(January 26, 2013)… The Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League have partnered with Upstate Indoor Lacrosse to help create the next generation of professional lacrosse players. As part of the two-year deal, Upstate Indoor Lacrosse will serve as the exclusive indoor youth training organization of the Knighthawks.

“Curt Styres has a passion for the sport of lacrosse and believes in developing and growing the game from the grassroots,” said Knighthawks President Lewis Staats about the team’s Owner and General Manager. “Our partnership with Upstate Indoor Lacrosse will help grow the game of lacrosse in western New York and hopefully also create some new Knighthawks fans. We are excited to partner with other organizations that share our vision, and believe in supporting youth to become better citizens by having the opportunity to play sports.”

Through the relationship, the Knighthawks will provide mentors and resources to Upstate Indoor Lacrosse. The NLL team has also created the Knighthawks Upstate Indoor Lacrosse Championship. Prior to the Knighthawks’ February 23rd game against the Philadelphia Wings, youth teams from Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Philadelphia will battle for the Cup in three different age groups.
Regional Director Kevin McMaster, who is in his third year at the helm, said the addition of the Knighthawks will allow Upstate Indoor Lacrosse to offer kids more access to the premier indoor team in the region.

“We are very excited for this partnership between Upstate Indoor Lacrosse and the Rochester Knighthawks. This has been a long time coming and something great, not only for the league, but the community as a whole,” said McMaster. “With a strong partner like the Knighthawks in our corner, we will be able to bring a high-quality product not only to the Rochester community, but also the surrounding cities like Buffalo and Syracuse.” 

Upstate Indoor Lacrosse has 467 kids and draws players from Monroe, Wayne, Wyoming, Cayuga, Seneca, Onondaga and Erie counties. Kids from 8 years old to seniors in high school participate in a 12-week league at the Rochester Sports Garden. One of the perks for the kids is membership in the Junior Hawks Pass, which includes a voucher to all eight Knighthawks’ home games, a lacrosse head, and a discount on Knighthawks’ merchandise.

The defending champion Knighthawks will also provide field time for the kids at The Blue Cross Arena prior to select home games and during halftime. Players will appear at practice sessions as often as possible. Rochester native and Knighthawks’ forward Joe Walters and defenseman Tyler Burton are two of the players who will teach local kids about the intricacies of the indoor game.

"Our partnership with Upstate Indoor Lacrosse is exciting for the kids in our region. I can remember growing up playing box lacrosse, but it was more or less field lacrosse in a box,” said Walters. “Being able to teach kids box lacrosse skills at a young age and continue as they progress will only help them develop into well-rounded players. I look forward to passing on my experiences with the Knighthawks and Brampton Excelsiors."

To recognize the best players in Upstate Indoor Lacrosse, the Knighthawks will announce a Player of the Week, Month, and Year. The selected players will receive recognition on the Knighthawks website and at a home game, tickets to the game and a prize package. The Knighthawks will name their first Player of the Week in February.

For further questions about Upstate Indoor Lacrosse, please contact Regional Director Kevin McMaster at (585) 737-5100 or via email kmcmaster@upstateindoorlacrosse.com.