NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Saturday's Game Has Playoff Implications

Published on April 15, 2016 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks and Georgia Swarm will meet in a key late-season matchup, which could determine one of the final spots in the East Division. With four games left, the Knighthawks (6-8) enter the contest in third place in the East, while the Swarm (5-9) are one game behind in fourth position.

Rochester will look to win its second straight game against the Swarm. The last time they met, the Knighthawks mustered their best defensive effort of the season. Behind a career-high 53 saves from Matt Vinc, Rochester limited the Swarm to a season-low four goals. The 11-4 win in Georgia evened the season series at one win apiece.

Prior to the rematch in Rochester, Georgia will host the second-place New England Black Wolves tonight before traveling to battle the Knighthawks the following night. If the Swarm drop both games, and Toronto loses once this weekend, the Knighthawks will clinch their sixth straight postseason berth.

Support the Troops: On Saturday, the Knighthawks will celebrate Military Appreciation Night. The players will wear special military-themed jerseys, which are being auctioned off to benefit the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC). The game is being presented by Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning and the Veterans Outreach Center. The Knighthawks will also sell limited-edition military T-shirts at the game while supplies last. The net proceeds from the sales will go the VOC.

Making a Stand at Home: The Knighthawks will kick off their three-game homestand on Saturday, April 16th. Rochester will then host the Buffalo Bandits the following Saturday, before ending the home portion of their 2016 schedule on Saturday, April 30th against the Saskatchewan Rush.

Dawson can tie Ironman Mark: Dan Dawson can tie Shawn Williams' NLL Ironman record of 230 consecutive games played on Saturday. The 15-year pro began his streak back on March 9, 2002 when he played for the Columbus Landsharks.

Dawson Just Seven Away: Dan Dawson is seven points away from becoming just the fifth player in league history to record 1,200 career points.

A Game of Firsts: Last Saturday in Buffalo produced career firsts for three members of the Knighthawks. Rookie Brad Gillies scored his first pro goal late in the third quarter. Ty Thompson recorded his first pro point and then scored his first professional goal in the second quarter. Josh Gillam scored immediately following Thompson's goal to give him his first tally with the Knighthawks. He also finished the game with one goal and one assist.

Broadcast Details: The game this week will be broadcast on 107.3 The Bull. Fans can listen to the contest on their mobile devices and computers by downloading the iHeartRadio app at iHeartRadio.com. The game will also be carried live on FOX Sports GO.

Next Home Game: The Rochester Knighthawks will remain home to host the Buffalo Bandits on Saturday, April 23rd at 8:00 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. That evening, the Knighthawks will hold their annual Native American Night. The event will feature Native American music and dancers. Fans can enter a raffle to win a wooden lacrosse stick, courtesy of Traditional Lacrosse. The Knighthawks will also sell Native American Night special edition T-shirts at the game while supplies last.

Awards Night: After the game on April 23rd, the Knighthawks will hold their 2016 Awards Night. The team will hand out the awards for Most Valuable Player, Offensive MVP, Best Defenseman, Community Service and Rookie of the Year. The Knighthawks will also present the Seventh Man Award and the Wolf Pack Award, which recognize the players and/or staff who have gone above and beyond over the past season.

Check out the Rochester Knighthawks Statistics

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 15, 2016


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