The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Thunderbirds earn National Lacrosse League hardware
Four members of the Halifax Thunderbirds were rewarded for their tremendous seasons by the National Lacrosse League.
Players Graeme Hossack, Cody Jamieson and Clarke Petterson, along with president and CEO John Catalano, all received awards from the league. Hossack was named to the first all-star team and won the defensive player of the year award for the third straight year, Catalano was the executive of the year, Jamieson earned a spot on the second all-star team and Petterson made the all-rookie team.
“Graeme has all the natural talent in the world to win this award year after year,” fellow defenceman Scott Campbell said in a news release. “But what is awesome to see is he also has an unmatched work ethic to continue to get better on and off the floor every day when he is already the best defender in the league. Just when you think he can't elevate his game any further he does and that's what has been so fun to watch over the years.”
Jamieson is the team's most reliable scorer and now has 763 career points. He is a three-time league champion and was the 2014 NLL league most valuable player
“Individual awards are great and all, but it's honestly a reflection of our team's success,” Jamieson. said in a news release. “For me personally, our offensive unit, we had a great year with everyone contributing. Everyone on the floor was dangerous and I think that played a huge role in our teams' success.”
The Thunderbirds showed their faith in Petterson when they picked him fifth overall in the 2019 draft.
“Petterson is an elite offensive player,” head coach Mike Accursi said in a news release. “He's always been one of the top offensive players in his age group. He went down to Cornell and had an outstanding NCAA career. In Junior A he was always one of the top offensive players so by adding him to our team to our already good right side we just got a whole lot better.”
Petterson tied New York's
Tyson Gibson for second place in rookie goals with 16 in 11 games and finished the season with 38 points to finish for fourth amongst firstyear players.
“It feels great to be selected to the all-rookie team,” Petterson said in a news release. “I know this never would have been possible without the leadership of my teammates on the Thunderbirds. Players like Cody, Ryan (Benesch) and Stephen (Keogh) make playing offence a lot easier.”
Catalano was the driving force behind the Thunderbirds' successful launch in a new market. The Thunderbirds relocated from Rochester, N.Y., and grew into a huge hit in Halifax. Catalano made significant contributions to the organization's sales, digital and traditional marketing, game presentation, broadcast and community relations.
"It is truly an honour to be recognized by the league,” Catalano said in a news release. “This award belongs to everyone in our Thunderbirds family. I have to thank so many people starting with our owner Curt Styres who provides us with the tools and resources we need to succeed. Our management team, Tracy Johnson, Gaylene Powless, Charlie Ragusa and Avery Light, for their leadership and support that has helped guide us to where we are today.
"I need to thank our entire staff for all their hard work and dedication. To our players and coaches for always being available to help us grow the game in Halifax, and most importantly to the city of Halifax for the unbelievable support you have shown us in this first season. We can't wait to get back on the floor.”
Although the NLL had to pause operations because of
COVID-19, the Thunderbirds had already made a connection with the fans in Halifax during their first year in the city. Attendance increased steadily all season as Nova Scotians came to understand and appreciate the workings of the sport.
"I am excited to continue growing the game on the East coast,” Hossack said in a news release.
“Playing in front of our Halifax fans in The Nest seems to bring out our best. We had a no-quit mentality in each game. This hopefully taught our fans to never leave a game early."