Rochester trades 2 draft picks for veteran Kevin Ross.
The Rochester Knighthawks announced on Saturday that they have acquired forward Kevin Ross from the Toronto Rock in exchange for a 2017 fourth-round draft pick and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2018
“Kevin is a fantastic finisher,” said Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson. “He is a pure goal scorer who makes players better. I have had the pleasure of playing with Kevin over the years and am excited to have him on the Knighthawks.”
The 31-year-old lefty forward has played 9 seasons in the NLL, posting 135 goals and 195 assists in 123 games. In four of those seasons, he reached the 20-goal mark. Ross spent parts of the past three seasons in Toronto after making stops with teams in Chicago, Minnesota, and Philadelphia. The Toronto native was originally selected in the first round (12th overall) of the 2007 NLL Entry Draft.
After receiving the call from Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres, Ross was welcomed to a franchise that he has battled against him entire career. He said he looks forward to playing in front of the home crowd at The Blue Cross Arena.
“It’s such a tough place to come in as a visiting player. I have been doing it for years. It’s definitely one of the best lacrosse markets going,” said Ross. “It’s a class organization from Curt on down. I have nothing but excitement.”
By coming to Rochester, Ross is reunited with former Canisius College teammate Matt Vinc. At the Division I school, Ross played alongside Vinc for two seasons. While with the Golden Griffins (2004-07), he ranked fourth in school history with 185 points, second with 126 goals and seventh with 59 assists. He was also a three-time First Team All-MAAC selection and the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2006.
“‘Rosco’ brings grit and loves playing in the dirty areas of the floor,” said Vinc. “He scores timely goals and can keep offensive plays alive. He is in great shape and his transition to our team will be seamless as his has familiarity with several players and coaches.”
“I have a ton of friends on the team and I am finally going to play with Matt Vinc instead of against him,” said Ross, who will join the Knighthawks this weekend as the team plays preseason games against Buffalo and New England.
“I think I can bring a larger body to that left side to help make some room for guys like Cody (Jamieson), carrying the ball,” said Ross. “At the same time, Rochester has undertaken a youth movement as well. I think I can bring a veteran voice, a veteran presence in the locker room. That is a piece of value I can bring to the table.”