“It feels great to be a part of this team for the next three seasons,” he said. “We have a great veteran team with a great chance to win every year.”
Goodleaf will enter his seventh season in the National Lacrosse League in 2016. In his three seasons in Rochester, the veteran goalie has recorded a 4-1 record, an impressive 7.27 goals-against average and an .836 save percentage. Goodleaf, who arrived in Rochester prior to the 2013 season, was also a member of the Knighthawks’ last two Champion’s Cup teams.
“Winning any championship is special, but winning two in a row with this team is something I’ll always remember,” he said. “I’m happy to have been a part of it.”
The 28-year-old has flourished with the Knighthawks, not only winning titles, but reaching single season and career milestones. In 2015, he tied his career high with two wins as he teamed with Matt Vinc to lead the Knighthawks to a 12-6 record and a second place finish in the East Division.
His first victory of the season was on January 31st, as he entered the game in the third quarter and stopped 11 of 12 shots in a 17-11 win over Buffalo. Goodleaf was then stellar in his first start of the season, turning aside 32 shots on April 25th in a 12-5 win over New England.
“‘Gussy’ is able to step in and make the saves we need,” said Knighthawks defenseman Mike Kirk. “He has been a big part of our recent success both on and off the floor.”
Goodleaf’s importance, however, cannot only be measured in milestones and statistics.
“He comes with that giant smile of his. He is a great team guy,” said Knighthawks defenseman Scott Campbell. “He is a very quality backup who can jump in and stop the ball, arguably, as well as Matt (Vinc). He is ready to go at all times.”
Goodleaf had one of his finest years in 2014. That season, he finished the season with the highest save percentage in team history at .840. He also equaled his career best with 42 saves in a 12-9 late-season win over Minnesota, which allowed him to notch a career high in wins.
“He is a really good goalie. If you see the games he has come into in relief, he has won us a couple of games over the past few years,” said Knighthawks defenseman Paul Dawson. “It takes a special guy to back up Matt Vinc because you never know about playing time. But he takes it in stride and when he is called upon, he is amazing. I am glad he is signed for another couple of years.”
Now a two-time NLL champion, the native of Kahnawake (Mohawk Nation) arrived in Rochester after spending three season in Buffalo. Goodleaf brought with him impressive credentials after achieving success in Major Series Lacrosse and on the international scene. In 2011, Goodleaf won a silver medal with the Iroquois Nationals at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships. The previous season, he won his first championship by raising the Mann Cup with the Peterborough Lakers of Major Series Lacrosse.
Goodleaf, who is currently playing for the Six Nations Chiefs, was thrilled to stay in Rochester and embark on his fourth season with the Knighthawks.
“The season is still a few months away, but I’m excited and ready to get this season started,” he said.
