The 2 Rochester Knighthawks are the second pair to be named to the All-Rookie team.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The National Lacrosse League announced today that Rochester Knighthawks Josh Currier and Kyle Jackson have been named to the 2017 All-Rookie Team.
It marks only the second time in franchise history that the Knighthawks have had two players selected to the team in the same season. The only other time was in 2012 when Stephen Keogh and Johnny Powless were named to the NLL All-Rookie Team.
“Both players are well on their way to becoming all-stars in this league,” said Knighthawks veteran forward Dan Dawson. “Josh’s development during the season was fun to watch. We are extremely excited to have him back for a full season in 2018. The sky is the limit for Josh and Kyle.”
“With all our injuries this year, our young guys had to step up and lead,” added Knighthawks assistant coach Paul Day. “Both Currier and Jackson had outstanding years and were very coachable. They are going to have outstanding careers.”
During the 2017 season, the former first-round selections were key contributors to the Rochester offense. Jackson was one of the surprise picks of the 2016 NLL Entry Draft, as Rochester selected the 23-year-old with the seventh overall selection. He rewarded the Knighthawks by finishing second on the team and second among NLL rookies with 60 points. He was also second on the team in goals with 26.
In just his second professional game, the Sarnia, Ontario native tied a team rookie record with 11 points. The University of Michigan product also set the Knighthawks’ rookie mark that night for assists in a game with nine. At the end of the season, he was voted the team’s Offensive MVP and Rookie of the Year. Being named to the NLL All-Rookie team was a great way for Jackson to complete his inaugural season in the NLL.
“I am extremely thankful for having the opportunity to play in the NLL with such a remarkable group of teammates who trusted me enough to step into a role that allowed me to play my game,” he said. “As I’ve always mentioned, though, that championship at the end of the season is what I’m after and it takes a team to do so.
“Receiving the personal accolade alongside one of my greatest friends in Josh is awesome,” he added. “But I know that I can speak for the both of us in saying that the reason we are in Rochester is to win a championship.”
Currier, who was drafted sixth overall, ended his rookie campaign third on the team in goals (18) and fifth on the Knighthawks in points (35). He was one of the Knighthawks’ top righty forwards, playing alongside veterans like Dawson and Joe Resetarits.
The Peterborough, Ontario native posted points in 11 of the 12 games in which he played last season. In his second pro game, Currier posted a career-best five points on Jan. 7 in a big early-season victory over New England. Just over a month later, he scored a career-high four goals vs. Saskatchewan on Feb. 11.
Being selected as one of the league’s best rookies was an honor for the 24-year-old forward.
“There were a lot of good rookies this year who deserved this award, so I’m very honored to receive the recognition,” he said. “I’m very lucky I was drafted by the Knighthawks because I wouldn’t have been named to this team if it weren’t for my coaches and teammates.”