Goalie Nick Damude is activated while forward Austin Shanks is placed on IR.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks announced two player moves on Friday, as they promoted goalie Nick Damude to the active roster and placed forward Austin Shanks on the injured reserve list.
It was about a month ago that the Knighthawks signed the 20-year-old goalie to a practice player contract. Now, he joins fellow goaltenders Angus Goodleaf and Warren Hill on the 21-man roster.
“It was amazing to say the least [when I received the call],” he said. “I’ve been working hard all season with the [Peterborough] Timbermen. They’ve helped me gain some confidence and composure in between the pipes. I’m thrilled and excited to help Rochester in any way I’m needed.”
This season, the Pelham, ONT., native has been one of the Arena Lacrosse League’s top performers. In eight games with the Peterborough Timbermen, he has posted the second-best goals-against average in the league (11.29) and is tied for the most wins (four). In his last start, he made a career-high 57 saves in an 18-6 win over the Whitby Steelhawks on Saturday.
The Knighthawks originally selected Damude in the fourth round (40th overall) of the 2019 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. The netminder made the jump to the pros after a season in which he posted an 11-6 record and a 7.12 goals-against average with the Junior “A” St. Catharines Athletics. His .816 save percentage was second best in the Ontario junior loop, while his 533 saves were tied for third. In the playoffs, he led St. Catharines to a berth in the Ontario Semifinals as he maintained the best goals-against average (5.65) and save percentage (.865) in the league.
While Damude is heading to the active roster, Shanks is headed to the IR. The second-year pro suffered a lower-body injury Saturday in Georgia but still managed to finish the game with a season-high 5 assists as part of a 6-point performance.
After a bye week, the Knighthawks will return to action with two games in two nights. The weekend begins with a Friday night (March 15) showdown against the Georgia Swarm at Connors & Ferris Field at the Blue Cross Arena.
The following evening, Rochester will battle the rival Toronto Rock at 7 pm at Scotiabank Arena.