NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks Have Six Nations Team out to Perfect Start

Published on September 5, 2012 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Under the direction of the Rochester Knighthawks, the U16 Six Nations Boys field lacrosse team opened the 2012 with an impressive 3-0 record this past weekend.

The U16 Boys team is coached by Knighthawks and National Lacrosse League stars Mike Accursi and Matt Vinc, and Knighthawks Assistant Coach Jason Johnson. The team is under the Ontario Lacrosse Association umbrella for boys born in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

The Knighthawks are coaching the team after creating a partnership with Arrow Express Sports to teach lacrosse to the Six Nations community youth. As a result, the Knighthawks will train kids at summer and winter camps, and on Six Nations' box and field teams.

Six Nations opened its schedule this past weekend in Kitchener with three convincing victories. They opened with a 12-4 win over St. Catharines, and added victories against Oakville, 10-4, and Orangeville, 11-1.

"We went 3-0 with only one practice in place. This week we will put our systems in place," said Vinc. "The team responded enthusiastically to our coaching styles. I look forward to seeing these kids develop as field players. We have a talented group."

Vinc, who was the backbone of the Knighthawks' 2012 Championship run, completed his seventh season last year and posted incredible numbers in the postseason, recording 134 saves in three games. The two-time NLL Goaltender of the Year notched a 10.67 goals-against average and an .807 save percentage. Vinc played four years of field lacrosse at Canisius College and has played long-pole defense for Team Canada at the past two FIL World Championships.

Vinc was joined by teammate Mike Accursi last weekend in Kitchener. Accursi will enter his 16th season in 2013 after winning his third NLL Championship in 2012, and second with the Knighthawks. The Rochester alternate captain and Vinc are also two of the main coaches for the upcoming Winter League in Six Nations.

Joining the two Knighthawks on the sidelines is Arrow Express Sports Lacrosse Director Jason Johnson. He brings an extensive amount of coaching experience to the U16 team, having recently helped the Iroquois Nationals win bronze at the U19 World Championships. In May, Johnson finished his third season in Rochester with his first NLL championship. Besides working with the Knighthawks, he has served as an assistant coach for the Hamilton Nationals. In four seasons, he has been to two Major League Lacrosse Championship Games and won the 2009 title.

The trio of coaches will have the U16 Six Nations team back in action this weekend. It's the second stop on the road to the Provincials in October.

"There are lots of talented kids who are looking to take their skills to the next level," said Accursi. "I am excited to see how they continue to progress."

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