The Rochester Knighthawks announced their 20-man roster today for the 2016 National Lacrosse League season. The roster has a familiar look to it as 17 of the 20 players are returning from last year’s team. The Knighthawks filled two of the remaining roster spots and half of their four-man practice squad with draft picks.
“It’s a core group that has battled together and trust each other; but at the same time, the young guys have come in, pushed them throughout camp and everyone has earned their spot,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “It’s a group that will come together and will work to prove something to each other, each and every week.”
The active roster includes five-time NLL Goaltender of the Year Matt Vinc, Second Team All-Pro and former NLL MVP Cody Jamieson, and team captain Sid Smith. The offense returns Joe Resetarits and Joe Walters, who are both coming off of career years. They are joined by veteran forwards Craig Point, Stephen Keogh, Jordan Hall and Cory Vitarelli. The big story on offense, however, is the return of Cody Jamieson, who led the team in points again last season.
“It’s great to have Cody back,” said Knighthawks assistant coach Paul Day. “We follow Cody when he goes out the front door. He is our leader and will come back better than before.”
The defensive unit will rely on eight returning players from a year ago. The defensive core includes Smith, Mike Kirk, Scott Campbell, Paul Dawson, Dylan Evans, Ian Llord, Scott Self and Jon Sullivan. The back end will also include two rookies, who were both selected in the 2015 NLL Entry Draft. Graeme Hossack (second overall) and Adam Bomberry (16th overall) were both chosen in the first two rounds and have impressed the coaching staff and the veterans during preseason.
“It’s great to see some young, athletic ‘D’ guys come in and learn a system so quickly,” said Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc. “We added some solid depth to a great group.”
Vinc will be back for his sixth season in Rochester after posting an impressive 9.64 goals-against average and an .803 save percentage in 2015. Vinc was once again honored as the league’s top goalie and was named a First Team All-Pro. Behind Vinc is rookie Brandon Styres, who spent this past season playing in the Canadian Lacrosse League with the Ohsweken Demons. Brandon, who is the son of Owner and GM Curt Styres, was Rochester’s sixth-round selection (55th overall) in the 2013 NLL Entry Draft.
On the practice squad, Rochester has a deep four-man roster which includes two of its top draft picks. The Knighthawks have ninth overall pick Brad Gillies and 14th overall pick Derek Searle available this season to bolster their defense. Offensively, 2015 Knighthawks Rookie of the Year Joel Matthews is back for another season, to go along with rookie Ty Thompson, who joins the Knighthawks after getting drafted by New England in 2014.
The Knighthawks will open their 22nd season on Saturday, Jan. 9th when they host the Colorado Mammoth at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. Fans can purchase single-game tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at ticketmaster.com. For more information, call the Knighthawks Office at (585) 454-HAWK (4295).
The roster breakdown is below.
Forwards (8): Dan Dawson, Jordan Hall, Cody Jamieson, Stephen Keogh, Craig Point, Joe Resetarits, Cory Vitarelli, Joe Walters
Defensemen (10): Adam Bomberry, Scott Campbell, Paul Dawson, Dylan Evans, Graeme Hossack, Mike Kirk, Ian Llord, Scott Self, Sid Smith, Jon Sullivan
Goalies (2): Brandon Styres, Matt Vinc
Practice Squad (4): Brad Gillies, Joel Matthews, Derek Searle, Ty Thompson
Physically Unable to Perform List (2): Angus Goodleaf, Brad Self
