NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks' Vinc a Finalist for Goalie of the Year

June 17, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


After backstopping the Rochester Knighthawks to the first three-peat in National Lacrosse League history, Matt Vinc was named a finalist for the 2014 NLL Goaltender of the Year Award. The veteran netminder joins the Edmonton Rush's Aaron Bold and the Buffalo Bandits' Anthony Cosmo as a contender for the honor.

Vinc, the defending Goaltender of the Year, finished second in the league this year in save percentage (.798), tied for second in wins with a 12-3 record, and third in goals-against average (9.56), saves (595) and minutes played (947:43). The Knighthawks allowed the second-fewest goals in the NLL (167) and finished atop the East Division. Vinc's commitment to fitness and game preparedness has been the key to his success.

"He is the guy who puts in the most work. He is focused from the morning shoot around to the end of the game," said Knighthawks defenseman and assistant captain Mike Kirk. "He always wants to be the best player on the floor."

During the 2014 Playoffs, "Vno" registered a 9.85 goals-against average and a .764 save percentage. More importantly, Vinc led the Knighthawks to their third straight Champion's Cup. Over the past three seasons, he has a playoff record of 10-2.

"He's the reason why we have been able to win the past three years," said Kirk. "He leads the way for us."

The nine-year NLL veteran is the only goalie in league history to win the Goaltender of the Year Award three times (2010, 2011 & 2013). The St. Catharines, Ontario native played collegiately at Canisius College and was drafted in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2005 NLL Entry Draft. Vinc has raced to the top of the NLL all-time charts since his rookie season in 2006. He ranks among the all-time best in saves, moving into seventh in regular season stops (4,629) and ranking fifth in the postseason (640).

"He has the drive to be the best and make the (big) saves. He's never satisfied, never complacent. He always works harder," said Knighthawks Assistant Coach and NLL Hall of Fame goalie Pat O'Toole. "That bodes well for our team because he's the top goalie in the league and he is always looking to be better."

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, Sept. 21 in Oakville, Ontario.

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