Rochester travels to Chicago Saturday
Published on March 16, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Knighthawks continue their three-game road trip this week, as they travel to play the Chicago Shamrox at Sears Centre on St. Patrick's Day. The game, on Saturday, March 17th, is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on WYSL 1040-AM and wysl1040.com. The game will have an Irish theme, as the Chicago players will be wearing special green jerseys and bagpipers will be playing during the contest.
The Knighthawks enter the game in first place in the East Division with an 8-2 record. Rochester has won six straight games, tying its franchise record. Rochester is also coming off a 14-13 win over the Philadelphia Wings on March 3rd.
Last week, the Knighthawks aided the East Division All-Stars in their 20-16 victory over the West in the league's annual National Lacrosse League All-Star Game on March 10th. Knighthawks Shawn Williams, Scott Evans, John Grant and Steve Toll participated in the event. Head Coach Ed Comeau also served as one of the assistant coaches for the East.
The players combined for four goals and eight assists. Williams led all Knighthawk players with three goals and two assists, while Steve Toll notched four assists. Evans chipped in one goal and one assist, and Grant collected one assist. Knighthawks defenseman Steve Toll defeated Colorado's John Gallant in the agility competition. The Rochester transition man leads the NLL with 122 loose balls. He has 11 goals, including two game-winners, and 12 assists this season with the Knighthawks.
The contest is the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams. On February 3rd, Rochester defeated Chicago 13-8 at The Blue Cross Arena. Scott Evans led the Knighthawks' offense with four goals and four assists. John Grant added two goals and five assists, while Pat O'Toole made 43 saves. Thomas Montour highlighted Chicago's offense with five points (2+3) and Brandon Miller stopped 41 of 54 shots in net.
Rochester brings its high-powered offense to Sears Centre Saturday. The Knighthawks lead the NLL in goals scored (154), power-play goals (48) and power-play efficiency (63.16 percent). The K-Hawks have also netted the second most short-handed goal in the league with 15. In addition, forward John Grant leads the NLL with 33 goals and 70 points. Scott Evans (59) and Shawn Williams (56) are also in the Top 10 in points. Further, goalie Pat O'Toole leads the league with 384 saves and is tied for first with eight wins.
The Shamrox are in sixth place in the East Division, but are one game out of the fourth and final playoff spot. Chicago has lost five straight games after starting the season 3-1. The Shamrox lost their last game 11-7 to the Arizona Sting on March 2nd. On Thursday, the Shamrox bolstered their lineup with the signing of veteran forward Jonas Derks and Kevin Leveille. The Shamrox are led by Jason Clark (13+26) and Jon Harasym (8+21). Harasym (2004) is one of four former Knighthawks on Chicago's roster. Mat Giles (2004-05), Derek Collins (1996) and Carter Livingstone (2005-06) also played for the 'Hawks.
Next week, Rochester visits Nassau Coliseum to play the New York Titans at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24th. The game will be broadcast live on WYSL 1040-AM and wysl1040.com.
Knighthawks Milestones:
- A win against Chicago will set a team record for most consecutive regular season wins by a Rochester team. The Knighthawks have won their last six games.
- Stephen Hoar needs just 10 faceoff wins to become the first Knighthawk to record 600 faceoff victories.
- Forward Mike Accursi is only three points away from reaching 500 career points.
- Scott Evans is two goals away from hitting the 100-goal plateau in his career.
- Defenseman Regy Thorpe is two penalty minutes away from passing former Philadelphia Wing Tom Phair for fifth place on the NLL's all-time penalty minute list. Thorpe has 330 PIM.
Knighthawks Notes:
KNIGHTHAWKS TO HOLD CHARITY EVENT: On Tuesday, March 20th, the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team is hosting the inaugural "Tip a Knighthawk" charity event to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association. The event is scheduled from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bugaboo Creek Steak House at 935 Jefferson Road in Henrietta.
Knighthawks Regy Thorpe, John Grant and Pat Cougevan, and Knightingales dance team members Gigi, Dianna, Christie B, Christie F, Kristie D and Katie will attend the event. The players and dance team will make an appearance and sign autographs. Bugaboo's mascot, Moxie the Moose, and the Rochester Americans mascot, The Moose, will also be on-hand.
Further, the festivities include a raffle featuring donations from local businesses and area sports teams. The Chinese auction contains autographed items from the Amerks, Knighthawks, Rochester Rhinos and Rochester Rattlers. Other donation items include a Knighthawks Pat Cougeven game-worn autographed jersey, a Tenywa Bonseu game-worn autographed Rhinos jersey, a team autographed Milwaukee Admirals hockey jersey and packages from the Syracuse Crunch, Hamilton Bulldogs and the Minnesota Swarm.
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 16, 2007
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