The newest NLL member, Panther City Lacrosse Club, selects the Rochester forward.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Knighthawks forward Phil Caputo was selected by the Panther City Lacrosse Club with the team’s ninth pick of the 2021 National Lacrosse League Expansion Draft held Tuesday night. As the newest member of the NLL, Panther City had the opportunity to select one unprotected player from each of the other 13 member franchises ahead of its inaugural season.
“We thank Phil for his contributions to our organization and wish him well with Panther City Lacrosse Club,” said Dan Carey, Knighthawks general manager and vice president of lacrosse operations.
Acquired by Rochester from the Toronto Rock on Aug. 5, 2019, Caputo completed his first season with the Knighthawks and fifth overall in 2019-20, finishing third on the team in goals (14) and fifth in points (25) in 10 games. He also totaled 56 shots and 28 loose ball recoveries during the team’s inaugural season.
Originally a third-round selection (28th overall) of the New England Black Wolves in the 2015 NLL Entry Draft, the Brampton, Ontario, native has produced 41 points (25+16) in 31 career NLL games with the Rochester, Toronto and New England.
Caputo has also played five seasons with the Brampton Excelsiors (Major Series Lacrosse), where he registered 181 points on 88 goals and 93 assists over 59 career games.
Knighthawks release 5 players
Rochester Knighthawks General Manager and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations Dan Carey announced on Wednesday that the team has released forwards Dallas Bridle and Kyle Dawson, and defensemen Travis Burton, Dylan Evans, and Dustyn Pratt.
EDITOR’S NOTE — No other information was provided as to why the players were released.