The second-year defenseman scored a career-high goals, assists, and points.
ROCHESTER, N.Y.– The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that Graeme Hossack has been named the 2017 winner of the team’s Best Defenseman award.
“There are a lot of good defensemen on the Knighthawks, so it’s awesome to be named the winner in only my second year,” he said. “I wasn’t really expecting it, but I am honored.”
In 2017, the Port Perry, Ontario native led the Knighthawks with 125 loose balls and 29 forced turnovers. He capped off the year by scoring the empty-net game-winning goal to beat Georgia on April 29. Hossack finished the season with career highs in goals (6), assists (4) and points (10).
“Graeme is a horse… an absolutely gifted athlete,” said Knighthawks defenseman Scott Campbell. “We knew it wouldn’t be long before he was carrying this team defensively. It is impressive that in two years he is playing like a 10-year vet.”
During the 2016 season, he finished second in the NLL in loose balls among rookies with 91 as he played in all of the team’s 18 games. He concluded the season by becoming the first Knighthawk since 2012 to be named to the NLL All-Rookie Team. He was also named the Knighthawks 2016 Rookie of the Year.
At the collegiate level, Hossack became the first player from Lindenwood University to be selected as a First Team All-American in 2015. He also earned ECAC Specialist of the Year honors in 2014 and 2015. Three times he was named First Team All-ECAC (2013-15) and twice was named Team MVP (2013-14). He was originally the Knighthawks’ first-round selection (second overall) in the 2015 NLL Entry Draft.
Since arriving in Rochester, Hossack has played in all 36 games and posted eight goals, seven assists and 216 loose balls. The 24-year-old has already established himself as one of the league’s toughest defensemen.
“We knew he was going to be good when we drafted him,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “He stepped up his game this year and became a leader on the floor. Jason (Johnson) and Paddy (O’Toole) were able to use him in every situation possible.”