(August 17, 2012)… Alex “Kedoh” Hill got an unusually high number of text messages yesterday. He thought it was about old news, but what he learned even surprised the rising lacrosse star.

“I was getting a lot of texts about it, but I thought it was about the IL Indoor award,” said Hill about the Major Series Lacrosse Rookie of Year award.
What Hill didn’t realize was that he was the league receipt of the honor as well. The 22-year-old was named the winner of the Gene Dopp Award Thursday, as the MSL’s outstanding rookie.

“It’s a really big honor. I didn’t know I was capable of winning that so I am thankful I won it,” he said.

Hill was recognized for his breakout season with the Six Nations Chiefs. After an impressive career with the Six Nations Arrows junior team, he led the senior team with 21 goals and finished third with 35 points. Hill showed his versatility by playing, offense, defense and even transition for Head Coach Rich Kilgour.

“It really gave me different looks. I learned a lot from the different positions and from the players that play defense and transition. I am glad the coaches put me there.”

Hill entered the summer season after winning the Champion’s Cup with the Rochester Knighthawks in his second professional season. After being acquired by Rochester from Edmonton, the forward tied his career highs in goals (5), assists (6) and points (11) in 2012.

Hill will take his first step tonight in winning his first MSL Championship as the Six Nations Chiefs will take on the Peterborough Lakers in the best-of-seven series. Game One is set for 8:00 p.m. at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. The winner advances to the Mann Cup Finals.

“I think we match up well against Peterborough,” said Hill. “We have a shutdown defense and a lot of firepower on offense.”