Dan Carey is named GM and VP of Lacrosse Operations for the expansion Knighthawks.
ROCHESTER, N.Y.– Pegula Sports and Entertainment Chief Operating Officer and NLL Governor Bruce Popko announced today that Dan Carey has been named General Manager and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations for the Rochester/NLL 2019-20 expansion franchise that will debut in the National Lacrosse League as the Knighthawks in the 2019-20 season.
Dan Carey
In his new role, Carey will manage and oversee all aspects of lacrosse operations of the Rochester/NLL 2019-20 expansion franchise, including team services, player acquisitions and contracts, and personnel development.
“Dan is the perfect fit for the expansion Knighthawks,” said Popko. “His combination of playing experience, operational expertise and ability to identify on-field talent made him someone we were confident we could build an organization around.”
Carey joins the Knighthawks after serving two years as the general manager of the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth. Named just the second general manager in Colorado franchise history on July 13, 2017, Carey was instrumental in assembling a Mammoth roster that posted a combined 20-16 regular-season record over the last two seasons, culminating in back-to-back postseason appearances. During the 2018 season, Colorado finished second in the Western Division with an 11-7 record, marking its second runner-up finish in three years, while advancing to the NLL’s Champion’s Cup Playoffs for an unprecedented eighth straight season.
“First, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Pegula, as well as Bruce Popko, for this opportunity,” said Carey. “I am excited to be involved in building the expansion Knighthawks, and to be part of such a reputable organization. I would also like to thank Kroenke Sports & Entertainment for the opportunity to be the general manager of the team for which I was fortunate enough to play. I wish the Mammoth organization luck this season, and I look forward to my next chapter with the Knighthawks, and ultimately bringing a championship back to the city of Rochester.”
The 36-year-old was elevated to general manager from his role as the team’s director of player personnel, a position he assumed in October 2015. In that role, Carey was responsible for overseeing all collegiate, club and professional scouting activities and operations, and worked closely with the coaching staff and team management to address the team’s on-field needs. He originally joined the organization as the team’s eastern scout following five seasons with the Mammoth as one of the most prolific and decorated players in team history.
A native of Peterborough, ONT., Carey was the Mammoth’s first-round selection (seventh overall) in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft. He was named an NLL All-Star in each of his first three seasons in the league, and as a rookie, was instrumental in Colorado winning the Champion’s Cup. In 60 career regular-season games with Colorado, Carey scored 89 goals and assisted on 147 others before adding 25 points in 12 games with the Toronto Rock during the 2012 campaign to close out a six-year professional playing career. He posted his best season in the NLL in 2007 when he tallied career-highs in goals (32), assists (44), points (76) and points-per-game (4.75) before being named the recipient of the 2008 NLL’s Sportsmanship Award a year later.
Carey spent one season playing collegiate lacrosse at nearby Canisius College, leading the team with 30 goals and ranking second with 35 points during the 2005 campaign. He joined the Griffs after a stellar two-year career at Herkimer County Community College, leading the Generals to the NJCAA national championship in 2003 and a national runner-up finish in 2004.
About Pegula Sports and Entertainment
Pegula Sports and Entertainment (PSE) is a management company that streamlines key business areas across all Pegula family-owned sports and entertainment properties including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, Rochester Knighthawks/NLL 2019-20 expansion franchise, HarborCenter, Black River Entertainment, ADPRO Sports, PicSix Creative agency and numerous hospitality properties. PSE aims to be a leader in the sports and entertainment industry by bringing together the individual resources, capabilities and talents of each of its entities to create a cohesive and sustainable brand that together represents the Pegula family’s interest. PSE’s mission is exemplified by its One Buffalo initiative, which unites Western New York and serves as a representation of teamwork through a deeper connection between Buffalo sports teams, fans and the community.