Knighthawks Activate Joel Matthews
Published on February 27, 2016 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that they have activated forward Joel Matthews from the practice squad. Matthews will join the Knighthawks as they take on the Toronto Rock at 7:00 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre.
"It was awesome news. I just want to prove that I want it," he said. "I really want to be a main part of this team and a contributing factor. All I have been waiting for is my shot. I am going to capitalize on the opportunity."
It will be a memorable weekend for the St. Catharines, Ontario native. Tonight, he will make his season debut and Sunday he will celebrate his birthday.
"I've got a game Saturday and I've got family and friends coming out," he said. "Hopefully, we get a win. Then I get to wake up and it's my 25th birthday."
Matthews, who re-signed with the Knighthawks in August, made an immediate impact in 2015 in his first season in Rochester. With his new team, he notched career highs in goals (4), assists (9), points (13) and loose balls (17). The 2015 Knighthawks Rookie of the Year also brought intensity and grit to the right side of the offense.
"His inside presence creates space for other rights to give them more time and space for shooting," said Knighthawks assistant coach Paul Day. "He also adds some energy."
His two best offensive games came in home wins over Toronto and Calgary. In his Knighthawks' debut, Matthews posted one goal and one assist in an 8-6 victory over the Toronto Rock on January 24, 2015. Then on February 28th, he tied his career high with two assists and three points in a 12-11 win over the Roughnecks. With Matthews in the lineup, Rochester was an impressive 6-0.
"He is a guy who doesn't need the ball in his stick," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. "He is willing to get through the middle and create for (Dan) Dawson, (Stephen) Keogh and whoever else has the ball. He does a lot of dirty work."
Matthews' rough and tumble style will be on display as he plays his first game ever at the ACC.
"It's a dream come true because every time I have traveled to the ACC with any lacrosse team I've been on, I have been a healthy scratch," he said. "As a kid growing up in the Niagara region with the Maple Leafs and Raptors on TV, you always dream about playing in the Air Canada Centre. To me, this is a bucket list thing."
National Lacrosse League Stories from February 27, 2016
- Rock Make Statement with 17-6 Win over Rochester - Toronto Rock
- Jones' Fourth-Quarter Sock Trick Includes Buzzer-Beater - Colorado Mammoth
- Knighthawks Activate Joel Matthews - Rochester Knighthawks
- Knighthawks' Road Trip Makes Stop in Toronto - Rochester Knighthawks
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