Knighthawks 'Power' Past Wings in Preseason
Published on December 11, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
(Trenton, NJ - December 11, 2011)... The Rochester Knighthawks roared back with six fourth-quarter goals to win their preseason opener 11-8 against the Philadelphia Wings at Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, NJ.
In a battle of the first two picks in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft, the Wings' Kevin Crowley (first overall) scored two goals and added two assists, while the Knighthawks' Stephen Keogh (second pick) notched two goals and one assist. Johnny Powless also had an impressive debut with one goal and four assists.
Cory Vitarelli (1+2), Craig Point (1+2) and Alex "Kedoh" Hill (2+0) provided an additional spark for the K-Hawks' offense. Matt Vinc and Jake Henhawk split time in goal in the road win. The Wings got a three-point effort from Ned Crotty (1+2), and two-point nights from Drew Westervelt (1+1) and Matt Danowski (1+1). Philadelphia played all three of its goalies in Brandon Miller, Steve Fryer and Kurtis Wagar.
The Knighthawks entered the final quarter trailing 7-5, but used a shorthanded tally and three straight power-play goals to take their first lead of the game. Those goals were part of a nine-goal special team's effort by the Knighthawks, who added a late power-play goal.
Point cut the deficit to 7-6 with a shorthanded goal at the one-minute mark of the fourth. Rochester then used three straight power-play goals, while the Wings' Max Seibald served a five-minute cross-checking major. Vitarelli tied the game at seven at 4:35 and "Kedoh" Hill gave Rochester its first lead at 5:05. Jamieson connected from the outside at 6:02 for a 9-7 advantage. After a spectacular goal by Crotty from behind the net, rookie Jamie Batson scored on the ensuing faceoff for a 10-8 lead. Powless scored his first preseason goal with Rochester on a 5-on-3 power play, with just 29 seconds to play, for an 11-8 edge.
The Wings led the game 4-2 after the first quarter and 6-4 at halftime. The game was a preview of opening night as the Knighthawks will travel to play the Wings at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m.
The Knighthawks will host the Minnesota Swarm at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17th at The Blue Cross Arena. Tickets for the game are FREE and available at the Knighthawks Office or online at www.knighthawks.net. The game is first come, first serve.
The Knighthawks have partnered with the United States Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" drive in an effort to provide Christmas gifts to the needy children of the Greater Rochester Area and the surrounding communities. Fans can drop of a new, unwrapped toy to the Marines at the arena that evening. Kids can also meet Santa Claus one week prior to his big night delivering gifts around the world to all the good girls and boys.
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). For more information or to purchase season tickets, call (585) 454-HAWK (4295).
National Lacrosse League Stories from December 11, 2011
- Philadelphia Wings Drop Exhibtion Game to Knighthawks - Philadelphia Wings
- Knighthawks 'Power' Past Wings in Preseason - Rochester Knighthawks
- Washington Stealth Beats Toronto in Overtime in Langley Exhibition - Washington Stealth
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