NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Styres a Finalist for NLL Executive of the Year

Published on June 23, 2014 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Rochester Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres has been named one of three finalists for the 2014 National Lacrosse League Executive of the Year Award. Styres, who is also in the running for NLL general manager of the year, was a top vote recipient in the executive category, along with John Bean from the Calgary Roughnecks and Bruce Urban from the Edmonton Rush.

"Curt is a great business person to work with," said Knighthawks President Lewis Staats. "He is a friend of mine and I appreciate the fact he is willing to do anything in his power to make the Knighthawks better both on and off the floor. He is well-deserving of the nomination and I know everyone who works for the Knighthawks organization would echo my support for him for this award."

Since purchasing the team in 2008, Styres has taken a hands-on approach to re-establishing a winning tradition, on and off the field, in Rochester. On the turf, the Knighthawks have become an elite franchise by winning a record three straight Champion's Cups. Styres has set very high standards for the team and himself. This season, Rochester enjoyed unparalleled success during the regular season. The Knighthawks earned 14 wins, which were the most victories in a season since the 2007 campaign, and won the East Division title. Rochester also tied its single-season record for home wins with eight as it went 8-1 at The Blue Cross Arena in 2014. It's a labor of love for Styres, according to Knighthawks Assistant Coach Pat O'Toole.

"With his love for the sport, Curt will do whatever he can to make your job easier, so you only have to worry about coaching," said O'Toole.

"The big thing with our group is that we have a good team and there is an open line of communication. All the decisions are made as a group. Everything we're doing, either at the staff or management level, we discuss to make sure it's the right decision," said Knighthawks Assistant Coach Paul Day. "The great thing is that Curt is all about family and the character of the people we want as players. We all have a profound love for the game. The players, coaching staff and management all have that same vision, and that comes from Curt."

The team has continued to enjoy success because of the work of Styres and his lacrosse staff. In his dual role as owner and general manager, he has insured his team's success by signing several cornerstone players to long-term deals. He locked up star players like Craig Point, Dan Dawson and Sid Smith for the next seven seasons, while signing three-time NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc for five seasons. His group of offseason re-signings also included transition specialist Brad Self (four years) and veteran defensemen Mike Kirk (four years) and Scott Self (three years). The lone addition to the active roster was the signing of restricted free agent Mac Allen, who was a force on defense with his physical, unselfish play.

Styres also re-signed Head Coach Mike Hasen to a four-year deal in November. In his NLL coaching career, Hasen has a record of 39-27 in the regular season and owns a 10-3 mark in the postseason. His 10 playoff victories are the most of any coach in team history. Not only has he won three straight Champion's Cups, but in 2011 he became the first rookie coach to win the league's Coach of the Year award.

"First of all, Curt has hired a great staff and one thing he does is listen to them," said VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. "He has a great ability to find players with talent and character. He built this team and put a solid group of players, scouts and coaches together into one big family."

The team's success on the turf translated into success at the box office with an increase in ticket sales. The Knighthawks experienced their greatest gains in season tickets, selling an additional 500 during the 2014 season. In the playoffs, Rochester hosted games in the East Division Finals and the Champion's Cup series and averaged nearly 9,000 fans per game, which was an increase of almost 3,500 per postseason contest.

The Knighthawks experienced major growth in reaching younger lacrosse fans, as well. This season, Rochester spread its "We Got Your Back" anti-bullying message to over 5,000 students at 16 schools and introduced them to indoor lacrosse. In late April, the Knighthawks added another program, "Healthy Hawks," to their community relations initiatives. The team is teaching kids the various ways to stay healthy, such as staying active and eating well. Students receive booklets containing health facts, ways to stay active, recipes, a player poster and a voucher good for a Rochester Knighthawks home game.

Under Styres' leadership, the Knighthawks have also supported the City of Rochester through their charitable endeavors. In 2014, the team donated $10,000 to the Urology Associates of Rochester to fund their mission of fighting prostate cancer. The Knighthawks also went to great lengths to support former player Shawn Williams and his son Tucker by donating the proceeds from a 50-50 raffle, Braver than Brave T-shirts sales, and a stick raffle to the Williams family. The Knighthawks were able to raise several thousand dollars for Shawn and Tucker. The Knighthawks also raised money at their regular season home finale for the Badge of Honor Association and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, as they honored first responders.

"Curt is a very special person. He makes all the players, staff and everyone in the community a part of what he has done," said Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson, who also works in the Brampton Fire Department. "It's an honor to play for him and he is a tremendous role model."

Styres last won the NLL Executive of the Year Award in 2011. The 2014 NLL Executive of the Year award is determined by a vote of the league's Board of Governors at the end of the regular season. The winner will be announced at the first-ever NLL Season Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 21 in Oakville, Ontario.

Check out the Rochester Knighthawks Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Lacrosse League Stories from June 23, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central