The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that rookie defenseman Doug Utting has been named the Fan’s Choice Favorite Player, presented by Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, for the team’s inaugural season.
“Doug winning this award is a testament to his work ethic,” said Knighthawks General Manager and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations Dan Carey. “It took him a long time to make a roster in this league, and he is a prime example of hard work paying off. He comes ready to play every game.”
A native of Wallaceburg, Ontario, Utting was one of 10 rookies to make his professional debut with the Knighthawks this past season after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent on Aug. 1, 2019. In 12 games with Rochester, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound defenseman scored one goal and collected 47 loose balls with nine penalty minutes. Additionally, Utting finished the season with 15 shots and seven caused turnovers.
Utting joined the Knightawks following three seasons with the Peterborough Timbermen (ALL), where he recorded 17 goals, 26 assists and 43 points in 36 contests. He also appeared in two playoff games.
Prior to joining the Timbermen, Utting spent two seasons at Nipissing University (AUCC) from 2015-17. During his second season with the Lakers, Utting, who was named an All-Canadian Defensive midfielder, finished second on the team in scoring, producing 38 points (27+12) in 12 games while serving as one of the team’s captains.