. Rochester Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres announced today that the team has signed transition man Ian Crashley to a one-year deal, pending league approval, and placed him on the practice squad. Rochester also announced that defenseman Dylan Evans was added to active roster, while transition man Josh Ruys was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Crashley, 24, enters his fourth season in the National Lacrosse League. Last season, he collected 50 loose balls and six points (1+5) in 15 games with the Edmonton Rush. He was the cornerstone of a Rush trade with the Portland LumberJax at the trade deadline back in 2008. In his career, Crashley has 153 loose balls in just 39 games to go along with 17 points (5+12). The Orono, Ontario, native was originally a second-round pick (21st overall) of the LumberJax in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft. "I have never played in the East Division before," said Crashley. "Rochester has afforded me the opportunity and hopefully I can take advantage of it." In the summer of 2009, he played with the Brooklin Redmen of Major Series Lacrosse where he played with Knighthawks team captain Shawn Williams. He even earned an invitation to the Team Canada Lacrosse selection camp in preparation for the 2010 FIL World Field Championships. His moniker has been his physical play and that's exactly what he plans on bringing to Rochester. "I am a hard-nosed, shut-down defenseman that can transition the ball," said Crashley. "My job is to keep the ball out of the net." Evans returns to the active roster after making his professional debut on January 8th in an 11-10 overtime win at Minnesota. Ruys made his pro debut last Saturday in the Knighthawks' home opener. The Oakville, Ontario, native was a second-round pick (12th overall) in the 2010 NLL Entry Draft. On Saturday, January 22nd, the Knighthawks will visit TD Garden to face the Boston Blazers. The 7:30 p.m. matchup will be broadcast live on The Zone 94.1 FM and www.thezone941.com.
