Paul Dawson Gets Noticed for Offensive Effort
Published on March 7, 2014 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
Last Saturday, Rochester Knighthawks defenseman Paul Dawson was in the right place at the right time: Twice. In an 11-9 victory against the Colorado Mammoth, Dawson contributed on the opposite end of the floor, providing two goals and one assist to tie his career highs.
"It doesn't come very often, but I pride myself on burying it when I get the opportunity," said Dawson. "It was just one of those games that I had a few chances and got those two goals."
His first goal of the night came 8:56 into the first quarter when he picked up a loose ball in front of the net and found a lane and buried it past Colorado goalie Dillon Ward to make it 3-1 Rochester. Then 7:03 into the third quarter, Dawson was able to get another point on the board after scooping up the loose ball and plowing through three Colorado defenders to take the shot and give the Knighthawks a five-goal advantage.
"All of our back-end guys have the green light and they are smart enough to read the situation," said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen. "Last week the two goals and assist from Paul worked out great."
Last Saturday's game marked Dawson's first goals of the 2014 season after re-signing with the Knighthawks for four seasons in November. Last season, he scored the game-winning goal in the first round of the playoffs against Philadelphia, which allowed the Knighthawks to move forward and eventually capture back-to-back National Lacrosse League Championships.
"(Defenders scoring) doesn't happen very often so when it does, it gives the team a big lift," said Dawson. "As a defenseman it's nice to get out there every once in a while."
Dawson originally set his personal record in a game against Colorado back on January 29, 2011 when he was playing for the Philadelphia Wings. The Wings, coincidently, are Rochester's next opponent. After a three-week road trip, the Knighthawks are back home this weekend to take on the Wings at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena.
This marks the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Knighthawks defeated the Wings 13-9 in their first meeting this season, with Dawson picking up an assist against his former team.
Despite his recent success on offense, Dawson's presence on the other side of the turf is what he will focus on going forward.
"We need to keep doing the same things we've been doing all year and only give them the long outside shots which "Vno" can gobble up," said Dawson. "Playing strong defense and keeping everyone to the outside has been working so far and we're just trying to stay on the road we are on."
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 7, 2014
- Stealth Travel to Edmonton - Vancouver Stealth
- Helmets Reflect Saturday's 'I'm Playing For' Campaign - Colorado Mammoth
- Three Rush Players are Standouts at Mid Season - Edmonton Rush
- Paul Dawson Gets Noticed for Offensive Effort - Rochester Knighthawks
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