In what has become an annual event, the three-time defending champion Rochester Knighthawks fell to the Minnesota Swarm 14-8 in front of 10,073 fans at The Blue Cross Arena. Tickets for the game were free on a first come first serve basis, just as they did in the past 3 years for the pre-season game.
It’s obvious the focus was on Miles Thompson. Thompson ended the night with 4 goals and 3 assists, all his goals were scored in the first half. One of Thompson’s goals was a laser over the left shoulder of Matt Vinc from about 15 feet away. Kiel Matisz and Jordan MacIntosh scored twice for the Swarm while also playing outstanding back on transition.
There seemed to be instant chemistry with Miles Thompson and Callum Crawford as these two hooked up many times in the first half. Few times they led to goals, others they led to near goals as shots rang off the post and crossbar. Brodie MacDonald and Zach Higgins split the time between the pipes each allowing 4 goals apiece in the victory.
For the Knighthawks, Dan Dawson, Joe Walters and Jordan Hall had 2 goals each in defeat. Gavin Prout had 3 assists in his first action since 2013. Prout sat out last season after being released by the Mammoth. Prout showed a little bit of rust, but that was soon brushed off as he assisted on 3 of the first 4 Knighthawk goals, Prout was also strong in the corners picking up loose balls and leading on the transition at times.
For Jordan Hall, he returns to the Knighthawks after spending the last 2 seasons with the Philadelphia Wings (now New England Black Wolves). Needless to say when he took the floor for his first shift, the fans of Rochester welcomed him back
Cody Jamieson who only played the first half and Chris Attwood who was playing in his first ever NLL game also netted goals for the Knighthawks.
Draft pick Zach Williams held his own at the face-off, and had at least one breakaway and also showcased his speed.
Rochester rotated four goaltenders in this contest. Matt Vinc played the first 26 minutes allowing 6 goals, Agnus Goodleaf played the next 15 minutes allowing 4 goals, Don Alton played 10 minutes allowing 2 goals and Brandon Styres played the final 9 minutes allowing 1 goal (and 1 empty net).
The Swarm seem to have aot of the pieces in place. Both Higgins and MacDonald played well in goal. Miles Thompson lived up to the billing by registering 7 points, along with geling very well with the veterans. It should be interesting t see if this carries over into the regular season. Swarm are back at it again, at noon today as they face the Calgary Roughnecks.
Rochester will face the Rock in Montreal on December 14 for there second pre-season matchup. This will give the coaches one last final look at who they like to keep on the 20 man active/4 practice squad roster.
