Brandon Robinson inks a 2-year deal with Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Brandon Robinson has agreed to a two-year deal with the Rochester Knighthawks. The forward returns to Rochester after joining the team during the 2018 National Lacrosse League Playoffs.
“It feels pretty good. They gave me my first taste (of pro lacrosse) last year,” he said. “It’s nice to know that I will be around for two more years, and hopefully develop and get in a few games next year. We’ll see where it takes me.”
This summer, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Robinson played for the Cobourg Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) and ended the season tied for fifth on the team with a career-high 25 points (10+15) in 13 games. Robinson surpassed his career bests in goals and assists as well.
“He took a big step forward,” said Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. “I thought he played with a lot of confidence (this summer). In all the games I saw, he was shooting the ball well, moving his feet and playing well off ball.”
Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres was also impressed with Robinson, who spent the MSL season at his natural position.
“We had him running out the back door, but he played alongside (Jeff) Teat in juniors,” said Styres. “We watched him play out the front door all summer, and he can really play. He has a good shot and is a powerful man.”
The 22-year-old forward said training with the Knighthawks during the team’s three games in the NLL Finals allowed him to get off to a fast start this summer. He opened the season by posting five goals, including three against Six Nations, and one assist in his first three games with Cobourg.
“That month of getting out to practice, traveling with the team and getting the stick back in my hands helped me jump back into things,” he said. “Rather than taking three or four games, I got right back in the swing of things.”
Robinson transitioned from hockey to lacrosse after completing his second season with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men’s hockey team. During the 2017-18 campaign, he was named an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Second Team All-Star after finishing as the team’s leading scorer with nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points. In 2016-17, the left wing was named the Golden Hawks’ Rookie of the Year.
The two-sport star will again play hockey for Wilfrid Laurier University and lacrosse for the Knighthawks this season. Before re-signing with Rochester, Robinson received great feedback from Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen and head scout Stuart Brown.
“We’re all going to work together while I am still in school and playing hockey,” said Robinson. “I have had good conversations with Stu and Mike, and they seemed pretty excited about me signing. Likewise, I am excited to sign, and I want to be here. So we all want the same thing. It’s just figuring out the game plan and going from there.”
Rochester acquired Robinson on Aug. 10, 2017, from the New England Black Wolves in exchange for Adam Bomberry and the 14th overall selection in the 2017 NLL Entry Draft. The Pickering, Ontario native first signed with the Knighthawks on May 17.
“We liked what Brandon did for us in the spring, coming in and providing depth for us,” said Brown. “We think he can become a key guy for us.”