(Rochester, December 13)… Their careers followed similar paths so it’s only appropriate that defensemen Regy Thorpe and Pat Cougevan enter the Rochester Knighthawks’ Hall of Fame together. The two local lacrosse players will become the ninth and 10th members of the prestigious club on Saturday, February 18th.

From Syracuse University to Rochester and now to the Hall of Fame, Thorpe and Cougevan will long be remembered as two of the anchors of the Knighthawks’ teams of the new millennium, which culminated in a 2007 National Lacrosse League Championship.

“They not only were great players, but also great guys,” said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen, who played defense with both inductees. “They played the game hard, didn’t take a shift off and always had your back. They were character guys.”

Thorpe served as one of the team’s most reliable defensemen and also worked behind the scenes as the team’s general manager for a season. It’s on the field, however, where Thorpe, 40, made a name for himself over 15 seasons. The Elbridge, NY, native spent his entire career in Rochester, where he stands as the team’s all-time leader in games played (193), loose balls (966) and penalty minutes (385).

“When I think of the Hall of Fame, I think about the history and tradition of this franchise. The Knighthawks have been part of my family for a lot of years,” said Thorpe. “I read the names of the people in the Hall of Fame that I played with and I am humbled. I had a passion for those teams and am proud to have played here my entire career.”

According to former GM and current VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage, Thorpe will go down in team history as one of the best ever.
 
“Regy was an original Knighthawk, a true professional and one of the best all-time defensemen. He brought it every night. I don’t know if anyone hit harder than Regy,” said Gage. “He also knew the game and was a true leader.”