(Rochester, July 22)... Knighthawks.net caught up with goalie Pat O'Toole on for the fourth installment of the "Preseason Player Profiles."O'Toole gives young goalies advice on playing the position and also comments on approaching the National Lacrosse League's all-time saves record. Fans can also learn about his favorite things from his top sports movie to his favorite vacation spot.
Q&A WITH PAT O'TOOLE
1.) What do you enjoy the most about playing in Rochester? I love playing in our smaller (barn) rink and how loud it gets when our fans are going nuts.
2.) How does it feel to enter the 2010 season just 64 saves away from passing legendary goalie Dallas Eliuk as the league's all-time saves leader? With Dallas being one of the best goalies EVER in lacrosse, to have my name associated with his is also a great honor. It exciting to know that I could have a little place in the record books (at least for a little while) as long as everything goes well this year.
3.) What advice would you give a young goalie? This is always a two part question to me. First of all, I tell all goalies to have fun and enjoy the great sport of lacrosse. Goals are going to happen, don't get so wrapped up by the ones that go in that you don't enjoy the game. Second, as a goalie, always be ready for a shot. Playing against some of the best player like J.T., the Gaits, Colin Doyle, Josh Sanderson and especially watching John Grant Jr. over the years, I've learned to be ready and in position for a shot at any time. Players are so good now, that you have to be in position and ready to make the stop as soon as they cross center floor.
4.) Who on your team is destined to become a reality TV star? Steve Toll
5.) Why is lacrosse the best sport? Non-top action.
6.) Who is your favorite athlete? Wayne Gretzky
7.) What is your favorite sports movie? Slap Shot
8.) How is summer ball going? Not too bad, the league is really tight this year but we are getting some wins but most importantly, we are starting to come together as a team and knowing our roles and playing them well.
9.) In the summer, do you prefer to work out or cook out? Cook out
10.) What is your favorite junk food? Chips
11.)What is your favorite vacation spot? Clearwater Beach, Florida
12.) What is one thing you cannot live without? My family
ABOUT O'TOOLE The Toronto native enters his 16th season of professional lacrosse in 2010 and 12th as a member of the Rochester Knighthawks. O'Toole is second in league history in saves (6,093) and trails only Dallas Eliuk for first place all-time by 64 saves. He is the Knighthawks franchise's all-time leader in wins (97) and saves (5,383). During the summer, he plays Major Series Lacrosse for the Peterborough Lakers. His full-time job is working for Metal Supermarkets. Pat and his wife, Lynne, have a son, Connor.
SUMMER PROFILES The fifth installment of the profiles is slated for Wednesday, August 5th. Every two weeks, from June to October, the Knighthawks will highlight a different Knighthawks player. The online segments allow fans to stay better connected with some of their favorite players and see how they spend their summer months during the offseason. Fans can learn about the players favorite moments from this past season, see what they enjoy most about playing in Rochester and even where they can be found vacationing this summer. Make sure to check Knighthawks.net and the Knighthawks' Facebook page to stay up-to-date with your favorite players. The Knighthawks concluded their 15th season in the National Lacrosse League with a trip to the Champion's Cup Division Semifinals. The playoff berth was the team's 14th in franchise history. Rochester is a two-time league champion, winning titles in 1997 and 2007.
• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.