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Rochester Knighthawks sign RIT star Chad Levick

Oct 25, 2017 | Sports Scene

The Rochester Knighthawks didn’t have to look far to sign their latest training camp invitee. Last Thursday, the five-time National Lacrosse League champion Knighthawks agreed to a one-year deal with RIT attackman Chad Levick.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “I really couldn’t believe it when I got the call telling me they wanted me to come out to camp. I am just really excited to get out there and play some more lacrosse.”

With the Tigers, Levick was a two-time All-American and a two-time All-Liberty League selection during his three seasons. He departed as the program’s all-time leader in game-winning goals (17), while ranking fourth in goals (158) and 10th in points (219).

“He has put up some great numbers at RIT and has been a big part of their success,” said Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. “It’s not only great for him, but for us to have him in camp and see how he does. Anytime you can get a local player or someone from RIT, it’s exciting.”

The 23-year-old Levick is coming off his finest season with the Tigers, setting career highs in goals (67), assists (31) and points (98). His 67 goals were the second-most in single-season program history, while his 98 points were fourth-best at RIT. Levick led the Tigers and the Liberty League in goals, while finishing second in points at RIT and in the conference. In 2017, he also set a single-season program record with seven game-winning goals. During the NCAA Tournament, Levick helped the Tigers reach the Division III National Championship Game by posting 20 goals and eight assists in five games.

“Chad is a great young man and a great addition to any team,” said RIT head coach Jake Coon. “He uses his frame to get himself into good scoring positions and is a very good finisher in tight. He also has some range, so he can stretch the defense. We are excited to see what he can do at the next level.”

At RIT, Levick played for Coon and assistant coach Shawn Wilkins, who are both former Knighthawks players. After signing with Rochester, Levick will attempt to join the longline of former Tigers who have played for the Knighthawks. More importantly, making it to the pros will earn him a place on the RIT lacrosse locker room wall, which features over a dozen former players who have gone on to play professional lacrosse.

“It would mean the world to me,” said Levick. “Every day walking to and from practice we were able to look up at that wall and see there’s a possibility of getting to another level. It helps guys push through things and realize the potential that the program offers you. It would definitely be something special to get up there one day.”

Levick, who hails from Newmarket, Ontario, brings extensive box experience to Knighthawks training camp. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound forward played two seasons of Junior “B” ball with the Newmarket Saints and parts of three seasons with the Junior “A” Toronto Beaches. During his junior career, he amassed 254 points (120+134) in 80 games. Levick spent the 2016 season with Senior “B” Brooklin, scoring six goals and adding seven assists in five games.

He now returns to the indoor game with the Knighthawks. Levick is the third member of the 2017 RIT men’s lacrosse team to sign with an NLL club, joining Ryan Lee (Colorado) and Braden Wallace (Buffalo).

“It says a lot about the program itself and the coaching that we received throughout the four years,” said Levick. “If you talk to any of us, we would all say, ‘I think I am here because of RIT.’ ”

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