Knighthawks Sign Warrior Alum, Josh Becker
The Rochester Knighthawks announced that they have signed forward Josh Becker to a one-year deal. The 25-year-old was placed on the team’s four-man practice squad.
The move was one of three made today by the Knighthawks prior to their 7:30 p.m. contest against the New England Black Wolves at Mohegan Sun Arena. Rochester also promoted forward Wayne Van Every to the active roster and released transition man Tyler Ferreira.
Becker began the season by attending the Buffalo Bandits’ training camp. It was the second invite of his career, competing in New England’s camp in 2014. Both times he has been close to cracking an NLL roster. On Wednesday, Becker finally achieved his dream after signing with the Knighthawks and participating in the team’s weekly practice.
“With New England, I made it to the last cut their first year. With the Bandits, it was the same thing,” he said. “It means a lot to finally make it to this level of play and be in the NLL. It will be a good experience.”
The Allegany product played his collegiate career at Division II Lake Erie College. With the Storm, he played in 58 games from 2010-13 and recorded 74 goals and 49 assists. During his senior season, he posted a career-best 38 points. Becker has the distinction of being one of the school’s first lacrosse recruits and playing in the program’s first season in 2010.
“It’s a good program and we helped build it, so that’s something I am proud of,” said Becker. “I enjoyed it there.”
On the international stage, Becker played in three games for the Iroquois Nationals, recording two assists and 13 loose balls at the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship. The forward played his Senior “B” lacrosse with the Allegany Arrows (CAN-AM). In three seasons, he scored 43 goals and dished out 47 assists in 21 games. Becker also played two seasons in the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax) with the Ohsweken Demons (2015-16) and appeared in back-to-back Creator’s Cup Finals.
Becker currently plays for the St. Catharines ShockWave of the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL), where he is fifth in the league in scoring with eight goals. Becker is also fourth on his team with 11 points. He brings speed and a scoring touch to the Knighthawks’ lineup, which was the reason the Knighthawks brought Becker onboard and to practice Wednesday.
“He is a big body, athletic and strong,” said Knighthawks assistant coach Andy Secore. “He has been playing in the ALL and putting up some points. He looked pretty smooth out here tonight.”