Thompson of Akwesasne drafted by National Lacrosse League Knighthawks in first round

POTSDAM — SUNY Potsdam All-American Saka Thompson '26 (Akwesasne, N.Y./Salmon River) has been selected in the first round of the 2026 National Lacrosse League Draft. Thompson was taken 13th overall by the Rochester Knighthawks moments ago.

The NLL is the professional indoor box lacrosse league featuring 14 teams across the United States and Canada.

In his four seasons in Potsdam, Thompson left his name all over the program's record books. He is the Bears' all-time winningest goalie with 25 victories. He matched Potsdam's single-season wins record of 10 twice.

Thompson ranks second in goals-against-average (9.03), third all-time in saves (553), seventh in saves-per-game (10.84) and ninth in save percentage (.599). He earned first team All-SUNYAC recognition in 2024 and again last season.

The Bears rode Thompson's play to an 8-7 upset of top-seeded SUNY Cortland in the 2024 SUNYAC Semifinals to clinch a spot in the conference championship for the second time in Potsdam history. A few weeks later he was named USILA Honorable Mention All-American, the 10th Bear to earn the honor.

Thompson is the second Bear drafted by an NLL franchise. Three-time All-SUNYAC midfielder Ben McCullough '10 was also selected 13th overall, though in the second round, by the Buffalo Bandits in the 2010 draft.

Thompson and the Knighthawks open the 2026-27 NLL season at the Halifax Thunderbirds on November 28 at 7 p.m.