The Rochester Knighthawks announced their 20-man roster for the beginning of the 2015 National Lacrosse League season.
The active roster includes 16 players from the 2014 NLL Championship team, including Team Captain Sid Smith, 2014 NLL MVP Cody Jamieson and fellow assistant captain Mike Kirk, 2014 Championship Game MVP Dan Dawson and four-time NLL Goaltender of the Year Matt Vinc. The defensive unit features the most returning players with nine. Besides Smith and Kirk, the back-end includes Jamie Batson, Scott Campbell, Paul Dawson, Dylan Evans, Ian Llord, Scott Self and Jon Sullivan.
“We still have a hungry group here who’s looking to compete and lay it on the line for the Knighthawks,” said Rochester Head Coach Mike Hasen.
Highlighting the new additions to the roster are veterans Jordan Hall and Aaron Wilson. Hall was reacquired in the offseason and brings versatility to the team with his ability to play offense and transition. Wilson arrived in Rochester Wednesday after a stellar 12-year career, which included a stop in Rochester in 2009. Wilson has collected 628 points and two Champion’s Cups during his time in the NLL.
“They are two quality team-first guys,” said Hasen. “They create chances for their teammates, which turns into opportunities for them.”
The Knighthawks also signed rookie forward Chris Attwood and transition man Zac Reid. Both former draft picks had fantastic summer seasons and are looking to make their marks as professionals. The practice squad also includes newcomers Justin Pychel, Mitch Dumont and Zach Williams. Pychel spent the past two seasons in Vancouver, while Dumont and Williams are signing with their first NLL team.
The team will practice together Sunday to prepare for the home and season opener on January 3rd.
“It seems like it’s been a long Training Camp already, but we will put our practices to good use,” said Hasen. “It will be the first opportunity we will have to have the entire team on the floor together.”
The Knighthawks host the Toronto Rock on Saturday, January 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. Fans can also 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 (7): Chris Attwood, Dan Dawson, Cody Jamieson, Craig Point, Cory Vitarelli, Joe Walters, Aaron Wilson
Transition (2): Zac Reid, Jordan Hall
Defensemen (9): Jamie Batson, Scott Campbell, Paul Dawson, Dylan Evans, Mike Kirk, Ian Llord, Scott Self, Sid Smith, Jon Sullivan
Goalies (2): Angus Goodleaf, Matt Vinc
Practice Squad (3): Mitch Dumont, Justin Pychel, Zach Williams
Physically unable to Perform List (2): Stephen Keogh, Brad Self
