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Rochester Knighthawks

NLL Entry Draft One Week Away

September 15, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks own the ninth overall selection in the 2014 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. The Knighthawks will have six picks in the six-round draft, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22 at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville, Ontario.

The weekend of events at the TRAC kicks off with the 2014 NLL Combine on Saturday, Sept. 20, as prospects try to impress teams one last time before the Draft. The 2014 NLL Season Awards Ceremony takes place on Sunday, Sept. 21 with the league announcing winners from the pool of finalists along with All-Pro and All-Rookie Teams. Rochester has the second most award finalists with six.

After winning a league-record third straight Champion's Cup, Owner and General Manager Curt Styres and Goalie Matt Vinc are candidates for two league awards. Styres is one of three men vying for NLL Executive of the Year and General Manager of the Year honors. He won both awards after the 2011 season, and has made a strong case for himself again this season with his work on and off the field.

"Curt is a very special person. He makes all the players, staff and everyone in the community a part of what he has done," said Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson. "It's an honor to play for him and he is a tremendous role model."

Vinc is a finalist for NLL Goaltender of the Year and the NLL MVP award. In 2014, "Vno" finished second in the league in save percentage (.798), tied for second in wins (12), and third in goals-against average (9.56), saves (595) and minutes played (947:43). Vinc, who is the only three-time winner of the Goaltender of the Year award, is trying to become only the second goalie to win the league MVP Award.

Joining Vinc as one of the three finalists for NLL MVP is teammate Cody Jamieson. "Jammer" won the 2014 NLL scoring title with 108 points, tied for second in the league in assists (72) and tied for sixth overall with 36 goals. For the third straight postseason, Jamieson led the Knighthawks in playoff points, finishing second in the league with 22. In the NLL Championship Series, h e scored four goals and added five assists in three games as Rochester defeated the Calgary Roughnecks.

"It's great for the two individuals and for the team," said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen. "It puts another stamp on the great year we had as a group."

Hasen is in the running for the Les Bartley Award as Head Coach of the Year. The former Knighthawks defenseman first won the award in 2011, becoming the first rookie head coach in NLL history to win the prestigious honor. In 2014, Hasen led Rochester to the top of the East Division with a 14-4 record in his fourth season as head coach. Rochester went 12-1 in the division and posted an 8-1 record at home. The Knighthawks allowed 167 goals, second-fewest in the league, and boasted two players in the league's top five for scoring, including the NLL's leading scorer.

"He is a great coach. His passion for not only the game, but the whole Knighthawks' organization makes it really easy to play for him," said Jamieson. "He is the most prepared and makes sure we are all prepared for the game. He played for the Knighthawks and was the captain, so he knows what it takes and believes in us to make it happen."

The Knighthawks will open their 21st season on Saturday, January 3rd against the rival Toronto Rock at The Blue Cross Arena. Prior to the 7:30 p.m. game, the Knighthawks will celebrate their historic third straight NLL Championship by raising their 2014 Championship Banner.

To experience the excitement of Knighthawks lacrosse, call (585) 454-4295 (HAWK) or go online to www.knighthawks.com to purchase your season tickets today!

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