Rochester sends veteran defenseman Ian Llord to the Mammoth.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks announced that they have traded defenseman Ian Llord to the Colorado Mammoth in exchange for Rowan Kelly and their third-round selection in the 2021 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
“I am really excited to be a part of the Knighthawks,” he said. “I have been waiting to get into the lineup, waiting for the opportunity to prove myself. I hope I can get the opportunity in Rochester to fight for a spot on the active roster.”
The 22-year-old defenseman heads to Rochester after spending the past 2 seasons with the Mammoth. The Toronto, ONT., native made his professional debut last season with Colorado after being selected by the Mammoth in the sixth round (55th overall) of the 2017 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
Prior to the draft, Kelly played 5 seasons with the Junior “A” Toronto Beaches. In 46 regular-season games, he notched eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. At 6-foot-3 and 200-pounds, Kelly was also an impactful midfielder at Western University, where he won 3 consecutive Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association Championships (2016-18). This summer, Kelly played for the Cobourg Kodiaks and collected one goal and three assists in 13 Major Series Lacrosse games.
“We are excited to welcome Rowan to the Rochester Knighthawks,” said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. “He is a hard-working player who gives us depth at the defensive position.”
In the deal, the Knighthawks sent Ian Llord to Colorado. This season, the veteran appeared in 9 games and scooped up 24 loose balls. The 34-year-old has played in Rochester since signing as a free agent in 2013. In 109 games, he posted nine goals, 16 assists and 367 loose balls.
During his time with the Knighthawks, the St. Catharines, ONT., native also established himself as one of the league’s premier shot-blocking defensemen. In his first 2 seasons in Rochester, he helped the team win 2 straight championships (2013-14).
“Ian was a major contributor to our defense during his seven seasons with the Knighthawks,” said Styres. “He had an instant impact after he arrived Rochester, as we won back-to-back championships his first two years. He also helped us reach the 2015 East Division Finals and the 2018 NLL Finals.”
This weekend, the Knighthawks will play 2 East Division games in 2 nights. Rochester will play host to the Georgia Swarm on Friday at 7:30 pm at Connors & Ferris Field at the Blue Cross Arena. The Knighthawks then travel north of the border to battle the Toronto Rock on Saturday at 7 pm at Scotiabank Arena.