Damude happy to be a Knighthawk
The drive to Philadelphia was worth it for Nick Damude.
The 19-year-old netminder made the trek to Philly to be part of the National Lacrosse League draft where the Rochester Knighthawks selected him with the first pick of the fourth round.
“It was pretty special and being able to share it my parents was pretty awesome. They have supported me all the way through lacrosse,” Damude said.
Damude, who had a stellar season helping the St. Catharines Athletics to their best showing in 10 years, enjoyed the experience.
“After I got drafted, I went and did photos with most of management and then sat at the table and they talked to me for a bit,” the Fonthill resident said. “Then we all went out for a dinner, all the draftees and management, and talked to them.
“I was pretty impressed. They were professional and all good guys and seemed happy to have me.”
Damude, who spent three seasons with the A’s after beginning his junior career at the junior B level with the St. Catharines Spartans, admitted the fact he has a chance to play at the professional level hasn’t quite sunk in.
“I still toy around with it every once in a while. It’s still surreal to me that it has happened,” he said. “I think I’m probably going to have one of those star struck moments when I’m in training camp and I see Cody Jamieson shooting on me. It’s gonna be surreal.”
Damude, who is studying electrical engineering at Mohawk College, realizes he will have to prove he belongs at the NLL level.
“They have three goalies signed so my goal is to at least make the roster as a backup or a practice goalie,” he said. “They haven’t really said to me what they’re expecting, but they want me to be prepared for training camp because anything can happen.”
Damude is looking forward to sharing the floor with Knighthawks goalie and St. Catharines native Matt Vinc.
“I haven’t talked to him this year, but we have talked in the past,” Damude said. “He’s a pretty special guy, a really good guy, and obviously the best in the business and going to a place where he has been is something special.
“I think learning from a veteran like him who has been in the league for 10 plus years would be a dream come true. He knows how to do everything. He does it all right.”
Damude has been working hard to prepare for training camp.
“I’ve been talking with a few of the guys on the A’s. We’ve been getting shots every week. I think that’s probably the main thing for a goalie to keep my eyes focused on the ball and keeping the movement going and the flexibility that goes with it.”
A’s general manager Jeff Chcoski is thrilled Damude is getting the opportunity.
“For Nick to get this experience at the pro level and bring it back to our program next summer is invaluable. I’m excited see how he’s going to do at camp,” he said.
“Nick has done nothing but surprise me from the time I’ve met him. He is a special player that is going to make an impact at the pro level in the next few years.”
Damude feels his play last season with the A’s helped increase his exposure.
“I think the playoffs helped a lot,” he said. “People are more focused on the lacrosse world in the playoffs and having a good playoff run helped my chances and with people looking at me.”
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