NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Big Crowd Welcomes Back Knighthawks

Published on December 6, 2014 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


A crowd of 10,073 welcomed the Rochester Knighthawks back to The Blue Cross Arena for the first time since they raised the Champion's Cup for the third straight season. In the preseason opener for both teams, Minnesota earned a 14-8 victory over Rochester.

"It gave the guys an opportunity to get on the floor and work with the group we have. The biggest thing is we have guys trying to earn spots," said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen. "We are trying to find that chemistry between our offensive guys. It has been awhile (since we last played)."

Jordan Hall, who was acquired in the offseason, was one of those players. In his return to the team, he scored two goals to complement two goal-efforts from Dan Dawson and Joe Walters. The game was Hall's first in a Knighthawks' uniform since the 2012 campaign. The former NLL All-Pro was glad to be back in Rochester.

"It was nice looking up at the crowd and seeing how full it was," said Hall. "It was great playing with the guys and the coaches again."

Rochester also got goals from reigning NLL MVP Cody Jamieson, who played the first half, and rookie Chris Attwood. Attwood, who was playing in his first NLL game, scooped up a ball that caromed off the end boards and fired a shot by Zach Higgins in the fourth quarter.

"It was amazing to score my first goal in my first NLL game," he said.

Zac Reid also made his Rochester debut Saturday night. The former Knighthawks draft pick was a force in transition and in the defensive zone.

"It was an exciting experience and something I have wanted to do for a long time," said the former Mercyhurst University product. "Being out there, the crowd was awesome."

Draft pick Zach Williams also played significant minutes as he took faceoffs and had a breakaway opportunity, which showcased his impressive speed. The Knighthawks also used all four goalies, starting four-time NLL Goaltender of the Year before turning to Angus Goodleaf and rookies Don Alton and Brandon Styres.

Minnesota also debuted some new players, which included Miles Thompson, who had seven points (4+3). The Swarm also got two goals each from Kiel Matisz and Jordan MacIntosh.

The Knighthawks return to action on Sunday, December 14th, when they battle the Toronto Rock at 2:00 p.m. at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The preseason contest will be broadcast on 105.5 The Team and online on theteam.fm.

The Knighthawks will open their 21st season on Saturday, January 3rd against Toronto at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. That night, the Knighthawks will raise their 2014 NLL Championship banner. To order season tickets, please call the Knighthawks Office at (585) 454-4295. Fans can also purchase individual tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at ticketmaster.com.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from December 6, 2014


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