Knighthawks’ Smith, Gilray named to Team Canada for 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championship

July 16, 2024 – National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks press release

(Rochester, NY) – Rochester Knighthawks forward Ryan Smith and transition man Matt Gilray will represent Canada at the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships in Utica, NY, in September. Rochester transition man Ryland Rees was also named as one of the team’s seven alternates.

Smith is set to make his international debut and is coming off a season in which he set personal bests in goals (46), assists (53), points (99) and games played (18). Wearing the red and white of Canada is a dream come true for the Burlington, Ontario native.

“It’s an honour to be named to Team Canada to represent my country and wear the maple leaf for the first time,” Smith said. “I’m very excited to come together with this group and work towards our goal of winning a gold medal in Utica. I also want to thank my family and all the coaches I’ve had throughout my career for getting me to this point where I can play for my country.”

Gilray will also be representing Canada for the first time. Last season, he won the Knighthawks Defensive Most Valuable Player Award. The Oshawa, Ontario native finished fourth in the league with a career-high 174 loose balls. In his fifth season in the NLL, he scored seven goals, 14 assists and 21 points.

“This is an amazing opportunity to play with and against the best in the world. Anytime you get to represent your country is a privilege and something you dream of when you grow up playing lacrosse. I’m looking forward to working with the boys.”

Rees is a member of Canada’s player pool. The Port Coquitlam, British Columbia native recently played for Team Canada at the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship. Rees is a former NLL All-Rookie Team member and a three-time winner of the Knighthawks Defensive Player of the Year Award.

“It’s an honour when you get the chance to represent your country,” Rees said. “Of course I would have loved to be on that 23-man squad, but I have to do what I can to support Canada and see them go for gold.”

The Canadians are the five-time reigning champions and will compete in the 2024 event in Utica, New York, which takes place from September 20 to 29.

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