp, Van Every is focused on winning a spot on the roster for the second straight season.
“I can’t wait to get back on the floor with the boys and get to work,” he said. “It will be a grind out there and I’m excited to get this season started with the Knighthawks.”
