The 2-time NLL champion spent 7 seasons with the original franchise.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Knighthawks General Manager and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations Dan Carey announced on Wednesday that the team has signed veteran defenseman Paul Dawson to a 3-year contract, pending league approval.
Dawson, 34, split last season between Rochester and San Diego, notching 3 assists, 22 penalty minutes, 59 loose balls, and caused 10 turnovers in 18 games. The 13-year NLL veteran spent parts of the last 7 seasons with the previous Knighthawks franchise, recording 36 points (13+23) in 110 career games while winning back-to-back championships (2013-14) along the way.
Dawson also piled up 231 penalty minutes during his tenure in Rochester, ranking sixth all-time in team history. He served as an alternate captain during the 2018-19 campaign and was named to the Knighthawks’ All-Time Team.
“I’m super excited to be back and start a new tradition in such a great lacrosse market in Rochester,” said Dawson. “Coming back to a place that was my home for seven-plus years was something very appealing to me and knowing the fans, it was tough to stay away.”
A native of Oakville, ONT., Dawson has totaled 79 points (23+56) and 455 penalty minutes over 199 career games with San Jose, Boston, Philadelphia, Rochester, and San Diego while also adding 9 points (3+6) in 23 postseason appearances.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound defenseman was selected seventh overall by the San Jose Stealth in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft.