The Rochester Knighthawks announced that they have promoted forward Torrey VanEvery to the active roster. In a related move, the Knighthawks placed forward Dan Lomas on the practice squad.
The 26-year-old VanEvery made his National Lacrosse League (NLL) debut on April 15 as the Knighthawks battle the Colorado Mammoth. The news really started to sink in when VanEvery saw his No. 18 jersey.
“It was so exciting,” he said. “I can’t even explain it right now.”
VanEvery’s move to the active roster is a lesson in persistence and perseverance. The Six Nations product has been a member of the practise squad since re-signing with the Knighthawks on March 31. He first signed with the team on Dec. 23 and was a member of the practice squad for the first four games of the season. His original stint with the Knighthawks was back in October of 2012.
“It takes hard work and you can never give up,” said VanEvery about his journey to making his pro debut.
VanEvery has been a winner at every level, earning four championships in his lacrosse career. During his five seasons in the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax), he won two titles. He captured a Creator’s Cup in 2012 with Ohsweken and then in 2013 with the Iroquois. He also captured back-to-back Founders Cups with the Junior “B” Six Nations Rebels.
In 2017, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound forward showed his mettle during the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL) season. In four games with the Six Nations Snipers, he posted 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points. During the postseason, the lefty forward collected two goals and two assists.
The Knighthawks are eager to see if he can replicate that play in the NLL.
“He is a big body, takes contact well and has a good stick,” said Knighthawks assistant coach Andy Secore. “This is his chance.”
All those games and championship victories have led VanEvery to one of the biggest days of his lacrosse career. He will now hit the turf in front of a national viewing audience during the NLL Game of the Week.
“I am just focusing on tonight and trying to help the team get the ‘W’,” said VanEvery.
