Graeme Hossack inks a 1-year deal with Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After having a career year in 2017, Graeme Hossack has re-signed with the Rochester Knighthawks. The Port Perry, Ontario native agreed to a one-year deal on the eve of training camp Friday.
“It’s nice to get that done. Now I can get out here and start playing again,” he said. “I am excited to be back out on the floor and run with the guys.”
Last season, Hossack was the runner-up for the National Lacrosse League’s Defensive Player of the Year award, while also earning Second Team All-Pro honors. In 2017, he led the Knighthawks with 125 loose balls and 29 forced turnovers. He also notched career highs in goals (six), assists (four) and points (10). He was rewarded with the team’s Best Defenseman award.
“Being a young guy, in his second year in this league, he made some great strides last year,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “He is always fit; he’s always belonged. He just took that extra elite step, and we expect even bigger things out of him this year.”
Hossack explained the secret to his success.
“I push myself and stay consistent with my training routines,” said the modest defenseman. “I am always looking for new ways to get better. It’s not always about the strength. Sometimes it’s smaller things like technique or stretching or recovery. It’s being able to adapt to new stuff and constantly learning.”
Hossack made the jump to pro lacrosse in 2016 after being selected in the first round (second overall) in the 2015 NLL Entry Draft. During his rookie campaign, he made an immediate impact, finishing second in the NLL in loose balls among rookies with 91. He concluded the season by becoming the first Knighthawk since 2012 to be named to the NLL All-Rookie Team. Hossack was also named the team’s Rookie of the Year.
Over his two seasons in the NLL, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound workhorse has played in all 36 games and notched eight goals, seven assists and 216 loose balls. Hasen has been impressed with Hossack since Day One, and revealed what makes his young defender one of the best in the game.
“It’s his size and speed, but it’s his lacrosse IQ,” said Hasen. “He is a very smart guy and he is a great team guy.”
During his collegiate career, Hossack was a four-year standout at Lindenwood University. In 2015, he became the first player in school history to be selected as a First Team All-American. Twice he was honored as the ECAC Specialist of the Year (2014-15), and three times he was a First Team All-ECAC (2013-15) selection.
After agreeing to his new deal, Hossack joined his teammates for the opening weekend of training camp. To no one’s surprise, he was once again one of the fittest players on the team.
“Graeme came in and was in incredible shape. He has been living at the gym,” said Knighthawks assistant coach Mike Accursi. “He’s going to continue to be a force to be reckoned with again this year. We look for him to step up his game and be one of the top defenders in the league.”