Uniondale, NY (September 20, 2021) –New York Riptide defenseman and assistant captain Andrew Suitor announced his retirement from the National Lacrosse League today after a stellar 10-year career.
Suitor retired after playing his final season with the Riptide in 2019-20, seeing action in 12 games, and totaling seven points on one goal and six assists. Suitor also scooped up 114 loose balls, the most since his single-season career high of 120 in 2012 and the third best in the NLL.
Originally selected fourth overall in the 2010 NLL Entry Draft, Suitor was a member of the 2011 All-Rookie Team. In 2012, in addition to being named Transition Player of the Year, Suitor was a member of the All-Pro First Team. Suitor finished his career with 121 points on 58 goals and 63 assists in 132 games played, adding 813 loose balls scooped and 159 caused turnovers. In four career playoff games, he added one goal and 36 loose ball pickups along with three caused turnovers.
Statement from Rich Lisk, GF Sports and Entertainment Executive Vice President:
“What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Suits? He played this game with passion, he played through pain, he is a great leader, he is the consummate teammate and he is one of the guys you want to be in the foxhole with. I have had the pleasure to have Suits on two of my organizations and I can tell you those organizations and players are better for that. I want to thank him for giving me everything he had every time he was on the floor and more importantly off the floor growing this game. There are some people in this world that the universe puts into your life for a reason and Suits is one of those guys. I was proud to have him on my teams, but I am prouder to call him a friend for life. Thank you for everything and remember this isn’t the end it is only the beginning.”
Statement from Jim Veltman, New York Riptide General Manager:
“Suits has been a force in the NLL in more ways than one ever since he got drafted fourth overall 11 years ago. During his storied career he was a consistent threat in transition, a loose ball specialist and an enforcer all rolled into one player. He’s always been a leader that held himself and his teammates accountable, as well as opponents that took liberties with his team. He is a consummate professional that has earned his respect in the lacrosse world. Our organization supports his decision to put his family first and retire and wish him all the best that he deserves.”
Statement from Dan Ladouceur, New York Riptide Head Coach:
“Obviously I wish Andrew and his family nothing but health, happiness and success. I know this decision was excruciating for Andrew and I respect how he approached such a huge life change. We will miss his presence on the floor and even more so in the locker room and away from the floor. Andrew’s a natural leader and has always provided the glue that bonds teammates together, wherever he has been. I have enjoyed watching Andrew play since JR A and am selfishly disappointed that I will not get the chance to work with Andrew this season. I have nothing but respect for Andrew and appreciate how he handles himself on and off the floor.”
The Riptide will return to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the franchise’s second season this December. Fans have a chance to be one of the first to own a player tee of 2020 first overall pick Jeff Teat! For a limited time, place a $50 deposit per seat on a Season Ticket Membership and receive a free Jeff Teat player t-shirt. While supplies last. Head to newyorkriptide.com/seasonmemberships or on social media at @NewYorkRiptide for details.
