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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Point Back in Lacrosse Mode

June 11, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Rochester Knighthawks Forward Craig Point with the Six Nations Chiefs
Rochester Knighthawks Forward Craig Point with the Six Nations Chiefs
(Rochester Knighthawks)

Rochester Knighthawks forward Craig Point thought about taking some time off after his National Lacrosse League season ended on May 23rd, but his vacation from lacrosse lasted only eight days. On May 31st, at the request of the Six Nations Chiefs, he was back in the lineup to make his 2015 Major Series Lacrosse debut.

"I tried to take a little time off and took as much as I could," he said. "But they wanted someone out there that had been there before. I thought I would step up and get back into the swing of things. I have just tried to play my part as much as I can and fit in with the guys."

With the veteran back in the fold, the two-time defending Mann Cup champs have gone 3-0 since his return. Point has been a key part of the Six Nations' offense, notching seven points in his last two games. On Tuesday night, he scored three times and collected one assist in the Chiefs' 13-2 win over the Brooklin Redmen. Matching his goal and assist total that night was returning forward Randy Staats.

Point, who has played alongside Staats before, has also meshed well with two of the team's newest additions in Ryan Benesch and Dhane Smith. The forwards, both acquired in trades with Kitchener-Waterloo, have combined for 25 points in four games with the Chiefs. On Tuesday, they both collected five points in the win over the Redmen.

"They are big point getters in the NLL and also in the summer league," said Point of the duo who play for the Buffalo Bandits in the NLL. "They are really good team guys and mix well with the players we have. Our chemistry is real good. With new guys coming in like that, sometimes it's hard to get going but so far it's been pretty good."

Off the floor, Point - who will enter his ninth season in the NLL in 2016 - has remained committed to his workout and fitness regimen. His weekly schedule includes three to four days in the gym and two games with the Chiefs.

"I am trying to keep myself in the best shape that I can," he said. "I am just trying stay healthy and watch what I eat."

When Craig is not playing in Major Series Lacrosse, or at the gym, his sons Keelan (12) and Tyler (7) keep him busy.

"They always keep me going too, so there is no rest period," he said jokingly. "They are boys being boys. They keep me busy and keep me on my toes. That is the fun thing about it."

Craig also makes frequent trips to the rink to watch his eldest son play lacrosse. Keelan is following in his dad's footsteps and plays for the local Pee Wee 2 team. Keelan, who is in the middle of his season, has started to blossom as a lacrosse player, according to his dad.

"He has picked up a lot of different skills over the last two years," said Craig. "He is really excited so far and is really picking it up."

Craig admitted Keelan is a versatile player, who wants to one day replicate the huge outside shot of his dad.

"He wants to be like that," said Craig. "He watches what I do and watches so many players. He gets so excited because he is at all the Rochester games."

One thing that Craig and his sons have become accustomed to is winning. Since Craig came over to Rochester in a trade with Minnesota in 2009, the Knighthawks have advanced to the playoffs six times in seven seasons. Craig also raised the Champion's Cup three straight seasons, winning the NLL title from 2012-14.

After reaching the East Division Finals in 2015, Point admitted there is work to be done. He said the extended offseason will only make the team hungrier next season.

"No matter what, you are going into the season expecting to win," said Point. "I know our coaches - like they said in the dressing room - want everything to be a little better next year. We are going to be more prepared, healthier and that much stronger. It should be a good year next year, too. Our mentality is always to win."

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Rochester Knighthawks Forward Craig Point with the Six Nations Chiefs
Rochester Knighthawks Forward Craig Point with the Six Nations Chiefs
   



National Lacrosse League Stories from June 11, 2015


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