NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Pup' Running with the Big Dogs

April 23, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


In his third season in the National Lacrosse League, Johnny Powless continues to amaze crowds with his artistry around the goal. From behind-the-back shots to his finishes in tight, Powless has become a potent offensive weapon, and he is only getting better.

"You can see it in his lacrosse game," said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Cody Jamieson. "When he came in here he was 18 years old. Now he's 21 and you can see his new level of confidence in his third season. He has become a man and is getting better every season."

In 2014, Powless, who is known as "Pup" by his teammates, is again among the top point producers on the Knighthawks with 28 goals and 21 assists in 17 games. With the playoffs just weeks away, he has started to heat up, scoring 17 goals and adding 10 assists in his last seven games.

"I'm surrounded by a bunch of talent, which makes it a lot easier," said Powless. "The past couple of weeks, I've been picking it up and I have to give a lot of the credit to my teammates."

In the two-game weekend against Minnesota, Powless exploded for eight goals, which included a career-high five in a 12-9 win on April 5th. The night before, he netted the overtime game winner to cap a four-point night (3+1).

"It was a good feeling. It was my first time scoring in overtime in this league so it was pretty special," said an excited Powless.

He also achieved another professional milestone on February 1st, as he hit the 100-point plateau. In his pro career, he has 140 points (76+64). Accumulating so many points in just 49 games gives you a glimpse at his enormous potential.

"He's already proven that he is a natural goal scorer, and he is still only a kid," said Knighthawks Assistant Coach Andy Secore, who also coached Powless with the Six Nations Arrows. "He has some of the softest hands in the league around the crease."

Assistant Coach Paul Day commented on the poise and presence Powless has on the floor at such a young age.

"He is a young player who never gets frustrated and always stays calm. That is where his success comes from," said Day.

Powless showed composure beyond his years as a teenager in the NLL in 2012. That season, he was named to the All-Rookie Team as he collected 50 points in 16 games. In the NLL Championship Game, he scored two goals and added one assist as Rochester stormed back from a 5-1 deficit to win the Champion's Cup, 9-6, over Edmonton.

Coming off another championship in 2013, Powless dominated the competition this summer after rejoining the Six Nations Arrows, winning two of the most prestigious awards in Junior "A" lacrosse: the Jim Veltman Award as the Most Outstanding Player and the Dean McIntosh Award as the Junior "A" MVP. He was also selected as an Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior "A" First Team All-Star after recording 104 points in just 17 games.

Powless also shined in the Mann Cup, scoring five goals and adding five assists in six games en route to his first Senior "A" title. Winning the Cup with the Six Nations Chiefs gave the youngster three championships in the past two years.

"I never dreamed of winning (all of those championships). I am just happy to be in Rochester and winning has made it even more special," said Powless. "I am still learning and have learned a lot from (Dan) Dawson and 'Jammer' (Cody Jamieson), and by listening to the coaches. It has really helped me develop."

Powless has enjoyed a storybook beginning to his professional career. Yet, the humble kid from Six Nations has remained thankful for the opportunity to play in the NLL. It has been a great journey for Powless, who said he is loving every minute playing for the Knighthawks.

"I am having a lot of fun. Everyone is really close (like a family) and we have good chemistry," he said. "I am looking forward to the playoffs."

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