Dan Lomas and Luke Laszkiewicz agree to multi-year deals with Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks announced that the team has re-signed a pair of young forwards to multi-year deals. Dan Lomas agreed to a three-year deal, while Luke Laszkiewicz signed a two-year contract.
Dan Lomas
“Dan came in last year when we had some injuries and did everything we asked of him and more,” said Knighthawks scout Stuart Brown. “He proved that he can play at this level, and that he has a bright future. We are looking forward to seeing him continue to develop and compete for a regular spot on our left side this season.”
Luke Laszkiewicz
“Luke put in a lot of hard work last year with us and was a great teammate,” added Brown. “We wanted to reward him for that and give him an opportunity to come in this year and compete for a roster spot.”
Both players will enter their second year in the National Lacrosse League in 2018. The Knighthawks traded up to select Lomas in the second round (16th overall) of the 2016 NLL Entry Draft, while Rochester chose Laszkiewicz in the fifth round with the 43rd overall pick.
With a long history of putting up impressive numbers, it was not a surprise that Lomas made an immediate impact on the left side of the offense. The Burlington, Ontario native was a three-time collegiate All-American and finished as High Point University’s all-time leading scorer. He also posted back-to-back 80-point seasons with the Junior “A” Burlington Chiefs.
It didn’t take him long to show he belonged in the NLL, as he scored two goals and added three assists in his pro debut on Jan. 7. On April 22, he tied his career high with three goals, while establishing career bests in assists (four) and points (seven). Lomas completed his rookie campaign fourth on the team in assists (23) and points (38). He was also fourth in the NLL in points among rookies, while recording points in 13 of his 14 games.
When approached by Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres about remaining with the organization, the answer was an easy one for Lomas.
“I couldn’t be more excited to re-sign for three more seasons,” said Lomas. “Rochester is an amazing place to play with incredible fans, coaches and players. I can’t wait to get back with the guys and work toward our goal of winning the Champion’s Cup. I want to thank Curt and the coaching staff for continuing to believe in me and giving me the opportunity to put on the Knighthawks uniform again.”
Lomas admitted that he enjoyed every aspect of being a pro and appreciated the mentoring he received from the veteran players.
“What I enjoyed most was learning from the older guys,” he said. “They truly are an unbelievable group of leaders who welcomed us young guys with open arms.”
Lomas felt right at home in Rochester as he went to dozens of schools, youth lacrosse practices and summer camps. Laszkiewicz worked alongside Lomas at the events, and the pair was rewarded by being named co-winners of the team’s community service award.
“After moving to Rochester, I realized how important community involvement is and how many opportunities are available in the area,” said Laszkiewicz. “The Knighthawks receive a lot of support from the surrounding communities, so having the chance to give back is something that is very important to us.”
Another thing that Laszkiewicz and Lomas have in common is their path to the NLL. Laszkiewicz was also selected in the 2016 NLL Entry Draft after having a spectacular collegiate career. At Robert Morris University, he finished second in school history in goals (125), eighth in assists (42) and third in man-up goals (18). In 2016, the Oshawa, Ontario native wrapped up his senior season ranked second in the nation in goals per game (3.53) and fifth in points per game (4.60).
In his inaugural season in the NLL, Laszkiewicz notched two goals and two assists in two games. His best performance was on April 29, when he scored two goals and added one assist in a 9-8 road win over the Georgia Swarm.
By re-signing with the Knighthawks, he now has a chance to build on the confidence he gained at the end of the 2017 season.
“It is a great feeling knowing that I am in the plans for the next few seasons,” said Laszkiewicz “During my rookie season, I was trying to earn a spot in the lineup and prove myself. I was happy with ending it in a high note and contributing to a win in the final game.”