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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Matt Vinc Named to Team Canada

May 7, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Matt Vinc of the Rochester Knighthawks was one of the 24 players selected to play for the Canadian National Men's Field Lacrosse Team at the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championships in Denver. Vinc will join Knighthawks Athletic Trainer Stephen Lobsinger at the international event, which will be held at Dick's Sporting Goods Park from July 10-19.

"Anytime you have an opportunity to represent your country it is definitely an honor. I get goose bumps just thinking of putting on the jersey," said Vinc, when he was selected to try out for Team Canada.

Vinc has represented his country in the past two FIL World Championships and in the 2012 Dual in Denver. The St. Catharines native won gold in 2006 and silver in 2010. Playing field lacrosse allows Vinc to play a different role as a long-pole defenseman, which he mastered at Canisius College. At the collegiate level, he was a four-year starter, a two-time team captain and a two-time Second Team All-MAAC selection.

In the NLL, Vinc is one of the finest netminders in the history of the indoor game. He is the only three-time winner of the league's Goalie of the Year Award and in the Top 10 all-time in saves. Once the NLL Playoffs conclude this month, Vinc will focus on his next goal: Winning gold for Canada.

"I am extremely honored and grateful to have the opportunity to put on the Canadian field jersey for a third time," said Vinc. "I am looking forward to getting a chance to reclaim the gold medal."

Joining Vinc is longtime Knighthawks Athletic Trainer Stephen Lobsinger. "Lober" is a veteran of the Canadian National Program, having previously worked as the head therapist at the 2010 FIL World Championships in Manchester and at the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague. The Guelph, Ontario native has worked with the Knighthawks for the past four seasons.

"Any time you get to represent Canada it's a huge honor. It's something that you work so hard for day in and day out throughout the year," said Lobsinger. "I still remember the first time I donned the maple leaf four years ago. There's an incredible amount of pride, respect, honor and gratitude that come with representing your country."

Team Canada is coached by Knighthawks Hall of Famer Randy Mearns, who also serves as the head coach at Division I Canisius. Other notable players selected to play for the Canadian National Men's Field Lacrosse Team were John Grant Jr., Jordan Hall, Kevin Crowley, Mark Matthews, Brodie Merrill, Kyle Rubisch and Geoff Snider. Click here for the complete roster.

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