BOSTON (August 13, 2013) After an outstanding performance in his first season as a professional, Major League Lacrosse is proud to present New York Lizards’ attackman Rob Pannell, with the 2013 Cascade Rookie of the Year Award as voted by the MLL coaches and general managers.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Cascade Rookie of the Year considering the amazing talent of this year’s rookie class,” said Pannell. “It has been a whirlwind end to my college career and start of my professional career and this award caps off a great summer. A lot of credit also goes to my teammates who have made it easy for me to come into the League and continue to do what I have done in my last two years of college.”
Pannell edged out Ohio Machine attackman Logan Schuss earning seven First Place votes out of a possible 16. Schuss was awarded five First Place votes while Hamilton Nationals Tucker Durkin finished third with six Second and four Third Place votes.
“This has been one of the best rookie classes in League history,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “Pannell immediately made an impact on the Lizards and has posted impressive numbers. I would like to congratulate him on a well-deserved award.”
After being selected as a member of MLL’s 2012 draft class, eager fans were forced to wait an extra year to see Pannell suit up in an MLL uniform, due to an injury suffered at the beginning of his fourth season at Cornell. After taking a semester off from school to remain eligible for the Big Red, Pannell returned stronger than ever leading his team as both an emotional, and statistical leader. Pannell’s senior campaign resulted in an impressive run through the NCAA tournament eventually being ousted in the national semifinals, but not before the former All-American was able to break the NCAA all-time scoring record, previously held by Charlotte Hounds’ attackman Matt Danowski.
Within a week from ending his collegiate career, the former number one overall pick was awarded the 2013 Tewaaraton Award given to the nation’s best college player, and made his MLL debut the following day recording a hat-trick and an assist on his way to earning Cascade Rookie of the Week honors.
Pannell made an immediate impact for the Lizards posting some of the best offensive numbers by a rookie in league history. With 42 total points (25 goals, 17 assists), he lifted New York’s offense to new heights earning him a trip to the 2013 All-Star game in Charlotte, presented by Moe’s Southwest Grill on July 13
Pannell’s impressive offensive abilities landed him a place in the top five on the all-time rookie scoring list in all three categories. New York’s newest offensive weapon now ranks; fourth in goals scored (25), third in assists (17), and second in totals points with (42).
Number three’s presence on, and off the field has made him a favorite among fans and a nightmare for opposing defenses and he is sure to have a very bright future in the MLL in the years to come.
2013 Cascade Rookie of the Year Voting
About Cascade Lacrosse
Based in Liverpool, NY, Cascade has a celebrated and rich history of delivering revolutionary technology, unrivaled player experiences and 360 degree innovation to the lacrosse community and beyond. Cascade was founded in 1986 and acquired by Bauer Performance Sports, Ltd. in June 2012. As a leader in sports equipment, the company has pioneered advances in head protection beginning with its very first sport helmet for lacrosse. Today, Cascade continues this tradition by routinely adding to its long list of game-changing transformations in safety, comfort and performance. Proud partnerships include 16 NCAA Champions since 1995, Major League Lacrosse and dozens of NHL players who choose Cascade Sports technology. The company delivers innovative high performance headgear to lacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey, swift water rescue and white water sport markets. Learn more at www.cascadelacrosse.com. Bauer Performance Sports, Ltd. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU) whose affiliates market products under the BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE and INARIA brands.