Nationals Looking to Get Back on Track
Published on June 19, 2012 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
The Hamilton Nationals hit the road for the fifth time this season, as they travel to Rochester, NY to battle the Rattlers. The 7:00 p.m. contest on Saturday, June 23rd will break the tie for fifth place between the two 2-4 teams. The game will be televised live on the CBS Sports Network.
Nationals closing in on milestones: Joe Walters and Brett Queener can reach team milestones Saturday. Walters is five points away from becoming the first National to hit 100 points in their Hamilton career. Queener, the team's all-time saves leader, is one stop away from 300.
Scouting the Nationals: Hamilton nearly pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in MLL history last Saturday, but ultimately fell 16-15 to the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Hamilton rallied with eight straight fourth-quarter points to give them a chance to tie the game in the closing minutes. Joe Walters finished the game with four points, which included the 200th point of his MLL career. Stephen Keogh also notched four points with a four-goal effort for the Nats. Matt Dolente won 18 faceoffs and scored a fourth-quarter marker. Goalie Brent Herbst made four saves in a relief appearance. Casey Powell will miss the game as he serves a one-game suspension for his actions in the June 16th.
The Power of the Knighthawks: Since returning to the Nationals after winning the 2012 World Championship with the Rochester Knighthawks, Cody Jamieson, Joe Walters and Stephen Keogh have combined for 20 goals and 13 assists. Hamilton is 2-1 with the trio in the lineup.
Last Meeting: Hamilton used career nights from Stephen Keogh and David Earl to defeat the Rochester Rattlers 17-8 at McMaster University on June 9th. Keogh had a career-high six points (3+3) and Earl had a career-best five points (3+2). Rookie Joe Resetarits also scored his first two pro goals in his second MLL game. It was contribution by committee in the team's second straight victory with nine players scoring for the Nationals. Brett Queener earned the win in goal, while John Galloway made 20 saves in the loss.
National All-Stars: Six members of the Nationals were named to the 2012 MLL All-Star Game, which will take place on Saturday, June 30th at FAU Stadium in Palm Beach County, Fla. The game will feature a Young Guns vs. Old School format. Second-year pros Matt Dolente, David Earl and Stephen Keogh will make their All-Star debuts with the Young Guns, while teammates Casey Powell, Brett Queener and Joe Walters will compete for the Old School team. Walters is making the fifth All-Star appearance of his career. Queener will appear in the All-Star Game for the third time in his career, and Powell was named to his sixth.
Rattlers Notes: Rochester dropped its last game 16-12 to the Denver Outlaws last Saturday. Newest Rattler Brad Ross had a hat trick, which included a two-point goal, for four points, while Kevin Leveille had two goals and one assist. Ned Crotty leads the team with 14 points (8+6) with Matt Striebel second with 10 points (6+3+1). Joel White is tied for first on the team with 17 ground balls.
Honoring the Knighthawks: The Rattlers will honor the 2012 World Champion Rochester Knighthawks at halftime. Fans can have their pictures taken with the Champion's Cup and get autographs from players during the game. Four players in Saturday's game played for the Knighthawks: Cody Jamieson, Stephen Keogh, Joe Walters and Joel White.
Next Game: Hamilton is back at home on Saturday, July 7th against the Boston Cannons. Faceoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 19, 2012
- Nationals Looking to Get Back on Track - Hamilton Nationals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
