Rochester signs Brayden Hill, activate Quinn Powless, and place rookie Josh Currier on injured reserve.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks announced three player moves this afternoon, which included the signing of Brayden Hill. Rochester also promoted forward Quinn Powless to the active roster, and placed forward Josh Currier on the Injured Reserve List.
“It feels pretty good that Rochester picked me up that quickly, and knowing they had their eye on me,” said Hill, who will join the team’s practice squad. “It’s good too going to an organization that I watched growing up.”
Hill arrives in Rochester after beginning his rookie season with the Georgia Swarm. The Brantford, Ontario native was selected in the third round (25th overall) by Georgia in the 2016 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. Prior to the draft, Hill played for the Junior “A” Six Nations Arrows, where he recorded one goal and six assists in 19 games. At the Junior “B” level, he was a member of the Six Nations Rebels from 2013-15, and won Founders Cups in 2013 and 2014.
“It was definitely an unreal experience to be a part of that. I know what it takes to get to a championship and win a championship,” said Hill. “I want to do the best I can to stay with Rochester for as long as I can and help them bring back another Champion’s Cup.”
The 20-year-old transition player recently played in six games with the Six Nations Snipers of the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL). Hill will join his new NLL team tonight at practice at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.
“It will be pretty cool to see how everything works and be part of a new team,” he said. “It’s just really exciting.”
In related moves, Rochester moved Powless back to the active roster to replace Currier, who suffered a lower-body injury on March 17. So far this season, the 23-year-old Powless has scored five goals in four games with the Knighthawks. He has also spent four games with Six Nations of the Arena Lacrosse League, posting eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points.
“I am feeling good and hope to play this weekend,” he said. “I am excited to get back out there and play with the guys and hopefully get a win.”
Powless was originally the eighth overall pick in the 2014 NLL Entry Draft. After starting his career with the New England Black Wolves, he was acquired by Rochester in a three-player deal on February 12, 2016. Last season, the forward set career highs in goals and tied his career best in points.
This Saturday, the Knighthawks will host the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. The game features the team’s annual Military Appreciation Night and a tribute to the 2007 NLL champion Knighthawks. For tickets, fans can call the Knighthawks Office at (585) 454-4295.