(October 28, 2012)… Chris Courtney was an aspiring National Lacrosse League player in 2008 with the Minnesota Swarm. Four years later, he was among the players in the Rochester Knighthawks Open Tryouts battling to take the next step to returning to the NLL.

“It felt great. It’s awesome to be back. I love playing this sport,” said Courtney, who was a Knighthawks prospect in 2009 after coming to Rochester in a trade. “It would mean everything (to get invited to training camp). That’s what I am here for, that’s what I am working toward. I want to be on this team.”

The Knighthawks wrapped up their annual Open Tryouts Saturday afternoon at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. Over 20 hopefuls, including four of the team’s 2012 draft picks, battled for invitations to the team’s main camp in November.

Third-round pick Cody Hawkins was among the draftees in the two-day camp. The British Columbia Junior “A” Lacrosse League’s Best Defenseman was excited to join the Knighthawks and get his first taste of professional lacrosse.

“It was an eye opener of what they expect compared to the junior leagues back in British Columbia,” said Hawkins, who was the champion of the 50-meter dash at the tryouts. “It is a whole different lacrosse style here in Ontario. Everyone can play both ways. I have to do a lot of work in the next month.”

Click here to watch the entire interview with Cody Hawkins.

The defending champions will begin Training Camp on Saturday, November 24th at Total Sports Experience in Gates. The team will undergo fitness testing from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with practice slated for 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The second day of camp is set for Sunday, November 25th from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. All the practices are free and open to the public.

Another NLL veteran hoping to make the Training Camp roster was Ian Llord. In his career, the St. Catharines, Ontario native has played in 72 games over six seasons. Llord accepted the invitation from Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres after a surprise call from the Rochester team captain.

“Pat McCready was the one that pushed me to say yes to Curt when he gave me a call. I am really glad that I did because he’s been treating us well and this is only the Open Camp,” said Llord. “I can just image what it’s like in the real camp and playing for the Knighthawks full time, if I am that lucky.”

Click here to watch an interview with Ian Llord.

Rochester will begin its title defense on the road to open the 2013 season. The World Champions will open their 19th season against the Washington Stealth at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 5th. The Knighthawks will play their home opener on Saturday, January 19th against the rival Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. Season tickets are currently on sale at the Knighthawks Office and can be purchased by calling (585) 454-HAWK.