Tonight the Rochester Knighthawks open up year 22 of the franchise as they host the Colorado Mammoth. The Mammoth are coming off a New Year’s Day victory over the Georgia Swarm 16-15. Former Knighthawk John Grant Jr. scored the game winner.
Five new Hawks will make their debut tonight—Brad Gillies, Derek Searle, Graeme Hossack and Adam Bomberry, all defensemen taken in this year’s draft made the 20 man active roster. The fifth is goaltender Brandon Styres. Styres is the son of Owner and General Manager Cert Styres. Brandon was the 55th overall selection in 2013, and will back up Matt Vinc.
Cody Jamieson returns to the lineup just 7 1/2 months after surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Out since game one of the Eastern final playoff game and having to miss the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, there is no doubt that Jamieson is bouncing off the walls to get back into action.
Colorado comes in with their normal arsenal and the fire power was there last week. Adam Jones (3G/4A), John Grant Jr (2G/5A), Jeremy Noble (2G/4A) and new addition Callum Crawford (2G/4A). Alex Buque played strong in goal last week and will look to keep it going this week against Rochester’s army.
For the Knighthawks, no change on the offense. Walters, Dawson, Point, Jamieson, Keogh, Jamieson and Joe Resetarits who has found the fountain of early youth last year after being sent down I-90 from Buffalo. Matt Vinc will take his spot between the pipes once again. With four new additions on the defense, there is no doubt the defense will be tested early.
This will be a rough week for the Knighthawks. After tonight’s game they will have a home and home set with the Toronto Rock. They will travel to Toronto for a Thursday night game and then return home for a Saturday night game. Both will start at 7:30.
