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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Announce 2012 Roster

December 22, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, December 22)... The Rochester Knighthawks have announced their roster for the 2012 National Lacrosse League season. Rochester is headlined by All-Rookie Team selection and 2011 team leading scorer Cody Jamieson and back-to-back NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc.

The Knighthawks will open their 18th season in the National Lacrosse League on Saturday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m. when they battle the Philadelphia Wings at the Wells Fargo Center. Rochester defeated Philadelphia 11-8 on December 11th as part of a 2-0 preseason.

"It was very competitive and the guys have one focus, one common goal and that is to go after a championship," said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres.

The Knighthawks return 16 players from last season, including forward Craig Point who was placed on the injured reserve list. Ten new players have been infused into a team that finished tied for first in the East Division last season.

Rochester's offense features returnees Mike Accursi, Jamieson, Joe Walters, Cory Vitarelli and Jarrett Davis. The Knighthawks have three new additions to the offense in Alex "Kedoh" Hill, Stephen Keogh and Johnny Powless. Keogh (second overall) and Powless (fifth overall) are two of the team's top three picks from September's NLL Entry Draft that made the team. Hasen plans to spread the ball this season, which was apparent in the preseason home game as 10 different players scored goals in the 19-15 victory over Minnesota.

"We are all about team," said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen. "We don't want opponents to be able to focus on one player. We want them to worry about the total team."

In transition, the Knighthawks have Jordan Hall back after winning the 2011 NLL Sportsmanship Award. Hall missed six weeks of the season last year, but still finished with 40 points in 12 games. Rochester added veteran Brad Self to the mix and he showed his versatility in his preseason debut on December 17th, scoring three goals and collecting two assists.

"He brings another element to the game. The game has changed where you need a player that can play tough defense and bury it on offense," said Hasen earlier this week.

The defense is anchored by the return of 2011 NLL Defensive Player of the Year Pat McCready. Seven other Knighthawks are back from 2011, including 11-year pro and Penfield native Chris Schiller. Sid Smith, Kyle Laverty, Scott Campbell, Tyler Burton, Dylan Evans and Rory Glaves rejoin Schiller and McCready. McCready shared 2011 team Defensive Player of the Year honors with Smith. Newcomers to the backend are Mike Kirk, Travis Hill and 10th overall pick Joel White. McCready will set the tone for the defense, especially in the locker room.

"Pat McCready leads by example. He sets the marching orders on what needs to be done and what is expected of everybody," said Styres.

In goal, the Knighthawks boast Vinc and Jake Henhawk. Vinc was stellar in goal last season, earning NLL All-Pro honors for the third time in his career (First Team in 2010, 2011 and Second Team status in 2008). He led the NLL in saves for a third straight season, and ranked first in save percentage (.794), tied for second in wins (10) and was third with a 9.77 goals-against average. Henhawk returns to the Knighthawks for the first time since the 2010 season. He is fresh off a stint with the US Indoor team and a bronze medal finish at the FILL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships. This summer, he was also named the top goalie at the Senior "B" President's Cup.

The practice squad includes defenseman Jamie Batson and forward Tim O'Brien. Batson was the 2011 Most Valuable Defensive Player, while playing for the Senior "B" Ohsweken Warriors. O'Brien enters his 10th season in the NLL and second with the Knighthawks. He has won two Champion's Cups with the Toronto Rock (2005 and 2011) and racked with 115 penalty minutes in 33 games. Known as "The Surgeon" in lacrosse circles, O'Brien adds toughness and grit to the Knighthawks.

"I always like players to work in a safe environment," said Styres about the signing of O'Brien.

The holdout list features Joel McCready, Troy Bonterre, Jack Reid and Casey Powell. McCready was recently hired by the Burnaby (British Columbia) Fire Department, and is in the midst probation period. He is expected to rejoin the team in 2013. Former Johns Hopkins star Michael Evans was added to the Protected Player list.

Another name absent from the active roster was 20-year pro Chris Driscoll. The 40-year-old transition man has accepted a position as the Knighthawks' Ontario Scout for the 2012 season. It will mark his eighth season with the Knighthawks. In his professional career, he has notched 240 goals, 378 assists and 1,035 loose balls in 234 games. He has won three championships along the way: 1997, 2003 and 2005.

"'Drisky' will be very good in that role for us," said Hasen. "He understands our principles and what it takes to be a Knighthawk. With his vast experience in lacrosse, he will be very good at it."

Defenseman Ian Rubel also announced his retirement after one season in Rochester and 10 seasons in the NLL, which included three championships. Ryan Cousins and Andy Secore were placed on the physically unable to perform list.

The Knighthawks will open the home portion of their regular season schedule on Saturday, January 21st against the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. The Knighthawks are holding their Millionth Fan Promotion, which includes a trip for two to Las Vegas (hotel, airfare and $2,000 cash). Knighthawks individual tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, and at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

"I am really excited to get going. The roster is a good one as we are improved in all areas on the floor," said Hasen. "The guys are already a tight group and they have pushed each other every time we've been together, which is something we expect them to continue to do throughout the year."

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