Graeme Hossack is the league’s top defender for 2018-19 season.
PHILADELPHIA, PA. — The National Lacrosse League announced on Monday that Graeme Hossack of the Rochester Knighthawks has been named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. The Port Perry, ONT., native becomes the third Knighthawks player to receive the honor, joining Pat McCready (2011) and Andrew Turner (2005).
“So many great players have won this award in the past,” said Hossack, who is a first-time winner. “I am honored to now be included in that group of defensemen.”
The award comes just days after the 25-year-old received a qualifying offer for the 2018-19 season. Hossack received the new deal after completing his third season in the NLL, which was his most dominating to date. This past year, he tied for the league lead with 34 caused turnovers and ended up third with a career-high 163 loose balls. Hossack also set career highs in goals (7), assists (7), and points (14). He was rewarded with his second straight Knighthawks’ Defensive MVP honor (2017 and 2017-18).
During the Knighthawks’ postseason run, he scored 4 goals and notched 1 assist in 5 games. Hossack also finished second in the NLL with 50 loose balls and third in caused turnovers with seven. His most incredible performance of the playoffs came in Game 2, as he posted 2 goals, 1 assist, and 16 loose balls in a 13-8 win over the Saskatchewan Rush.
He certainly made his mark in his first trip to the NLL Playoffs, which was no surprise to anyone.
“I thought he was our best defenseman on the floor,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “He is a guy who leads by example, he’s physical and can push the ball in transition for us. He was good in every facet of the game for us, as he was all season.”
The Finals also marked the first time in Hossack’s career that he wore an alternate captain’s “A,” which he received following an injury to team captain Sid Smith. It was a fitting honor for the player that the Knighthawks selected second overall in the 2015 NLL Entry Draft.
“Graeme is a pretty special lacrosse player, so people look to him to be a leader on the floor, even in his third year in the league,” said Knighthawks defenseman and alternate captain Scott Campbell. “He is a quiet guy and a quiet leader. He is always prepared, in great shape and always knows when to take a game over.”
After finishing as an NLL Defensive Player of the Year finalist last year and being named an NLL Second Team All-Pro, it was only a matter of time before he claimed defense’s top prize.
“‘Hoss’ is one of the best athletes in the league, which allows him to cover small, agile players and bigger, more physical forwards,” said Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc. “At times it seems as though he is a man playing amongst boys.”