For the second year in a row a Lizards player was named to the Cascade Rookie of the Year Award. In 2012 Matt Gibson took home the award and now in 2013 the honors was given to Rob Pannell.

Rob Pannell. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/ 1495 Sports

Playing in 10 games, Rob scored 25 goals and added 17 assists for 42 points, ranking him ninth among the all-time leading scorers in Major League Lacrosse. Of the top 10 scorers in the League, Pannell has played in the fewest games, which is a distinction he holds for every category in which he ranks.

Pannell finished the 2013 season as the 12th leading goal scorer and ranked ninth in assists. His 25 goals ties him for third best in goals scored by a rookie (tied with Matt Poskay). The 17 assists has him tied with Steel Stanwick for assists by a rookie, and the 42 points put him as the second all-time leading rookie scorer behind Ryan Boyle.

Rob was one of three rookies who played in the 2013 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game, which was presented by Moe’s Southwest Grill, and even tallied three goals and one assist in the game.

“I couldn’t be happier for Rob. No one is more deserving of this award,” said Lizard’s head coach Joe Spallina. “No one has come into this League and made as much of an impact as he has. New York has a bright future with Rob wearing our jersey.”

“With all the talent in this year’s rookie class, it’s an honor to be named Rookie of the Year,” said Pannell. “It says a lot about my team and their support in welcoming me to the League and all the plays they made all season long.”