NLL: Knighthawks Take Flight with Vets at Controls
from press release
The Rochester Knighthawks could have as many as 12 new players
in their lineup this season after a busy offseason by Owner and
General Manager Curt Styres. With the season just two weeks away,
the K-Hawks announced a retooled roster set at making a run in the
2010 Champion’s Cup Playoffs.
“We had to make some tough decisions. We are so deep on
offense and defense that it’s tough for young guys to come in
and play,” said Styres. “We have a lot of veterans on
the team and it’s always good to have a mix of experienced
guys with one or two young guys.”
Rochester heads into the season with a very seasoned group,
boasting 12 players that will begin their fifth season or better.
In fact, seven of those players have played a decade or more in the
NLL. With the roster set, Rochester will now prepare to open their
16th season on Saturday, Jan. 9 against the Buffalo Bandits.
“I am happy with the commitment level of the players on the
roster,” said Styres.
Two of the keys players returning to the team this season include
John Grant and Scott Evans, who both missed last season with
injuries. In 2009, the Knighthawks were without their top two
scorers, which accounted for 91 goals in 2008.
Rochester also added Cory Bomberry, Peter Jacobs and Andrew Potter
to the offense. “Bomber” enters his 14th season in the
NLL and has 231 goals and 408 assists in 175 games. He played in
Rochester from 1997 to 2003 and won the ’97 Cup with the
K-Hawks. Jacobs arrives in Rochester after playing in 27 games with
the Portland LumberJax in two seasons and recorded 31 goals, 21
assists and 94 loose balls. Potter adds some scoring to the
Knighthawks’ offense. This summer, he led the Ontario
Lacrosse Association Junior "A" circuit with 125 points (51g, 74a)
in 22 games. They will complement returning forwards Shawn
Williams, Shawn Evans, Gary Gait, Craig Point, Jason Henhawk and
Jamie Rooney.
The defense/transition team also underwent some changes with the
addition of first-overall pick Sid Smith, Scott Ditzell (after one
year off) and Kevin Fines (Minnesota). They join a lineup that
includes stars like Steve Toll, Chris Schiller, Mac Allen, Bobby
McBride, Joe Walters, Joel McCready and Kyle Laverty. Toll begins
his 13th season in the league and ranks third in NLL history with
1,318 loose balls. Toll leads the Big Three on defense that also
includes veterans Schiller (ninth season) and Laverty (10th
season).
In goal, Pat O’Toole returns for his 16th season of
professional lacrosse and 12th as a member of the Knighthawks. He
is second in league history in saves (6,093) and is just 264 away
from breaking Dallas Eliuk’s league record of 6,356. He is
joined by goalie Aaron Bold, who was acquired from Minnesota in the
offseason. In his career, Bold has a record of 5-4, and owns an
11.87 goals-against average. He signed a three-year deal with
Rochester today.
The practice features newcomers Brandon Turner (Coquitlam) and
Donny Moss (Long Island-MLL). Veteran goalie Jake Henhawk rounds
out the Knighthawks’ practice squad. Newly acquired Matt
Danowski was placed on the team’s protected list. In other
news, forward Ken Millin announced his retirement.
