McCready Comes out Firing
Published on January 24, 2014 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The 2014 National Lacrosse League season started off strong for Knighthawks transition man Joel McCready when he set career highs in goals (2), assists (3), and points (5) in the team's home opener on December 28th. McCready kept his nine-game goal-scoring streak alive as he netted another one against the Philadelphia Wings on January 11th.
"Joel is a good role player," Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen said. "He gets in there and bangs in the middle to create space for other guys."
McCready, who signed a one-year contract with the Knighthawks in October, is playing his fifth season in the NLL and fifth with the Knighthawks. He was originally drafted by the Knighthawks out of Cornell University in the second round (18th overall) of the 2008 NLL Entry Draft.
After taking a year off in 2012 to focus on his career as a firefighter, McCready re-joined the Knighthawks for the 2013 season where he helped bring the Champion's Cup back to Rochester for the second year in a row. He played in a career-high 15 games last season, including the 2013 Championship Game against the Washington Stealth.
McCready's main focus for this season is to keep moving forward and not repeat the slow start that the back-to-back World Champions experienced last season when the team lost their first three games.
"We are just focused on building off of last year and right out of the gate we want to improve and keep the ball rolling, not go backwards," said McCready. "I'll do whatever they need me to do. Where they need me might change from night to night but I'll do whatever it takes to keep moving forward."
During the Knighthawks' season opener, McCready scored the game-winning goal against the Minnesota Swarm. Trailing by one late in the game, he drove to the net and scored the goal that tied the game. He then scored the game-winning goal 28 seconds later.
"With the shortened roster size, we need guys like that to step up," said Matt Vinc. "Joel came through and found ways to score."
Outside of practice and games, when McCready is training, he focuses much of his time on cardio. Due to the smaller roster sizes, different players are taking on different roles on the field. In particular, transition players, including McCready are on the field longer and playing multiple positions.
"Everyone is really focused on nutrition and an exercise regimen," said McCready. "I like to play different sports. I do a lot of sprint work and leg work-outs and I just make sure that when I walk into the rink, I have put in the hours and worked as hard as I can."
This work ethic was built over the years through watching his uncle, former Knighthawk Pat McCready, during his lacrosse career. McCready and his uncle played on the Knighthawks together during the 2011 season, which was a rare and rewarding opportunity for for the young athlete.
"I remember watching my uncle Pat play when I was younger, going to all of his games," McCready said. "I've seen how hard all of those great players like John Grant and Regy Thorpe worked to get better. I've learned from those guys and have just tried to form my game through watching them. Being able to play a season with my uncle was a great experience."
McCready and the Knighthawks are now on the quest to become the first team in the NLL to win three championships in a row. Practices have been very upbeat and everyone is working hard both on and off the field to defend the title.
"This season, you can expect a lot of hard work from me," McCready said. "I'll work the corners, set my picks, keep my eyes open and do whatever it takes to win the game. I'm going bring it all to the rink every night."
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 24, 2014
- McCready Comes out Firing - Rochester Knighthawks
- Mammoth Returns to Canada Looking to Right the Ship - Colorado Mammoth
- Rush Forward Davis Flying Under the Radar - Edmonton Rush
- Philadelphia Wings Add Forward Roger Vyse to Active Roster - Philadelphia Wings
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