It’s training camp time in the NLL. That means it is time for teams to get down and dirty and make the cuts they need to. While teams will need their rosters trimmed to 23 before December 20th, lots will happen between now and then. We will be looking at training camp rosters and news throughout the next month, starting with the previews.
The Rochester Knighthawks are coming off of an NLL Championship, but their roster looks different heading into this season. Can they repeat as Champions in the nine team league?
Players Gone
Jarrett Davis (Edmonton), Pat McCready (Retired), Tim O’Brien (Inactive)
Davis is the big offensive loss here, as the Hawks traded him to Edmonton for Rabil. Rumors around the lacrosse world indicate that Pat McCready will retire, but some say he is still on the fence. O’Brien is no longer on the Hawks roster.
* = Possibility
Players Brought In
Paul Rabil (Edmonton), Casey Powell (Hold Out), Joel McCready (Hold Out), Mark Farthing (Draft), Matt Hummell (Draft), Cody McLeod (Draft), Cody Hawkins (Draft), Miller Rusbridge (Free Agent), Jake Kacprzak (Free Agent), Chris Attwood (Draft), Torrey Van Every (Free Agent), Chris Courtney (Free Agent), Ben Van Every (Free Agent), Jordan Van Damme (Free Agent), Tommy Montour (Free Agent), Ian Llord (Free Agent)
Rabil and Powell are still on the hold out list. Powell has stated that he will sign once he receives a contract. No reason to think Rabil will not play seeing he was vying for a trade out east. Meanwhile, Joel McCready held out last year and is the subject of trade rumors out west, but he is activated and there is a chance he plays in Rochester this year.
Offense
The left side doesn’t have a lot of players, but it does have a lot of skill. Cody Jamieson is the leader for the Knighthawks, and he is joined by second year player Johnny Powless and Cory Vitarelli, along with free agent signee Torey Van Every. Jamieson led the team in scoring with 85 points and was fourth in the league. He was fifth in the NLL in goals scored with 36.
On the right, they are led by Casey Powell. Joining him is veteran Mike Accursi and second year player Stephen Keogh. Accursi was the team’s second highest scorer at 66 points.
Craig Point and Alex Kedoh Hill are also on the right side, along with Dylan Evans. Late round draft choice Chris Attwood will have a chance to fight for a spot along with free agent Jordan Van Damme.
Defense
McCready would be a tough loss for the defense. However, the unit remains very strong with Brad Self, Mike Kirk, Rory Glaves, Ryan Cousins, Scott Campbell, Sid Smith and Kyle Laverty. Also returning and Jamie Batson and Tyler Burton who will get a second crack at making the Hawks roster. Self forced 20 turnovers last season to lead the team.
Rookies Cody Hawkins, Mark Farthing, Matt Hummell and Cody McLeod also have a shot. Meanwhile, they have brought in free agents Jake Kacprzak, Miller Rusbridge and Ian Llord. Kacprzak has played with the Rochester Greywolves in the CanAm league while Rusbridge has played in MSL with Brampton and CLax with Peel. Llord was a member of the Buffalo Bandits last season.
Transition
Rabil will be the leader of this unit, assuming he signs and plays and there are no problems. Joe Walters should be due for a big season after a solid summer in Peterborough and also in Hamilton in Major League Lacrosse.
Joel White should also step up this season after a good season with MLL’s Rattlers. Thomas Montour was brought in from Buffalo as a free agent and could be a good veteran addition to the roster. McCready was also activated and Travis Hill is an undrafted veteran who saw time in Rochester last year.
Jordan Hall should also be back from an ACL tear he sustained last season. He had 31 points last season in ten games.
Goaltending
Matt Vinc is the man in Rochester and no one will really change that. The backup for now is Jack Henhawk who played for team USA at the Bowhunter Cup but Ben Van Every was also brought in as a free agent. Vinc was second in the NLL with 583 saves in 2012.
