NLL Pre Season Preview: Roughnecks Take on Knighthawks

The Calgary Roughnecks and the Rochester Knighthawks will close out their respective pre-season schedules in a Sunday game at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. This marks the third and final exhibition game for each team before final rosters will be set Monday at 12 p.m. ET.

Calgary heads into the matchup currently undefeated in exhibition play. The Roughnecks squeezed out a 9-8 win over the Vancouver Stealth to begin the pre season. On Saturday, the Riggers had a convincing 19-9 win over the Minnesota Swarm at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre.

Dane Dobbie led Calgary with five goals in the victory over the Swarm, while second-year Roughneck Matthew Dinsdale added a hat-trick. Dobbie and Dinsdale have stood out offensively for Calgary, also leading the team in their pre-season opener with three and two goals, respectively. Shawn Evans and Daryl Veltman scored twice in the win, as did rookie hopeful and Calgary native Brett Baron.

After the Knighthawks dropped their first exhibition game to the Minnesota Swarm in a last second 16-15 loss, Rochester was able to even their record with a 12-6 win over the Toronto Rock on Saturday.

Dan Dawson carried Rochester in the win with seven points (2g, 5a) bringing his preseason point total to 13 (3g, 10a). Cory Vitarelli has also been impressive for Rochester with four goals and five assists for nine exhibition points. After splitting time with Brandon Styres and the since released Ian Duffy against the Swarm, Matt Vinc played the duration of the game versus the Rock. The Knighthawks added another goalie to the mix this week with the signing of formerly retired tender Mikey Thompson.

Face-off for Sunday’s game is set for 11 a.m. ET, with free entry open to the public.