Luke Laszkiweicz agrees to a 2-year deal with Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks announced on Tuesday that the team has re-signed Luke Laszkiewicz (LASS-ka-witts) to a 2-year contract. The 26-year-old enters his third season with the team in 2018-19.
“I have been working out a lot this offseason, leading up to camp,” he said. “I know what to expect having two years and two camps under my belt. I’m feeling a little less nervous about that, and am more so excited.”
This summer, the forward posted 16 points (7+9) in six games with the Cobourg Kodiaks. Laszkiewicz also played for Scotland in the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championship, where he finished second on the team with 13 points (9+4).
“Being in Israel we had practice every day,” he said about his international experience. “We had practice in the mornings, and we played a lot of games. My stick was in my hands a lot, and it helped me get ready for camp.”
While serving as a practice player last season with the Knighthawks, Laszkiewicz also played for the Six Nations Snipers of the Arena Lacrosse League. He finished third on the team with 38 points during the regular season as he scored 19 goals and added 19 assists in nine games. During the postseason, he notched the third most points on the Snipers with four (2+2) in one game.
The Oshawa, ONT., native has spent the past 2 seasons with the Knighthawks after being selected by Rochester in the fifth round (43rd overall) of the 2016 NLL Entry Draft. During his rookie season in 2017, he notched 2 goals and 2 assists in 2 games. In his professional debut, Laszkiewicz picked up 1 assist in an April 1 game versus Calgary. His best performance was on April 29, when he scored 2 goals and added 1 assist in a 9-8 road win over the eventual champion Georgia Swarm.
“The last game he played, he scored two goals, and that team went on to win the championship that year,” said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. “The door is open for him (to make the team). The rest is up to him.”
The Knighthawks chose Laszkiewicz after he had a spectacular collegiate career at Robert Morris University. With the Colonials, he finished second in school history in goals (125), eighth in assists (42), and third in man-up goals (18). In 2016, he wrapped up his senior season ranked second in the nation in goals per game (3.53) and fifth in points per game (4.60).
“I am glad he is back. He had another great summer and a great world championship,” said Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage, who had a hand in drafting the righty forward. “He knows our system very well. I am happy he is getting an opportunity, and I hope he takes advantage of it.”
With player personnel changes occurring this offseason, Laszkiewicz will have another shot at cracking the 20-man active roster. Last season, he had an impressive camp as he scored a pair of goals in a preseason win over the Buffalo Bandits.
“Luke has been very dedicated to our organization for the last two years, both on and off the floor,” said Knighthawks head scout Stuart Brown. “I think he has a great opportunity to come into camp and compete for a roster spot. Recent league expansion has created new opportunities for a lot of good young players to take advantage of. We hope Luke can make the most out of this opportunity.”