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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Rochester Knighthawks: Rookie Class One of The Best Ever in Team History

April 29, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


On draft day, it was guaranteed that Cody Jamieson would go No. 1 overall to the Rochester Knighthawks. The former Syracuse star rewarded his National Lacrosse League team with 53 points and a berth in the Champion's Cup Playoffs.

Yet, that's not the entire story. Sure Rochester has one of the best rookies in the league, but it could be argued that the Knighthawks have one of the best rookie classes in the league. It certainly measures up as one of the most outstanding crop of first-year players in the 17-year history of the Knighthawks.

Joining Jamieson in the rookie class were fellow 2011 first-rounder Jarrett Davis and second-round selection Josh Ruys. Two free agents also made the team with the signing of Tyler Burton and Dylan Evans, and Cory Vitarelli joined the team mid-season. The "Super Six" have all had an impact this season, collecting 94 points, 173 loose balls and 50 faceoff wins.

Only the Class of 1998 provided the Knighthawks with more offense. The featured rookies that season included Cory Bomberry, Curt Malawsky, Brent Rothfuss and Josh Sanderson. "Bomber" and "Mouse" finished one and two on the team in points. The rookies chipped in 101 points in 1998, to go along with 94 faceoff wins and 149 loose balls.

The Class of 2011 placed three players in the Top 5 in rookie points this season. Jamieson edged Curtis Dickson of Calgary for the top spot with 53 points. The last time that happened in Knighthawks history was in 2000 when John Grant Jr. led all NLL rookies. "Jammer" led the Knighthawks with 28 goals this season and was third on the team in points.

"It is something I wanted to do once I got drafted," said Jamieson. "I wanted it but I wanted to win first and foremost."

Davis ended the season with his first professional hat trick, which helped him lock up third place in the rookie points with 24 (12+12). The Port Moody, BC, native has 10 points in his last three games, as the team readies for the postseason.

"It felt great. I got a couple of lucky bounces to go my way," he said after the Buffalo game.

Another valuable option on offense has been Vitarelli. Drafted back in 2006, the Peterborough, Ontario, native decided to play Canadian University hockey until this season. Vitarelli, who led the Mann Cup in goals, has provided instant offense with seven goals and six assists in six games to finish fifth in rookie points. The Knighthawks are 5-1 since the addition of the rookie forward.

The team's most improved player award went to Tyler Burton. The Mercyhurst College product was undrafted this year, but has become a steady defender since he was signed in the team's tryout camp. In 12 games, he has 49 faceoff wins, 61 loose balls and three points.

The final two rookies have seen limited time but are improving as the season progresses. Ruys appeared in two games, but was hampered by an early season injury. He played in the Knighthawks' 15-9 win at Buffalo on April 23rd. Evans has also played in two games, including two of the team's first two games as the Knighthawks battled injuries. He was steady in the defensive zone and recorded seven penalty minutes and two loose balls. The Brampton product played for Head Coach Mike Hasen in Major Series Lacrosse last summer.

"We spoke early to the guys not to take a back seat to anyone, and they've pushed the veterans with that hunger to succeed," Hasen, who is in his rookie season as the team's head coach. "Each and every one of them earned their spot on the roster and earned the floor time they've had."

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