The Rochester forward scored the most points in a single season by an American-born player.
By Justin Maybach
When the Rochester Knighthawks clinched a playoff berth on Saturday night in Buffalo, there was more than one reason to celebrate.
Rochester outplayed the rival Buffalo Bandits on several occasions and showed they were determined to compete for the National Lacrosse League Cup. Veteran forward and Hamburg, N.Y. native Joe Resetarits contributed to the effort with a 6-point night (2+4).
However, the biggest individual accomplishment for Resetarits was setting the NLL record for the most points in a single season by an American-born player. Even better was the fact that he accomplished it in front of his hometown friends and family. Resetarits felt encouraged by the additional support he received.
“They all knew how excited I was going into this game,” he said. “I’m glad they got to come and see a great game.”
If you knew Resetarits grew up near Buffalo, the idea of him putting up big numbers in the Queen City is extremely logical. What you may not know is the 6-year veteran spent two seasons there before coming to Rochester.
In his fourth season with the Knighthawks, Resetarits has developed into the team’s top forward, setting career marks and leading Rochester with 37 goals and a solid 100 points. His 63 assists were matched only by Cody Jamieson.
Head coach Mike Hasen has been at the helm for every season Resetarits has played with the Knighthawks and believes this is a well-earned accomplishment.
“I think that record speaks for itself,” Hasen said. “He’s been good all year long for us.”
Resetarits has amassed 236 points (94 +142) while with the Knighthawks. In his NLL career, he has 323 points (134+189) in 99 games. The idea of setting the record still hasn’t sunk in with Resetarits, who wasn’t expecting to be playing lacrosse.
“I never dreamt I’d be where I am today,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s a dream come true to become a pro lacrosse player.”
Prior to his box lacrosse career, the Hamburg High School product earned numerous honors while playing college lacrosse at the University at Albany. He posted 169 points (125 + 44) in 50 games with the Great Danes. As a senior, Resetarits was named an Honorable Mention All-American and the America East Conference Player of the Year.
In the 2012 NLL Entry Draft, Resetarits was selected sixth overall by the Calgary Roughnecks. After a one-year stint, he moved on to Buffalo and was eventually traded to the Knighthawks in the middle of the 2015 season.
On Friday, the Knighthawks will appear in their first postseason contest since that season. Resetarits contributed with 6 playoff goals and is looking to lead the team to their sixth championship. He can’t wait to get back in front of the fans at Connors & Ferris Field at the Blue Cross Arena and play playoff lacrosse again.
“We have the best fans in the league, and we know they are going to have our backs,” he said. “It’s a new season and time for us to take it up a notch.”