If there was one word to describe Rochester Knighthawks newcomer Connor Fields upon being acquired in a trade earlier this month it would be excited. Actually, it may need to be changed to the term of really, really, really excited.
“Initially, you know, I’m just really excited,” said Fields when asked what his thoughts were on the move that Knighthawks general manager Dan Carey had made to acquire the young forward. “I can’t say enough great things about Buffalo, and I loved playing in Buffalo, but for an opportunity to play for the Knighthawks, there’s a lot of excitement.”
Rochester Knighthawks v Buffalo Bandits :: 12.11.21 :: Photo By Micheline V
Fields absolutely lit up when discussing the acquisition. He’s excited to still be close to his hometown of East Amherst but gets to play in front of friends and family at The Blue Cross Arena since his mom is originally from the area. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s familiar with the Flower City from traveling for work.
Fields recently completed his third season in the National Lacrosse League in 2021-22 with 32 goals and 35 assists in 18 games for the Buffalo Bandits. Fields’ 67 points were good for third on the Buffalo roster. He also added 16 points on seven goals and nine assists in six playoff contests while leading the Bandits to their second NLL Finals appearance in three years.
Buffalo Bandits vs Rochester Knighthawks at KeyBank Center, February 5, 2022.
Photo by Bill Wippert
So, what would convince Fields to go from a championship caliber team, to one that’s building their way to the top? Fields’ convincing conversation with Carey was what gave him the final push in making the decision to come to Rochester.
“I talked to Dan and really enjoyed our conversation. You know, just the vision he had for this team and the culture,” stated Fields when asked what his conversation with Carey was like before the move was made official. “He (Carey) said they’re building something here in my conversation with him and I just really like how transparent he was, how open he was. He told me what he thinks my role is going to be as well as and, like I said, all about the culture and the vision for this team. So, it was all really exciting, and I think if you talk to Dan, he would say the same thing.”
Before playing for the hometown team last year, Fields spent his first two years in the league with the San Diego Seals. He appeared in 14 games with the Seals, racking up 49 points along the way and made one playoff appearance. Prior to turning pro, Fields played four seasons at the collegiate level at the University of Albany, where he was a four-time All-American.
Rochester Knighthawks v Buffalo Bandits :: 12.11.21 :: Photo By Micheline V
With all the experience and offensive skillset that Fields can bring to the floor for Rochester, the culture was yet another factor in making his decision that much easier.
“I think culture is everything for a team, especially for a team that’s going to win a championship,” said Fields. “I’m just so lucky and happy to be a part of it. So, you know, I think the culture for me was the biggest thing. Obviously, I think the wins and the success comes with that culture. There’s definitely a great culture they’re building here, and I think we’re really going to push for a championship.”
