Trade: Khawks & Bandits Swap Batson For Resetarits

The Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks have announced a trade with the Bandits acquiring defenseman Jamie Batson, a second-round pick in the 2016 NLL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2017 NLL Draft from the Knighthawks in exchange for forward Joe Resetarits and a third-round pick in the 2016 NLL Draft, pending league approval.

“It’s exciting. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be playing for the three-time defending champs,” Resetarits said. “It’s a great place for a fresh start.”

Resetarits is in his third season in the NLL and has registered 40 goals, 47 assists and 123 loose balls in 41 games. In 2014, he established career highs in goals (25), assists (17) and points (42). This season, the Hamburg, NY native has seven goals and 14 assists in 10 games. The 25-year-old forward was originally selected sixth overall by the Calgary Roughnecks in the 2012 NLL Draft.

Resetarits will be reunited with several familiar summer ball teammates in Joe Walters, Dan Dawson, Mike Kirk and Dylan Evans along with head coach Mike Hasen.

“I got to play for ‘Haser’ over the summer and I know how great of a coach he is. Getting to play for him again will be amazing,” Resetarits said. “I get to play with Joe and we have had great chemistry over the years. Dan is probably the smartest player I have ever played with and getting to play with him again is going to be a treat.”

Over his three seasons in the NLL, Resetarits has been a workhorse who bangs bodies and creates opportunities. According to Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen, Resetarits’ impact will be felt immediately.

“It will give us a big jump in our step,” he said. “Joe is a great kid who works extremely hard. He makes guys around him better by being hard to check.”

Forward Joe Walters, who played with Resetarits for three seasons in the summer league, was excited to be reunited with his former teammate.

“Joe will be a great addition to our team,” he said. “He’s tough and will do all of the little things to help us win. I look forward to suiting up with him again.”

Prior to playing in the NLL, Resetarits was a standout at the University at Albany from 2009-12. In his senior season, he was named an Honorable Mention All-American after leading the America East Conference in scoring. He also garnered conference Player of the Year honors. He finished his career with the Great Danes with 169 points (125+44) in 50 games.

The fourth-year pro Batson won three Champion’s Cup while playing with the Knighthawks. The rugged defenseman was signed after attending an open tryout with the team prior to the 2012 season. Hasen thanked him for his service over the past four seasons.

“He is a guy who came to work every single day for us,” said Hasen. “If he continues to work hard, he will be a good player in this league (very soon).”