NLL Rochester Knighthawks

WNY Lacrosse Rivalry Heats up Tonight

Published on January 21, 2012 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, January 21)... The Rochester Knighthawks' home opener is set for tonight against the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. The game will be broadcast live on Sportsradio 950 ESPN and www.sportsradio950espn.com.

The game is the 51st installment in the thruway series with the Knighthawks leading the Bandits with a record of 30-20. Last season, Rochester defeated Buffalo 15-9 at HSBC Arena to end the regular season and force a three-way tie atop the East Division.

The Knighthawks will honor their Millionth Fan with a trip for two to Las Vegas (hotel, airfare and $2,000 cash). The Knighthawks will raffle off a second trip to Vegas (hotel and airfare) between the third and fourth quarters. Fans have until halftime to register at the Guest Services Booth. Individual tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The Knighthawks opened the 2012 season last Saturday with one of the best offensive efforts in their 18-year history in a 22-12 win over the Philadelphia Wings. The 22-goal effort was just two goals shy of tying the team record of 24 set in 2002. It tied the team's third highest goal output in franchise history, which was last achieved on January 27, 2007 in a win over New York. Rochester also set a single-game record with 102 penalty minutes.

Mike Accursi (3+7) led a balanced attack that also featured a nine-point effort from Jamieson and an eight-point performance by Hall. Hall scored twice and added six assists to earn Transition Player of the Week honors. Meanwhile, Jamieson tied his career high with four goals, and set career bests in assists (five) and points (nine). Furthermore, Cory Vitarelli scored a career-high five goals in a six-point effort, while Travis Hill got into the goal-scoring column with a career-high two goals. Meanwhile, Johnny Powless scored three times and added two assists, and Stephen Keogh netted two goals and chipped in four assists. Keogh was the second overall pick, while Powless was the fifth selection. Vinc earned the win in goal in a 32-save performance.

In the opening-night win, 15-year pro Mike Accursi had one of the finest nights of his career. Accursi scored three times and added seven assists to tie his single-game high of 10 points. Accursi reached the 100-goal plateau as a Knighthawk and moved into sole possession of eighth place on the NLL's all-time goal-scoring list. If that wasn't enough, he passed Tim Soudan to move into seventh place all-time in team history in assists.

The Knighthawks' home opener features two of the game's most exciting players in Rochester's Jamieson and Buffalo's John Tavares. Jamieson is coming off an impressive rookie campaign that saw him lead the Knighthawks with 28 goals and pace all rookies with 53 points. Tavares is in the midst of his 21st NLL season and stands as the NLL's all-time leader in goals (725), assists (830) and points (1,553). Buffalo avenged its playoff loss to Toronto with a 14-10 win over the Rock last Saturday at the First Niagara Center. Luke Wiles scored a second half hat trick, while Mat Giles and Kevin Buchanan each added a pair of goals in their Bandits' debuts. Tracey Kelusky recorded two goals and three assists to break the 800-point plateau in his NLL career. Buffalo also received a 41-save effort from goalie Mike Thompson.

NEWS AND NOTES:

WINGS AND AWARDS: The Knighthawks will recognize their 2011 NLL awards winners before the game in Owner Curt Styres (NLL General Manager of the Year and NLL Executive of the Year), Mike Hasen (Head Coach of the Year), Jordan Hall (Sportsmanship Award), Pat McCready (Defensive Player of the Year) and Matt Vinc (Goaltender of the Year). During the game, the Knighthawks will hold a "Ghost" wing eating contest. The five contestants will compete for a Distillery prize pack. Go to The Distillery or Knighthawks Facebook pages for more information.

KNIGHTHAWKS TO HONOR CHAMPS: The Knighthawks will also honor Team Rochester for winning the Brogden Cup. Rochester qualified to represent the United States by winning the National Lacrosse Classic this past summer in Maryland. The team is coached by former Knighthawks Craig and Andrew Whipple. Goalies Blaze Riorden and Eric Fischer will lead the Knighthawks out onto the field. Team Rochester will be spotlighted during the third quarter.

WIN A JAMIESON GAME-USED STICK: Cody Jamieson will donate a game-used stick to raise awareness and funds for the Hurricanes Lacrosse "We Got Your Back" anti-bullying campaign. The Reebok 10K was used by "Jammer" in both preseason wins. The Hurricanes will sell $1.00 raffle tickets in the upper atrium lobby when gates open until the end of the third quarter on Saturday, January 21st. The Knighthawks Charitable Foundation, Inc. will donate the net proceeds to the lacrosse organization's anti-bullying effort.

RADIO SHOW: The "No Limits Lacrosse" Show will visit Murphy's Law (370 East Ave.) on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:00 p.m. The show will air on Sportsradio 950 ESPN and www.sportsradio950espn.com on Saturday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m. Fans can meet players, and Amerks and Knighthawks Hall of Famer Jody Gage.

ROAD SHOW: The Knighthawks will embark on one of the toughest weekends of the season, as they visit Toronto and Colorado on back-to-back nights. Rochester takes on the defending champion Rock on Friday January 27th at Toronto 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, January 28th, the Knighthawks head to Denver to battle the Colorado Mammoth at 9:00 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on Sportsradio 950 ESPN and www.sportsradio950espn.com.

NEXT HOME GAME: On Saturday, February 4th, against the Minnesota Swarm at 7:30 p.m. The Knighthawks will give away their Fan Choice bobblehead after holding a fan vote in the preseason. The first 3,000 fans will take home a Chris Schiller bobblehead. The Urology Associates of Rochester will hold their annual Men's Health Night. Fans can bid on special game-worn jerseys on www.gobuyrochester.com.

Check out the Rochester Knighthawks Statistics

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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 21, 2012


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