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Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Get Back to Work

November 22, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks began their quest for the Champion's Cup today with the opening of Training Camp at Total Sports Experience in East Rochester.

This afternoon, Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Green conducted the team's fitness testing, as the players showcased the results of their offseason training. It was also an opportunity for the draft picks and camp invitees to meet the core of players returning from the 2014 NLL Championship team.

"It's definitely a great feeling to see everybody and get back on the floor," said Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson. "For us to get going with some great physical testing is a great indication of where we are right now. With the results today, you can tell that the guys were taking their fitness very serious. It's exciting to start a new chapter."

Fitness testing proved to the coaches that the players used the offseason to prepare for another competitive NLL season. Head Coach Mike Hasen was happy with what he saw in the early session and was looking forward to seeing what the players would bring to the turf during the second session later in the day.

"Everyone is much better now than they were at this time last year," Hasen said. "It's good to see that they took advantage of the time they had to refuel their bodies. It's about being here, and being ready to go."

"I'm looking forward to building some chemistry and getting some of the systems down that we're all pretty familiar with," said Dawson. "We're just getting game comfortable. No matter how hard you train off the floor it's always different when you're putting the pads."

The Knighthawks used their second session, which included a scrimmage, to gauge each player's abilities and how they worked together. It was a fast and physical session, but helped get the new players acclimated with what it's like to play with the defending champions.

Rookie Todd Kozek made the most of the opportunity he had playing with the defending champions. He feels honored to have had the experience to get better by learning from seasoned veterans.

"It was awesome scrimmaging with the team today and looking across the turf and seeing some of the caliber players here," he said. "I am familiar with some of these guys, like Dawson, after playing in Brampton. I feel like I have a little bit of an advantage."

Jordan Hall, who made his first appearance back with the Knighthawks since their 2012 Championship season, was excited to get back on the turf with some of his old teammates. He fit in perfectly as he scored a couple of goals in the scrimmage tonight. He said he was thrilled to be back and playing with a high-caliber team. His effort showed his has started to settle back in with his Rochester teammates.

"I feel good. I wasn't so sure because it's hard to train for lacrosse-specific stuff. I feel pretty good," said Hall. "The team looks really good. They've made some big changes from a few years ago and everyone is really in shape. We really have a head start."

Along with the familiar faces returning to the team, there were a handful of new faces attending Training Camp.

"It was good to see them. We'll wait until everything gets sorted out to see where they get stacked up," said Hasen. "But by all accounts, they came in and showed that they're ready to play."

For many of the players like Cody Jamieson, playing over the summer has kept him in shape and ready to tackle a new season with the team. The 2014 NLL MVP and points leader played for the Six Nations Chiefs and won back-to-back Mann Cups, alongside Knighthawks teammates Sid Smith, Stephen Keogh, Jon Sullivan, Ian Llord and Craig Point.

"I was fortunate enough to have a great team and win a National Championship in that league as well," said Jamieson. "I kept my stick in my hand and played as much lacrosse as I could this summer. Right now we're just taking it one step at a time. Our plan over the last few years has been to get better as a team. Today is step one."

Day Two of Training Camp will kick off at TSE Sunday morning from 10:00 to noon. The players will have another day of practice and scrimmages in preparation for the new season. After the first day of Training Camp, Kozek is happy with his performance and excited to get back on the field for Day Two.

"Honestly, I couldn't be happier," he said. "I arrived here in pretty good shape, my legs were going for most of the day. I'm feeling pretty happy so far and I'm looking forward to another big day tomorrow."

Camp this weekend is just the beginning of preseason preparation for the Knighthawks. They will put their hard work from Training Camp to the test when they host a preseason game against the Minnesota Swarm on Saturday, December 6th at The Blue Cross Arena. Faceoff is at 8:00 p.m.

"I'm just going to keep doing what the team needs. I've always been a team first guy," said Jamieson. "I'm not worried about how many points I get. Everybody will get points on our offense because we are so dynamic. We just need to take advantage of the opportunities we get."

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