Tonight is the third annual Bowhunter Cup, which will be held in Rochester at the Blue Cross Arena, home to the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League.
In the first Bowhunter Cup two years ago, USA came out with a win, their first win ever against the Iroquois Nationals in international play. Last season, the Nationals came out with the win.
This year, USA looks to get their second win in I guess what you would call “neutral” territory. Rochester is American, but also the home of many Natives. Both rosters are stacked with the best players from their respective nations.
On offense, the best American indoor lacrosse player ever, Casey Powell, leads the offense. Along the way is Joe Walters (Rochester Knighthawks and Hamilton Nationals), Grant Catalino (Long Island Lizards), David Earl (Nationals), Joe Resetarits (Nationals, Calgary Roughnecks) and Brett Queener (Nationals).
On defense is recognizable names such as Mitch Belisle (Minnesota Swarm, Boston Cannons) and Kyle Hartzell (Philadelphia Wings, Ohio Machine). Also, field lax players Matt Lovejoy and Mike Manley. Transition is led by Ryan Hotaling, who played in the NLL with the Boston Blazers, and Joel White (Rochester Rattlers).
Jake Henhawk and Erik Miller are the goaltenders. Henhawk is a backup with the Knighthawks and Miller was last on the Blazers practice squad.
Cody Jamieson, the leading scorer of the Knighthawks, will be the leader on offense for Iroquois. Brett Bucktooth (Washington Stealth), Craig Point (Knighthawks), Johnny Powless (Knighthawks) and Andy Secore (Edmonton Rush).
Jeff Shattler (Calgary Roughnecks), who was the 2011 NLL MVP, will be the leader on transition, but make no mistake, he can also pop a few into the back of the net. In his unit is  Sid Smith (Knighthawks), Jeremy Thompson (Bandits), Brandon Francis (Bandits), and Holdon Vyse (Bandits).
The biggest advantage for the Iroquois comes in the goaltending position. Mike Thompson, who just retired from the NLL and MSL, is playing in what will be his last competitive lacrosse game, and he has been on fire in his last few games.
Tune in to the pre game show on The Lacrosse Radio Network brought to you by Lax Nuttz at 6pm.
