On September 17, University of Hartford men’s lacrosse player, Ty Thompson, was drafted by the New York Riptide during the 2020 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. Thompson, who is from Nepean, Ontario, was selected in the second round with the 25th overall pick.

Thompson, who plays attack for the Hawks, is entering his senior year, just a year removed from when he was named to the America East All-Conference Second Team. Since transferring to the University of Hartford after playing two seasons at Lycoming College, Thompson has been a major contributor to the Hawks success. In 2019 he started all 15 games, and finished second on the team in points (49 total), along with leading the team in assists (28) which was also good enough to be ranked third in the entire America East Conference in assists per game (1.93).

The New York Riptide, who selected a total of eight players in the NLL Draft, (including the number one overall pick Jeff Treat of Cornell University.), will rely on Thompson and the rest of the 2020 class to help bring a much needed offensive attack game while also bringing back a winning culture to the “City of Champions.”

Despite playing in closely contested and competitive games, the Riptide finished the 2020 season in last place of the East Division with a final record of 1-12. The Riptide are going to need Thompson to help lead the team with his offensive production if the team wants to compete for first place this upcoming season.

Competing with the other teams in the East Division is not going to be an easy task for Thompson and company, but regardless, the Hawks will be showing support for the Riptide on game days.