The two Rochester players are in contention for league awards.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The National Lacrosse League has begun announcing its year-end awards and two Rochester Knighthawks were among the finalists. Graeme Hossack was named one of the league’s top defensemen, while Kyle Jackson was one of the NLL’s top rookies.
On Friday, Hossack joined Jason Noble of Georgia and Steve Priolo of Buffalo as one of the three finalists for the NLL Defensive Player of the Year award. It was an impressive accomplishment for the 24-year-old Hossack and proof that he has already established himself as one of the league’s elite defensemen.
Graeme Hossack
“I’m honored to be recognized for something like this in just my second year,” said Hossack. “There are a lot of great defensemen in this league and it’s humbling to be mentioned in the conversation. Defense isn’t an individual effort and I wouldn’t be able to have success without the support of my teammates.”
In 2017, Hossack was named the Knighthawks Best Defenseman after leading the team with 125 loose balls and 29 forced turnovers. The Port Perry, Ontario native 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).
On Sunday, it was announced that Jackson, along with Toronto’s Tom Schreiber and Latrell Harris, was a finalist for the NLL Rookie of the Year Award. Jackson, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NLL Entry Draft, finished second on the team with 60 points in 2017. His 26 goals were second on the team, while his 34 assists were third.
Kyle Jackson
For his efforts, the Sarnia, Ontario native was named the Knighthawks Rookie of the Year and Offensive MVP. Now he can add NLL Rookie of the Year finalist to his list of accomplishments.
“To be even nominated for that award is incredible,” said Jackson. “The class of rookies throughout this past season was a remarkably talented group. I wish all of the players best of luck in their bright futures ahead.”