Thunderbirds sign 2022 Draft Pick Cole Kirst to two-year contract

Jun 28, 2023

HALIFAX, NS (June 28s, 2023) – The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced that the team has signed 2022 Draftee Cole Kirst to a two-year contract. 

“Cole is an exciting player. He has the size, athleticism, lacrosse IQ, and shot to be an impact player in the NLL. I’m excited to get him into training camp in the fall,” Thunderbirds Head Coach Mike Accursi said of the signing.

Kirst was selected by the Thunderbirds in the third round (55th overall) of the 2022 NLL Draft. The Bernardsville, New Jersey product has spent his collegiate career with Lehigh and Syracuse. 

During his time with the Mountain Hawks, Kirst appeared in 47 games, starting 33, while finishing with 55 goals and 26 assists for 81 points. 

He made his way to the Orange as a Grad Transfer ahead of the 2023 season. In his lone campaign with Syracuse, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound midfielder had 26 goals and 37 points while appearing in all 15 games. 

He was named First-Team All-ACC and served as a co-captain in his final NCAA season.

Cole is the younger brother of Connor and Colin (Vegas). Their youngest brother, CJ, currently attends Cornell.

“I’m super excited to compete alongside such a talented group of individuals. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get to work,” Kirst said.