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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks' Hasen Finalist for NLL Coach of the Year

June 11, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Mike Hasen of the Rochester Knighthawks has been named one of the three finalists for the 2014 National Lacrosse League Head Coach of the Year Award. The other coaches in the running for the Les Bartley Award are the Edmonton Rush's Derek Keenan and the Calgary Roughnecks' Curt Malawsky.

Hasen led Rochester to the top of the East Division with a 14-4 record, second best in the NLL, 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.

"It's easy to play for him because he is so passionate about the game and our team," said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk.

In February of 2011, Hasen was inducted into the Knighthawks Hall of Fame for his work as a player. He helped anchor the Rochester defense from 1999 to 2007, ending his career by winning the 2007 Champion's Cup. At the time of his retirement, he ranked fifth in games played (114), loose balls (575) and penalty minutes (188). He served as the team captain for five seasons (2002-03 to 2007). He was also named the team MVP in 2003-04 and was a two-time winner of the team's Unsung Hero Award (2000-01 to 2001-02) and a three-time recipient of the Knighthawks' Best Defenseman honor.

Hasen played 13 years in the league, including nine seasons with the Knighthawks. In his career, he played in 150 games and recorded 23 goals, 82 assists and 704 loose balls. After his playing days, the Toronto, Ontario native served as an assistant coach with Rochester for two years. In 2011, he was promoted to head coach. He concluded his inaugural season by becoming the first rookie head coach in NLL history to win the Les Bartley Award.

"The reason that 'Haser' is so successful, first of all, is he has a great mind and truly loves his players. Secondly, he's got a great way of conveying that (to the team)," said VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. "It's all about the team and the family, and he treats them like men."

Gage also complimented the staff that Hasen, and Owner and General Manager Curt Styres, has assembled over the past several seasons. The veteran coaching staff includes assistant coaches Paul Day, Pat O'Toole, Jason Johnson and Andy Secore. This season, the Knighthawks also added Goalie Coach Derek General and Team Operations/Assistant Coordinator Mike Accursi. The staff of the three-time defending NLL champs also includes VP of Lacrosse Paul Gait, Director of Player Relations Tom Cincebox, American NCAA Scout Brian Hobart, Ontario Scout Chris Driscoll, Canadian Scout Stuart Brown, Western Scout Bruce Clark and Western Junior Scout Kevin Hill.

"He has done a great job surrounding himself with great people. They all get along and are all on the same page," said Gage. "They are committed to the organization and the players."

By winning the 2014 Champion's Cup, the Knighthawks set an NLL record by becoming the first team to win three straight championships. After another successful postseason, Hasen is now fifth in league history with 10 playoff wins.

"Having the same approach to the game makes it easy to work with him. We are all on the same page," said Johnson. "He does his homework and comes really prepared. He listens to the coaches and players, and has the respect of the players."

"He keeps the game simple. As a head coach, he has good communication with the staff and the scouts. He's a guy who lets people do their jobs and he manages the roles of the staff," said Day. "He is honest with the players and always treats them with respect. As a player, he was a hard worker; as a coach he is up late doing video. That (commitment) transfers down to the coaching staff and the players. Everyone just follows along."

The Head Coach of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Les Bartley, whose contribution to his teams, to the NLL, and to the game of lacrosse is immeasurable. Bartley, who lost his battle with cancer in May of 2005, left behind a coaching legacy. He won seven championship rings in his 12-year coaching career and tallied an astonishing 93-38 (.710) regular season record behind the bench.

The 2014 NLL Season Awards are determined by a vote of the league's Board of Governors, General Managers and Head Coaches at the end of the regular season. The winners will be announced at the first-ever NLL Season Awards Ceremony on Sunday, September 21st in Oakville, Ontario.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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