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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Vinc Can Join Elite Company this Weekend

April 20, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Last weekend, Bob Watson broke the National Lacrosse League all-time saves record held by former Rochester Knighthawks goalie Pat O'Toole. This Saturday, Matt Vinc can make some history of his own and accomplish something that the top two shot blockers in NLL history never achieved.

The 28 year old can become only the second goalie in NLL history to lead the league in saves three straight seasons. The St. Catharines, Ontario, native would equal the feat set by Knighthawks backstop Steve Dietrich from 1995 to 1997.

"It is definitely an honor to be mentioned in the same category with a few of the leagues all time best," said Vinc. "Especially growing up in the Niagara region, I had the opportunity to watch these goalies dominated the NLL and they were big role models for myself while I played Junior 'A' in St. Catharines."

Vinc enters Saturday's game against the Buffalo Bandits just 26 saves away from passing current NLL leader Mike Poulin (573). Vinc is coming off back-to-back 609-save seasons, which is an NLL record, and 2010 NLL Goalie of the Year honors. Vinc has now recorded 2,752 saves over his six seasons of professional lacrosse.

This season, he ranks first in save percentage (.793), second in saves (548) and third in goals-against average (9.81). The Knighthawks' team MVP has helped the Knighthawks return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Rochester opens the playoffs on Sunday, May 1st at 3:30 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre.

"Our teams focus all year was to get the Knighthawks back into the playoffs in 2011," he said. "Now that we have achieved that we need to focus on what we have to do to beat Toronto."

Vinc was acquired in a blockbuster deal that sent John Grant Jr., Mac Allen and first-round selections in 2011 and 2013 to Colorado. In return, Rochester received Vinc, Matt Zash, the rights to transition man Brad Self, and the Mammoth's first and third-round picks in 2012. It took some adjusting, but Vinc is fitting in just fine these days.

"Our team struggled out of the starting gates as we struggled to find our identity. The first couple weeks were a difficult transition for me as I felt the pressure of being traded for one of the best players of all time and not to mention a Rochester hero," said Vinc. "Our team did a great job making me feel comfortable within the locker room, which eased the pressure on the field. Lately, we have really come together as a team as we bought into the system. We have now started using the game plan that our coaches have been preaching all year."

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