Thunderbirds sign Birkhof, Graham to three-year deals

Oct 13, 2026

HALIFAX, NS (October 14, 2026) -- The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced that the team has signed defenders Dustyn Birkhof and Rory Graham to three-year contracts. 

Birkhof is heading into his third season as a pro in the NLL, having previously played in Ottawa and Philadelphia. He was selected by Halifax in the second round (18th overall) of the 2026 NLL Dispersal Draft. 

The Peterborough, Ontario native played in six games for the Wings in 2026, registering four goals and five points out of the back gate, adding 21 loose balls and two caused turnovers. 

In 10 career games, he has five points, along with 28 loose balls and three caused turnovers. 

Graham was selected by the Thunderbirds in the fifth round (62nd Overall) of the 2026 NLL Draft.

A Toronto, Ontario product, Graham won a National Championship with Cornell two years ago before transferring to Denver in 2026 for his final year of college. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder played his junior lacrosse for Mimico before joining Brampton in the MSL, where he’s played four summers of senior lacrosse.

2026 was Graham’s most productive year to date, posting three goals and seven points in eight games for the Excelsiors.