2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Book

2014 ROCHESTER KNIGHTHAWKS

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward Lewis Staats........................2-3 Stories Mike Accursi........................4-5 Mac Allen............................6-7 Jamie Batson.......................8-9 Scott Campbell................10-11 Tom Cincebox..................12-13 Bruce Clark......................14-15 Dan Dawson....................16-17 Paul Dawson...................18-19 Paul Day..........................20-21

Chris Driscoll...................22-23 Dylan Evans.....................24-25 Jody Gage.......................26-27 Paul Gait.........................28-29 Derek General.................30-31 Angus Goodleaf...............32-33 Wenster Green................34-35 Mike Hasen.....................36-37 Kevin Hill.........................38-39 Brian Hobart...................40-41 Derek Hopcroft................42-43 Cody Jamieson................44-45 Jason Johnson.................46-47

Stephen Keogh................48-49 Mike Kirk.........................50-51 Ian Llord..........................52-53 Joel McCready.................54-55 Landon Miller..................56-57 Ted Nolan........................58-59 Pat O’Toole......................60-61 Craig Point......................62-63 Johnny Powless...............64-65 Andy Secore....................66-67 Brad Self.........................68-69 Scott Self.........................70-71 Sid Smith........................72-73

Curt Styres.......................74-75 Jon Sullivan.....................76-77 Matt Vinc.........................78-79 Cory Vitarelli....................80-81 Joe Walters......................82-83 Mark White.....................84-85 Front Office.....................86-87 Support Staff...................88-89 2014 Photo Gallery.........90-91 2013 Photo Gallery.........92-93 2012 Photo Gallery.........94-95

Writers: Craig Rybczynski Casey Vock Stephen Stamp Andrea Chevalier Travis Larner Jeremy Pike Brian Antonio

Photographers: Dr. Bob Hathaway Ward Laforme Jr. Larry Palumbo Pedro Ugalde Micheline Veluvolu

Layout and Design: Eric Rhew

Book Contributors Editors: Suzanne Hathaway Craig Rybczynski Amy Rybczynski Colton Seeberg

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 1

HISTORY IS MADE!

By Lewis Staats

History is made! Those three words have such a profound meaning. It’s hard to believe, even now, as I reflect back and say we were part of professional lacrosse history.

When my wife Wendy and I arrived in Rochester in the summer of 2008, we were excited about being in the professional sports business, but making history was the last thing on our mind. My friend Curt Styres had asked me a few years back if I would be willing to help him out if he ever decided to get into professional lacrosse. Having had the opportunity to work closely with Curt in my role as President of the Six Nations Arrows, and seeing the success we had managed to achieve with our Junior “A” lacrosse program, I told him I was definitely interested should his dream ever materialize.

When Curt came to Rochester in 2008, he purchased majority interest in both the Rochester Americans and the Rochester Knighthawks. By 2011, Curt made the decision to sell the Rochester Americans AHL hockey team to the Buffalo Sabres. Many people actually thought that Curt had come to Rochester because he wanted to own the Americans, but he actually came looking to get into the professional lacrosse business, and ended up in the hockey business as well.

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But that all changed in the summer of 2011. After the sale of the Americans, we were “all lacrosse all the time” in the Rochester market. That summer, for the first time, we focused all our time and effort on the Knighthawks, and readied ourselves for the 2012 season. It was an exciting time in the Rochester Knighthawks organization for sure. But we had no idea that it was the beginning of something historic.

On the floor the Knighthawks management team had made many bold player moves from 2008 to 2011. Curt, in his role as owner and general manager, had laid the groundwork for what he believed was needed to be successful and to have the best opportunity to win the championship. He rallied everyone in the organization around the concept of family. ‘Treat everyone like you would treat a member of your own family’ was his mantra.

The team took that mantra to another level, and rallied around the theme of being a “wolf pack”. When the final horn sounded inside the War Memorial Arena in downtown Rochester on May 19th to end the 2012 season, the Knighthawks were crowned NLL champions, winning their first championship since 2007, and our first with Curt at the helm. This victory was historic to the city of Rochester as well, being the first time in franchise history that the Knighthawks had won the championship in front of their hometown fans.

The 2013 season in Rochester began with raising the 2012 championship banner into the rafters of the War Memorial. Wendy and I have a great picture of me at the bannerraising ceremony with our grandson, Thomas, who was out on the floor with me that night. It is one of those fond memories of sharing what we achieved with our own families, as well as our lacrosse family.

The Knighthawks were the reigning NLL champions going into the 2013 season, and like in any professional sport, all the opposing teams raised their level of play a notch to try and knock off the champs. 2013 proved to be a fairly up and down regular season for the Knighthawks, as we ended the season with an 8-8 record. In fact, our chance to get into the playoffs came down to the final regular season game played in Buffalo against our archrival, the Buffalo Bandits. Whoever won the game was in; whoever lost the game was out. We eked out a nail-biting 10-9 victory and qualified for the playoffs, which gave us a chance to defend our 2012 championship title. When the dust settled from the 2013 NLL playoffs and the Champions Cup was presented in Langley, BC it was once again Knighthawks’ captain Sid Smith raising the trophy.

The Knighthawks were “back-to-back” world champions.

Little did we know December 27, 2013 marked the beginning of what would prove to be a historic 2014 NLL season for the Knighthawks. Just as it was the previous year, the season got underway at the War Memorial Arena with the “wolf pack” raising their 2013 back-to-back championship banner to the rafters. Although it was universally known that no team in the previous 27 year history of the NLL had won three championships in a row, those words were never spoken in the Knighthawks locker room.

2014 proved to be a much different regular season than the previous two years had been. The Knighthawks were in first place in the Eastern division for the whole season, and were looking to have home floor advantage in the playoffs, instead of having to worry about just getting into the playoffs, as had been the case in both 2012 and 2013.

And as fate would have it, the Knighthawks ended up hosting the 2014 NLL championship game in Rochester. In what has been described by many who were there as the most exciting championship game they have ever attended, the Knighthawks prevailed over the Calgary Roughnecks with a heart-stopping, last-minute comeback victory.

And there it was – history had been made! The Rochester Knighthawks were backto-back-to-back NLL world champions, a feat never before accomplished by any other team in NLL history.

As Wendy and I reflect on our time in Rochester, I think even further back to all the years we were (and still are) involved with the Arrows back home at Six Nations. My mom recalls quite often back in the early years how we had to take the lacrosse balls after practice and wash them so they would be nice and white for the games on Sunday, because we couldn’t afford to buy new balls for each game. Those are the types of memories that make me appreciate even more what we have accomplished here in Rochester.

As you might expect, everyone involved with the Knighthawks 2014 historic season has their own memories and stories to tell, and that is what this book is all about. Sit back and enjoy their stories, and hopefully when you’re finished reading, you will feel like you too, are part of history.

Lewis Staats - President

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WINNING A FAMILY TRADITION FOR ACCURSI

By Craig Rybczynski

When Mike Accursi was 9 years old, he switched sports to follow his older brother, Chad. So, that summer, he left behind T-ball to pursue his new sport, lacrosse. It was a decision that would shape the rest of his life.

“He wanted to try lacrosse and, of course, being the younger brother, I wanted to do what he did,” noted Mike. “I said, ‘No’ to baseball, and strapped on the pads. I fell in love with the game and I have never looked back.”

Thirty years later, Mike Accursi has reached legendary status in professional lacrosse. His awards, clutch playoff performances and championships set him apart from the thousands of others who have played in the National Lacrosse League.

Mike credits his family with giving him the strength to play pro lacrosse for 17 seasons. As one of five kids, Mike remembers his parents, Gary and Mall, driving him to practices and games for the teams he played for in the small community of Pelham, Ontario.

“Any parent who has a kid involved in sports knows the commitment that it takes to drive back and forth to the arena. They are there to hug you when you lose and there to cheer your successes. My mom and dad were always very supportive,” said Mike. “They traveled around and saw me play in all the different arenas. When I was in the NLL, they would fly down or drive to the games and watch me. To have them there is special. They are a huge part of who I am.”

Like most Canadian families, the Accursi household was filled with trips to and from hockey and lacrosse games and tournaments. To encourage their kids’ newfound interest in lacrosse, Mike’s dad built a net for his three boys so they could practice at home. It was very competitive as younger brothers Mike and Paul tried to keep up with their older brother, Chad. Their love for lacrosse was evident by the holes and broken windows in the family’s barn from errant shots. The boys were so enthusiastic about lacrosse that even they slept with their sticks.

“It was great. We have two daughters, who are younger, who came along for the ride as well. There was a lot of family time together, especially when we went away to tournaments,” said Mike’s dad. “We spent weekends together and everybody developed a circle of friends among the team parents and players. It was a time we look back on now very fondly. It was a wonderful time.”

While his parents watched, Mike took his game to Brock University and eventually to the NLL in 1998 with the Ontario Raiders. He would make stops in Syracuse, Buffalo, Edmonton and Rochester.

In 237 games, he scored 391 goals, while adding 436 assists for 827 points. His postseason numbers are off the charts as he ranks third in the NLL in goals (58), fourth in games played (26) and fifth in points (99). Yet, as Gary pointed out, Mike does not dwell on his personal achievements.

“I think he has achieved what most players can only dream of achieving. He has been very consistent in his play. He’s always been there for the team, not there just to glorify himself,” he said. “He has always put the team first. He made a commitment to the sport and has followed it, in our estimation. Both my wife and I are extremely proud of what he has accomplished as a player and as a human being.”

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Gary was quick to mention that he was most proud of the way Mike has conducted himself off the field with his family.

“He is a great father and a good husband. He is a good son and he puts his kids first,” he said. “We are very proud of that as well, first and foremost. The athleticism and his accomplishments (as a player) are secondary.”

Mike’s wife, Julie, has been there for almost his entire career, meeting him while she was a woman’s lacrosse player at Brock University. It was obvious that Mike, who was playing in the NLL and coaching university lacrosse at the time, had a passion for the game. The couple has been married for 13 years and along the way have added a son, Carter, and twin daughters, Abigail and Isabella.

“His passion is what I love about him,” said Julie. “I knew what I was getting into when I married him. As his wife, I want to be there to support him.”

His wife and son have witnessed six of the championships: a Mann Cup and five Champion’s Cups. Family photos around a championship trophy have become an Accursi tradition. The first photo of the father-son duo was in 2004 when Mike won the Mann Cup with the Peterborough Lakers. A three-month-old Carter sat in the Cup to get a picture with his dad as they shared the championship moment. The photo is still tacked up on Carter’s bedroom wall. It was no surprise then that after the Knighthawks knocked off the Calgary Roughnecks, Mike and Carter lifted the Cup at midfield for a photo.

“To have him there on the floor is magical. When you get older it’s the reason you still play. You play for your family and your kids,” said Mike. “(It’s great) to have them see what you can do when you put your heart and mind to it. You hope they take the lessons, they enjoy them and remember them. It’s great to have my kids there, and my wife is a part of that.”

Eric Vinc, who has known Accursi for 15 years, has always been impressed by the way Mike has found the time to spend with his family.

“He works really hard to give those kids the best life he possibly can. He became a role model (of mine) by just watching how hard he worked to get what he wanted,” said Eric. “It’s not easy being a family man when you are traveling all the time, but he still does it.”

Eric and his famous younger brother, Matt Vinc, are two of Mike’s best friends. The trio first met while working summer jobs at Favero Roofing, which was a rite of passage for local Junior “A” lacrosse players. Incredibly, all three friends eventually chose the same career paths as educators and lacrosse coaches. Matt, the youngest of the group at 32 years old, was inspired by Accursi after playing for him at Holy Cross Secondary School in St. Catharines, Ontario.

“Mike is one of the main reasons why I pursued teaching and playing lacrosse,” said Vinc. “When I was graduating high school and he was starting teaching, I envied his lifestyle and thought it was one that I would love to have.”

After high school, Vinc took his game to Canisius College before making the jump to professional lacrosse. In the fall of 2010, he joined the Knighthawks after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with Colorado. Just a month earlier, Accursi returned to the Knighthawks for his second stint with the team. After the two were reunited, they began

carpooling to games and practices. Accursi eventually joined Matt and Eric in the weight room.

“The brothers continued to push me and (made me) believe I could still do it,” he said.

“They motivated me to be better.”

As a result, Accursi remained an elite forward in the NLL, providing timely goals and leadership during Rochester’s championship runs. His determination was inspiring to his workout partners.

“Mike is the hardest worker I know,” said Eric. “His mindset is very determined. He has been injured either roofing or playing lacrosse, but he doesn’t say anything. He just keeps on going.”

“Mike is one of the hardest working people I know and is willing to do whatever it takes for the Knighthawks to be successful,” said Matt.

His influence on the Knighthawks’ franchise can be measured in championships, as he has been a part of four of the team’s five Champion’s Cups over his seven seasons in Rochester. Accursi won his first championship with the Knighthawks in 2007. That win in Arizona started a string of titles that has also included a 2008 Cup with the Buffalo Bandits, and the record run of three consecutive championships with Rochester.

This season, Accursi once again showed his commitment to the team, as he seamlessly transitioned from player to player personnel at the request of the Knighthawks lacrosse staff. For six weeks, he evaluated players, reviewed game films and assisted with practices. Then a funny thing happened on the way to Edmonton.

With the team preparing to depart for a first-place showdown with the Rush, Accursi was asked to play a different role – one he was very familiar with.

“I never thought that would happen. I thought what was done, was done,” he said. “I looked forward to continuing to work with the team in a different capacity and still being part of the Rochester Knighthawks organization.”

But following the team’s January 25th game in Buffalo, Owner and General Manager Curt Styres told Accursi to be ready.

“When Curt came to me after the game and told me I better bring my gear Wednesday (to practice), I thought he was joking,” said Accursi. “Then he called me on the way home and said, ‘By the way, I wasn’t joking. Bring your gear on Wednesday.’ It was exciting. I loved playing and still love playing. To have that opportunity was great.”

On February 1st, Accursi made the move from Team Operations/Assistant Coordinator back to the right side of the offense. In his first game back, he scored one goal and added one assist against Edmonton. Accursi played in four games with the Knighthawks as the team went 3-1 with him in the lineup. He scored five times and collected one assist, as

Rochester stormed through the regular season and captured the East Division title.

His ability to jump back into the lineup impressed his teammates. It seemed that with each game, Accursi was getting better. In his second game back, he scored twice to help the Knighthawks defeat the Buffalo Bandits 9-6. His most important goal, however, was on March 1st in Denver, when he netted the game winner in an 11-9 victory over Colorado.

“He showed that he could come back and fit right in. He made the seamless transition back into the lineup,” said fellow forward Cody Jamieson. “He is a true leader and has that confidence in himself that he can get the job done.”

“He was able to provide the steady leadership qualities that he has always had,” added Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “He can step in and play on any given night. He is still one of the best righties in the game.”

After the game in Colorado, Accursi moved back to the front office. In team history, he now ranks third in assists (222) and points (364), and seventh in goals (142). For the remainder of the 2014 season, Accursi was back on the floor working with the team and putting in hours reviewing video, and coordinating offfield logistics with VP of Operations Tracy Johnson. All the team’s hard work led them back to the NLL Championship. In a thrilling three-game series, the Knighthawks edged the Calgary Roughnecks to keep the Cup in Rochester.

“We had a committed group of guys that I think most teams don’t have,” he said. “We have teamwork and a team ethic that every other team should respect and hope to model. It was a job well done, but that excitement is something you never get tired of and you always want to be a part of.”

The victory gave Accursi his fifth NLL Championship in the past seven years. On May 31st, his wife and kids were by his side in Rochester to congratulate him on another successful season.

“It was good to see him (win) and good knowing there is another role he can have with the team. He can still be successful and still be a part of their wins, especially a big one like a championship,” said Mike’s wife, Julie. “Hopefully, he can continue to contribute on the bench and on the administrative side of things.”

As Mike looked back on the great comeback in the mini-game to bring Rochester another championship, he thanked his family for their support once again. It was his wife and kids that helped win the 2014 Championship, and it was tough for him to put his gratitude into words.

“My wife and kids, who basically say goodbye to their dad on Friday and welcome him home on Sunday, allow me to do something I love to do,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough.”

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DETERMINED ALLEN WINS FIRST CUP

By Stephen Stamp

It takes a special type of athlete to start playing lacrosse late in high school and then only a few years later play in the National Lacrosse League. But Mac Allen, who has always been a gifted and determined athlete, pulled off just that.

Allen took up the game at the urging of his high school buddy and still best friend, Wesley McDonald. Shortly after high school, Allen was playing Junior “A” for Toronto, where his fellow Beaches included current Knighthawks teammates Stephen Keogh and Derek Hopcroft. Now, the trio are Champion’s Cup winners.

Allen, who is one of the strongest players in the NLL, showed his athleticism early in life. Coming from a family of five brothers, there was plenty of opportunity for competition.

“Mac always set the tone from an early age with his athletic ability and intensity to be No. 1,” said his brother Strat. “We have a family cottage up in Peterborough where our grandfather set up a race on the big stretch of lawn. Mac was about 10, and our older brother Will, who was 12, thought for sure he was going to win. With our entire extended family watching, Mac guaranteed victory with the confidence of Mark Messier in his prime.”

There is photographic evidence of what ensued.

“Their mother took a picture of them racing across the yard, a picture of all five of them,” Allen’s father, Dave, recalled. “The look of determination on Mac’s face is quite telling.”

As Strat remembers it, the victory was decisive.

“The guy blew the race open and was raising his arms in victory, having a Popsicle® as the rest of us passed the finish line,” he said.

While Dave says the Popsicle® may be an embellishment, Mac definitely won the race, creating family lore in the process. He has continued to excel over the years. Allen earned a reputation as a tough customer and a solid defender on the lacrosse floor during his junior years from 2004-06, enticing the Peterborough Lakers to select him in the Major Series Lacrosse Draft. He started his major career with a bang, winning the Mann Cup with the Lakers in 2007. That was the first of three he would earn with the team.

Another classic Mac Allen story unfolded during the 2012 Mann Cup. Athan Iannucci was ripping it up for the Langley Thunder, scoring 14 goals in the first four games as the Thunder and Lakers split the first four games. After the game, Allen told his dad, “Well, I’m going to cover him.” Allen took on Iannucci in the final two games of the series and limited the Thunder star to one goal as the Lakers took the Cup in six games. It’s not unusual for Allen to check an opponent’s star player.

“Mac is one of our strongest defensemen and is usually put on one of the top offensive guys,” said Hopcroft. “He is a big presence out on the floor and communicates well with his teammates.”

“He’s a gritty defender who makes players hate playing against him. He is a really strong defender, which makes it hard for guys to beat him,” said Keogh. “The best thing about him is that he is a great dressing room guy who likes to get the guys smiling and joking. But when it comes to game time, he is all business.”

Keogh admitted it’s great to be able to play with a teammate and friend from the Junior “A” days. As Allen’s game has grown over the years, so has his ability to help teammates. The combination of athleticism and team-first mentality makes him one of those guys you want to play with.

“A guy like Mac will give you tips and tell you things you can work on and help you develop, which I think helped my confidence this year,” said Keogh. “He is a player I think players hate to play against, but love to have on their team.”

Allen came by his athletic ability honestly. His father played college football and was drafted to the Canadian Football League, but didn’t get to play pro ball because he suffered a career-ending injury at his first Training Camp. The family on Mac’s mother Patty-Anne’s side were all accomplished athletes as well, particularly in hockey, which was Mac’s first love. All of the Allen boys were active and participated in sports, but it was clear that Mac was special in that area.

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“Mac was the athletic fire of our family from an early age,” said Mac’s brother Strat.

“Although I was a star childhood athlete myself, Mac had an extra gear in which you always knew he was going to do great things.”

The wild side for which he’s known sometimes masks the fact that Allen is also very intelligent.

“A lot of people don’t know that about him. The fact that he’s a lawyer kind of flabbergasts some people,” said McDonald.

Allen had to use his intelligence as well as his athleticism when he started playing lacrosse with their high school team because he hadn’t thrown a ball before.

“I told the coach, this guy’s a good athlete. He put him on the team and Mac took it from there,” said MacDonald. “In high school he improved a lot, went to Bishop’s University for a year, and came back and tried out for the junior (Toronto Beaches) and made it as a third-year junior.”

When Allen took up lacrosse, it was all on him to become a success since the rest of the family didn’t play the game.

“We provided him and his brothers with the opportunity to participate,” said Mac’s dad. “But his lacrosse life was late in coming, and it was something that he took upon himself and worked at. Wes McDonald and his dad, Fraser, played a big part in introducing Mac to lacrosse, and then in supporting his skill development.”

Here it is just over a decade later, and Mac has three Mann Cup rings and now an NLL Championship. The latter was a bittersweet thing to watch for the Allen family, as Mac was out of the playoffs with an injury.

“It was so exciting for them to do what they did, but at the same time I was thinking it’s really too bad because Mac hurt his knee and wasn’t (on the floor) for the whole championship run,” said Mac’s father, Dave. “He helped them throughout the season get to where they needed to be, though.”

As a high-level athlete himself, Dave recognized the chemistry that the Knighthawks needed to develop throughout the organization to be successful.

“There have to be some fundamental values at the core of that chemistry that people buy into, whether it’s a system, a relationship, a coaching staff, an attitude, a community,” he said. “All of that I believe has to come together for a team to be successful. I’m so proud that Mac could be a part of that.”

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BATSON: LIVING HIS LACROSSE DREAM

By Andrea Chevalier

Rochester Knighthawks defenseman Jamie Batson has a lot to be grateful for going into the 2015 National Lacrosse League season.

Heading into his fourth season with the team, the 29-year-old Batson has won three straight Champion’s Cups (2012-14). Owning three championship rings is remarkable, but what’s more impressive is how he became a Knighthawk.

The undrafted Batson attended the team’s open tryouts as a free agent, and proved he was one of the strongest and most fit players in attendance. The excitement Batson felt when he joined one of the most desirable teams in the league was something he will never forget.

“It was awesome and I was really pumped about it,” Batson said. “I didn’t think anything like that was even possible.”

Batson made his preseason debut on December 11, 2011 against Philadelphia, and scored a goal in his first taste of the NLL. He made his professional lacrosse debut on February 18, 2012, taking on multiple roles: defense, transition and even taking faceoffs, as the Knighthawks rallied to beat the Washington Stealth 15-12.

After spending a full season with the team and winning his first title in 2012, he was rewarded with a two-year deal from the Knighthawks in August, keeping him on the team for what turned out to be his second and third Champion’s Cup wins. The 2013 campaign was a career year for Baton, who played in five games en route to team Most Improved Player honors.

Unlike many of the Knighthawks players, the Comox, BC native did not grow up playing lacrosse. In fact, the high school he attended didn’t even offer lacrosse so he played other sports and was part of the track team. Clearly, participating in other sports served him well because now he is not only a professional lacrosse player, but a three-time champion.

“He loved lacrosse and excelled at it during the years he played minor (ball). So when he was able to return to lax, he picked up right where he left off,” said Batson’s father, Randy. “(He was always) working and training very hard in order to get the opportunity to play in the NLL.” Batson gives credit to his wife, Maggie, for helping and supporting him throughout this championship run, especially during the final weeks of the season when he was traveling to practices and games.

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“My family has been very supportive in my dream of being a lacrosse player,” Batson said. “They understand how much it means to me and they are there to help me make it happen. My wife is there the most for me. She always has my back no questions asked, especially during the last month.”

Behind the 29-year-old pro is a support system that he claims is the reason he has become so successful in his career. His parents, Randy and Kathleen, always hoped their son would do something with the talent they saw in him growing up, but never imagined that he would make it this big by becoming a three-time NLL title holder in his first three seasons as a pro.

“It’s been very exciting. The Knighthawks are becoming a dynasty and it’s awesome for Jamie to play for Rochester,” Randy said. “Growing up Jamie was very athletic, so I guess we always hoped he would do something with that. To win three championship rings is over the top though.”

“I loved playing lacrosse as a kid, and then I took some time off,” Batson said. “I got back into lacrosse later in life because I had an urge to compete. I went to open camp with Rochester and made my way onto the team, and spent the last few years working on and improving my game.”

“It’s been amazing to see Jamie work hard to become part of a team full of such talented players,” Jamie’s father said. “As parents, we’re very happy that ‘Jame’ has a career in lacrosse and is able to do something he loves.”

Batson and Knighthawks teammates Johnny Powless and Wenster Green have become close friends over that past few seasons. The group has started to work out together to prepare for the upcoming NLL season. His teammates are confident in his abilities and are excited for him to be able to hit the floor with them for another season. “’Bats’ is a great player and an awesome teammate,” said Green. “His style of play is exciting to watch and play with.”

“Jamie is a good player and friend,” Powless added. “He will definitely have a great year this upcoming season.”

Batson also plays for the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse when he is not busy winning championships in Rochester. He appeared in 18 regular season games this summer and played in five playoff games, where he put up five points (2+3).

His parents are also thrilled to be able to see their son take the floor with the defending NLL Champions. They admire that he has always been a driven athlete since he began playing. Batson has a passion for the game and cannot wait to help the Knighthawks take another shot at a championship.

“We’re all looking forward to watching him play,” Jamie’s dad said. “He’s very motivated and dedicated so we’re hoping he has many years ahead to play and makes his mark in the NLL.” “Growing up I was a good athlete and enjoyed competing in sports. As a kid, I didn’t put much thought into playing sports professionally,” Batson said. “Now, I am grateful to have the opportunity to compete at a high level and play the sport that I love. Being part of a championship team three seasons in a row has been very special.”

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WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS A NEW HABIT FOR CAMPBELL

By Jeremy Pike

Scott Campbell used to joke about when he would finally win his first championship.

In 2012, that day finally came with the Rochester Knighthawks. Since then, the winning has continued for the veteran National Lacrosse League defenseman.

“I was starting to think I was the problem.” Campbell said. “Winning one championship was very special. To win three in a row is indescribable.”

As a member of the only team in NLL history to win three straight Cups, no one was happier for Campbell than his friends and family.

“It’s been great to watch a guy who has worked so hard to finally get what he deserved,” said Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “I know he doesn’t take these championships lightly because he knows how hard they are to get.”

“That’s pretty special,” said Scott’s mother, Linda. “Of course, as a parent, you always want your kids to do wonderful things in life, especially when it’s their passion as lacrosse has been for Scott.”

Campbell credits Head Coach Mike Hasen, and Owner and General Manager Curt Styres for creating the blueprint for the team to follow to become three-peat NLL Champions.

“Every time we were together as a team, starting from training camp, every practice, every game, every email communication, was all about building toward a championship,” Campbell said. “So basically it was always thought about, but broken into steps toward the goal. I think that’s why we have been successful. Mike Hasen and his staff do a terrific job of being able to break all the steps of winning a championship down into building blocks so it doesn’t seem like an overwhelming task. It is just the expected end result. It is a testament to Curt Styres’ passion and guidance that trickles down through the organization.”

Like many of the players on the Knighthawks, Scott learned to play lacrosse from his dad, John. When Scott and his brother were 5 or 6 years old they were first introduced to the game. Yet, it was not until Scott was older that the multi-sport athlete chose to play lacrosse.

“Scott didn’t start playing lacrosse until he was 12 or 13,” said Linda. “He actually played soccer for many years. At one point, he decided he wanted to play lacrosse, which was his father’s passion.”

“My dad was a lacrosse player and I think he was itching for me to stop playing soccer because it was boring and there was no physicality in it,” said Scott. “Growing up, he said, ‘Why don’t you try this instead of soccer?’ One summer I played both soccer and lacrosse.

The next year I decided to leave soccer by the wayside to play lacrosse because it was a lot of fun.”

Scott’s brother, Dave, was also hooked on lacrosse as they both began their careers in their hometown of Markham, Ontario. The brothers played on the same teams together as kids and displayed similar styles as two-way players. Dave, now 31, said that his brother was someone he looked up to and tried to emulate on the floor.

“We have always been close. We are close in age and growing up we were always playing together,” said Dave. “He has always been my best friend. We can talk to each other about anything. We have gotten closer as we have gotten older.

“I have a kid on the way near the beginning of December and he is expecting another one the week before us. I guess I am trying to keep up with him there as well,” added Dave with a laugh.

The brothers, who are just 16 months apart, still go on golf weekends together and have family dinners, despite their busy schedules. In the winter, Dave tries to attend his brother’s games when possible. In May, he even flew to Calgary to watch Scott play in Game One of the NLL Championship Series. Their dad also made the trip to support Scott’s goal of winning another Champion’s Cup. “It’s always fun when you get to hang out with family, especially coming out to watch the Knighthawks play,” said Dave, who is also an accomplished lacrosse player. “We don’t get to spend a lot of time together because of family commitments. It’s nice to get out and spend the weekend together.”

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Scott appreciated the support of his family this season and throughout his life. His brother is the person that he confides in the most.

“He is always there to support me,” said Scott. “We have a good time when we are together, I trust his advice and he never steers me wrong.”

With the backing of his family, Campbell will enter his 11th season in the NLL and fifth with the Knighthawks in 2015. Last season, he played in 17 games, notching two goals, five assists and 54 loose balls. Campbell led the team with 24 forced turnovers as well.

In his career, the 32-year-old defenseman has collected 29 goals, 35 assists, and scooped up 545 loose balls in 132 NLL games. In August, he re-signed a two-year deal to stay with the Knighthawks.

“It feels good,” he said. “There is no place I would rather be than in Rochester trying to continue the success we have had the past few seasons.”

Before coming to Rochester, Campbell spent time with the Boston Blazers and five seasons with the Toronto Rock (2006 to 2010). He began his career in 2005 with the Minnesota Swarm. He has played at The Blue Cross Arena both as a Knighthawk and as a visitor, which affords him a unique perspective on Rochester and the BCA. “I played in Toronto for a while before coming to Rochester,” Campbell said. “And wins were very difficult to come by at The Blue Cross, so it is nice to be on the other side where it’s our home. The rink is smaller than most NLL rinks so that plays well into our defensive plans where we are limiting time and space. The small venue also makes the fans feel like they are right on top of you and makes them much louder, which always helps give us a boost.”

Campbell, who signed with the Knighthawks as a free agent in 2011, has found a home in Rochester. As a member of arguably the best defensive corps in the league, he has earned the respect of the fans, but especially his teammates.

“He’s a big, strong, fast veteran ‘D’ guy who can run up and down the floor,” said goalie Matt Vinc. “He is also the epitome of a great team guy. I would have to say he is the funniest and most well-liked Knighthawks player.”

“He’s fast and he hits hard. He never stops with his pressure. He’s smart and relentless.

He does it all back there, and that’s what makes him such a good player,” said Kirk. “He pushes the ball in transition and is huge on loose balls. He’s great defensively, but has the offensive hands and touch. So if the coaches need him to run a shift out the front door, he fits right in with our offense. He’s a huge asset to our team.”

Campbell showed his value on both ends of the floor in the NLL Champion’s Cup Playoffs. He showed his offensive touch in Game Two of the East Division Finals against the Buffalo Bandits, notching a goal and two assists to force the decisive 10-minute minigame.

“I just feel lucky to be a part of this team and thankful to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to contribute in big games. (Assistant Coach) Pat O’Toole preached first not to leave early in the defensive end, so we probably transition less than most teams, but get away with it because we have such a great offensive group,” said Campbell. “It definitely helps keep our goals-against down. But we certainly have the green light to get the ball up the floor once we have finished our job on defense. I was lucky to get some points against a great goalie on the other team.”

After knocking off Buffalo, Rochester advanced to the NLL Championship Series and defeated the Calgary Roughnecks to win its third straight Champion’s Cup. In the closing seconds of the 10-minute mini-game, Campbell showcased his defensive skills as he denied 40-goal scorer Curtis Dickson.

“He had one of the biggest plays of the game in the Finals with a one-on-one play against Curtis Dickson. Dickson went to dodge him and ‘Soupy’ slid and checked him to the ground,” said fellow defenseman Dylan Evans. “A lot of guys would have packed it in, but he took his game to the next level.”

Behind every great player is a great support system, and Campbell is no different.

His wife and daughter are his biggest fans and give him the encouragement to make it through tough practices and game days.

“Family is key,” Campbell said. “We spend a lot of time away from home, so I have an understanding wife who allows me to follow my dream. My great parents and in-laws support my wife and daughter while I am away and even help with chores around the house that I can’t get to between lacrosse and my full-time job. Without the support of my family, I wouldn’t be able to play lacrosse or win these three championships.”

Scott Campbell’s pursuit of his dream has required a lot of sacrifice and patience. From sacrificing his body out on the turf to time away from his family, he has waited a long time to see the results. In Rochester, he has seen his lacrosse dreams come true.

“I am so proud to be a Knighthawk,” Campbell said. “It’s a great group of players, the ownership and staff are unbelievable, and the fans are the best in the league. I am lucky to be part of this history with the Knighthawks.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 11

CINCEBOX’S 19TH SEASON WITH THE ‘HAWKS THE BEST

By Travis Larner

Tom Cincebox is the longest tenured member of the Rochester Knighthawks’ organization and is one of only two men who have been a part of all five championship seasons.

But for Cincebox, his 19th may have been more meaningful than any of the previous seasons because his 15-year-old son Thomas was able to enjoy it with him. Thomas has grown up watching the Knighthawks, but instead of cheering from the stands in 2014, he was asked to be part of the team.

“This past year they asked Thomas if he’d be willing to work in the locker room,” Cincebox said. “It has been an absolute amazing experience for me to watch Thomas interact with the players on the team as well as the staff members in the locker room, after the games and on the road.” “(Equipment manager Christian Shognosh) approached me because the kid who was the previous assistant couldn’t do it (anymore), so he approached me and said he was going to offer me a fun, but serious job,” Thomas said. “I was really excited to do it.”

Before each home game, Thomas organized the benches and penalty boxes, and filled the water bottles. Afterwards, he stayed to clean the locker room and wash the team’s laundry. Thomas even accompanied his dad on the short trips to Buffalo and Toronto to assist the equipment staff. In the postseason, however, Owner and General Manager Curt Styres invited the duo to the team’s game in Calgary.

“Thomas has never been anywhere other than Florida, so it was a big deal for him to hop on a plane and go with the team,” Cincebox said. “I had a phenomenal time seeing him enjoying being part of the playoff team.”

After the Knighthawks hoisted the Champion’s Cup on their home floor, Thomas persuaded his father to attend the team’s championship party at 2:30 a.m. even though he had to play in the Jeff Milano-Johnson Memorial Lacrosse Tournament with his PittsfordMendon junior varsity team at 8:00 a.m. later that morning.

“I just loved being around the players and the staff. I just wanted to celebrate it with them because I was really excited after winning,” Thomas said. “They’re just great people to be around and work with.”

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“He literally made me go to the team party, which was at the Greece Marriott at 2:30 that morning, because he was like, ‘Dad, when am I ever going to have a chance to be part of a championship team like this?” Cincebox said.

While sharing his first championship with his son, 2014 was Cincebox’s 15th season working alongside Assistant Coach Paul Day. Cincebox joined Day on the team’s coaching staff in 1996. Together they have built a lasting friendship through the Knighthawks’ organization.

“In my years of working with him I learned a great deal about leadership and coaching, but also about being a good person and treating players and personnel well,” Cincebox said about Day. “We both kind of lived and breathed it together,” Day said. “We put a lot of time and effort into the team together, hand-in-hand. We’ve both done it together as friends. If I needed something done for the team, or if a player did, Tom’s the guy I went to. I counted on him and he counted on me.”

Cincebox’s unwavering dedication to the Knighthawks has served as inspiration for Day off the floor.

“His commitment to his full-time job, the team and his family mean more to me now that I’m a dad,” Day said.

Unsure if he could uphold that commitment while raising Thomas and his three sisters, Cincebox admits he was prepared to walk away from the Knighthawks nearly eight years ago, but seeing the joy in his son after the 2014 National Lacrosse League Championship was more than worth the hard work.

“To watch him be so excited about something made my 19th season with the Knighthawks bar-none the best,” Cincebox said.

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 13

CLARK’S LOVE FOR LACROSSE MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

By Craig Rybczynski

Bruce Clark spends most of his nights and weekends in lacrosse arenas on Vancouver Island. The lacrosse owner, scout and coach can’t get enough of his favorite sport and has become an invaluable resource for the three-time defending National Lacrosse League champion Rochester Knighthawks.

“He is a rink rat, which means he loves seeing games,” said VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. “When I call him, he is either driving to a game or at a game.”

Gage and Clark first became acquainted in 2011 when the Knighthawks executive called about Bruce’s son Colton, who was a rising star at the college and junior lacrosse levels. But the conversation didn’t end there, as Clark began giving scouting reports on several of BC’s best players. The call went so well that Clark has been with the Knighthawks ever since that initial chat with Gage.

“Jody had phoned me about my son. Then he started asking me questions about different players around here,” said Clark. “I have owned an Intermediate ‘A’ team for 12 years and I watch kids from Bantam all the way up to Senior. That’s what I do. I keep track of people. He asked me if he could hire me, he got a hold of Curt, and away we went.”

The 57-year-old Clark will enter his fourth season with the team in 2015 as one of the team’s two Western Scouts. He was hired right around the same time that Gage added Kevin Hill to the staff. The two scouts have worked hand-in-hand to provide the Knighthawks with the most detailed, up-to-date information on the kids playing out west.

“Bruce Clark is very well connected to the island players. He is a person who looks at a player’s on and off the floor habits,” said Hill, who also works as the general manager of the Coquitlam Adanacs. “Bruce is someone who I connect with if I need info on a player for my WLA draft. I trust Bruce’s opinions when it comes to players.”

“What is important to me is that he is a team guy. He has played the game and has been with organizations,” said Gage. “He really gets the Knighthawks family and has been a really big part of our success.”

Clark and Hill are part of a scouting staff that also includes former NLL standout Chris Driscoll, longtime NCAA Scout Brian Hobart and Gage. The group works closely with the coaches, Assistant GM Landon Miller, and Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. They are part of a team that has pulled off major trades to acquire Dan and Paul Dawson, Jordan Hall, Scott Self, Jon Sullivan and Jeremy Noble (via the draft) over the past three seasons.

Clark gives credit, deservedly so, to Styres for having the gumption and plan to assemble championship-caliber teams year after year.

“I think that Curt has a great vision for the team. He knows people’s barcodes and where they are sitting as far as the team goes,” he said. “He is not afraid to make a move to get better.”

From 2012-14, Rochester has won a league-record three straight Champion’s Cups since boosting its scouting staff and hiring Head Coach Mike Hasen and his assistants.

Clark was in attendance for the Knighthawks’ first two championships. In 2012, he earned his first NLL Championship ring when Rochester rallied for a 9-6 win over Edmonton. In 2013, he had a shorter commute as the Knighthawks captured the Champion’s Cup in Langley, BC, following an 11-10 victory over the Washington Stealth.

This past season, Clark was glued to the television as the Knighthawks won Game Two of the NLL Championship Series to force the 10-minute mini-game on the same night.

It was too much for him to take as he went into seclusion to watch the final minutes of the game.

“It was very nerve-racking. I was sitting watching the game with my wife, Vicki,” said Bruce. “Finally, I had to go upstairs and watch the rest of the game. I couldn’t be in the same room with people.”

“This is his world. He absolutely loves the team,” said Vicki, who was not surprised by her husband’s reaction. “He loves working with the team. It’s everything to him. I think he would give up every other aspect of lacrosse just to stay with this. It’s so important to him.”

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To Bruce’s delight, Rochester pulled out the dramatic win, scoring three goals in the final 2:14 to defeat Calgary 3-2. The win means a third NLL championship ring and some additional ink for his Knighthawks artwork.

“It’s funny, the lacrosse world is a small community and people know very quickly (who you work for),” he said. “Plus, the Knighthawks tattoo on the back of my leg doesn’t hurt either.”

Clark, who is an artist and sign maker by trade, designed the four-inch tattoo on his left calf after Rochester won the 2012 title. He now has to add more years to keep up with the current run the team has been on.

“I am still fooling around with it. That’s what artists do,” said Clark, who is the owner of Scribble Sign Co., where he designs and produces custom signage from carved stone, wood and glass, airbrushing, pinstriping, hand painting and computer generation.

“He is very proud of that tattoo. It’s very nice. I really like it,” said his wife. “That’s him.

When he becomes passionate about something, he gives 100 percent to it.”

Like the pieces of art he produces, Clark’s family is ingrained into the fabric of the city of Nanaimo, which is located on beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia. His late dad, Sidney George Clark, was a judge and local sports advocate who was so wellrespected that his hometown named a park after him posthumously.

“He was provincial court judge and very big in the sports community. He was an executive on the ’56 Mann Cup team and did miracle work for baseball,” said his son, Bruce.

“I live across the street from a park that is named after my dad.”

Bruce, who started playing lacrosse at 8 or 9 years old, credited his father with giving him the inspiration to succeed at sports and at life. He noted that Sid Clark was raised by a single mom and he put himself through university working in a mill in the summertime, doing whatever he could to make next year’s tuition. Sid was also a champion of local athletics and was the person who encouraged Bruce to play sports as a kid.

“He introduced me to every sport you could imagine. He was a guard in basketball at 5-foot-5. He was the Spud Webb of his day,” said Bruce, noting the comparison to the former Atlanta Hawks’ 5-foot-7 point guard. “He was a basketball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse player. The only sport he didn’t play was hockey, but they didn’t have an arena here when he was a kid. It didn’t get built until the ‘40s. He probably would have played that too.”

Bruce has followed in his dad’s footsteps in the lacrosse community, owning the Nanaimo Intermediate “A” Timbermen. He also does consulting work for the junior and senior teams, who he once worked for as the head of lacrosse operations. With lacrosse such a part of his life, it’s no wonder that his two sons, Ryan Clark and Colton Clark, have both played in the National Lacrosse League.

“I open the door wherever they want to go and I either take them there or follow,” said Bruce. “As far as the game of lacrosse goes, I passed on as much knowledge as I could.”

“We have been involved since they were mini-tykes,” said Vicki. “I have been on the bench with him. We’ve coached them right from the little guys up. Those boys came through that. It’s not just our boys, but he’s the same with every boy as if they were our own.”

Vicki and Bruce are in their 11th year together as the owners of the local team, which includes kids in 11th and 12th grades. To this day, they keep in touch with former players from as far back as 10 years ago, who still email and call Bruce for advice.

“He has had a huge impact on a lot of kids, not just our own boys,” she said. “He passed on what he knew and the love of the game from his father.”

The couple, who met at a local hockey game, complement each other well. Like Bruce, who played hockey and lacrosse, Vicki grew up playing high-level sports like Senior “A” fastball, field lacrosse and Division I level soccer. And like her husband, after completing her hours at her full-time job, she heads to the arena.

“I am very lucky and always have been. I am on the bench with him too,” she said. “I kept involved and I would rather be there any day than up in the stands. It’s the best place to be – on the bench.”

Bruce’s best friend, Noel Brown, said Bruce and Vicki are cut from the same cloth when it comes to their passion for lacrosse.

“They both grew up around sports. They are both athletic people,” he said. “When she gets off from work, she goes straight to the lacrosse rink. They are both the same.”

Noel first met Bruce when his nephew James played for the Clarks’ Intermediate lacrosse team. The two hit it off after a visit to Noel’s home at the Snuneymuxw First Nation when Bruce offered to help Noel pluck 250 ducks.

“He came one day to talk about my nephew and we were plucking ducks. He gave us a hand. Right from the start we became friends because he helped out with all of our ceremonies,” said Noel. “We paint paddles to give away for the Longhouse and he started painting paddles. I carve crosses for the graveyard and he does the lettering for free. He really helps out the Native community here, so everyone loves him.”

Noel even tells a story when Bruce reached out to the First Nation kids and sponsored them for an entire season of lacrosse.

“A lot of the First Nations kids didn’t have the money to travel and pay for all the gear they needed, and the registration,” he said. “Bruce paid for it himself. It’s all year for him.

He does lacrosse all the time.”

The friends also fish together and ventured into a short-lived commercial crabbing business together before returning to their jobs as artists. Bruce even coached his two sons four years after his nephew finished playing for the Nanaimo Intermediate “A” Timbermen. Noel raved about his friend, even saying that his dad, Jerry, who is a former chief and current elder, considers Bruce a member of the First Nation.

It’s his generosity that has earned him the respect of the First Nation community, Nanaimo and the Knighthawks. Noel said that Bruce’s accomplishments with the Rochester Knighthawks are simply a product of his commitment to the sport.

“I am very happy. He deserves it,” said Noel. “I am honored he picked me to talk about him. He’s got a lot of friends. He’s like the mayor of Nanaimo because of sports. Everybody knows Bruce Clark.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 15

DAWSON REWARDED FOR HIS LIFE OF SERVICE

By Andrea Chevalier

After an intense playoff run that ultimately concluded with the Rochester Knighthawks winning their record-breaking third straight National Lacrosse League title, forward Dan Dawson can now look back at his recent success with a proud grin on his face, even after 13 seasons in the league.

The Knighthawks star played 12 years in the league before finally being able to experience what a championship win felt like. It wasn’t until he made his way to Rochester with his brother, Paul, for the 2013 season that he was able to hoist the Cup. Winning it for a second season in a row, was even more surreal for the 32-year-old.

“It took an organization and all of the players believing that we could do it. Obviously we thought we could, but we did it differently than we did it last season,” Dawson said.

“We took care of (having) home floor advantage early in the season, which I think was huge. It showed when we had those last two games.”

In his career, Dawson has amassed an impressive 1,037 points (388+649) in 205 games. In April, he broke the franchise single-season assist record, a mark originally set

by Shawn Williams in 2009. He closed out the season tied for first on the team with Cody Jamieson, who also broke the record, with 72 assists.

“Dan’s a floor leader,” said Jamieson. “He leads by example and when he speaks, everyone listens. He’s been around for a while and it’s awesome learning from him because he’s been there and done that.”

It’s been an amazing two-year run in Rochester for Dawson, who has had the opportunity to win both of his NLL championships with his brother. Having the support of his brother and his entire family has been the driving force behind Dawson’s recent success.

“Throughout our careers, we have always managed to land on the same team and it’s been a blessing,” said Paul. “Being traded to Rochester, we were both really excited to come to the national champions.”

“I was searching a long time for that championship and for it to finally come was a relief more than anything,” Dan said in the beginning of the 2014 season. “You work so hard every year to win a championship and it was very fulfilling to win it last year. Any time you get to share those moments with your family, it makes it extra special.”

Dan’s mother, Julie, has supported both of her sons throughout their entire careers and is extremely proud of the accomplishments that her “little boys” have made. She recalled the day the family learned Dan was drafted into the NLL, as the family anxiously waited to hear the news. He learned that he was selected 62nd overall by the Columbus Landsharks by reading it online.

“We were all waiting with bated breath for the day to arrive. It was a dream come true for him,” said Julie. “It was hard though, as he didn’t get to play every game or even go to all of the games. He would receive a phone call the night before to tell him he was on the roster. But he was so happy to get the call and never once complained. That is just the type of amazing guy he is. I have always visited each city where Dan lived – Phoenix, Portland, Oregon, and Boston – places I may never have had the great opportunity to see. Dan was so proud to show me around and became very involved in coaching young people in each city.”

Dan is also very active in his hometown of Oakville, Ontario. When he is not showing off his skills on the field, Dawson is a full-time firefighter. While he was playing lacrosse in Boston, Dawson was contacted by a firefighter who asked him to be a member of the “Right to Play,” which is an organization that teaches children life skills to help them overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease so they can create better futures. Dan’s mother is proud to say that both of her sons continue to be involved with the organization.

“Dan participated in a charitable walk for the Foundation and walked with a young girl who had been involved in a horrific car accident on her way home from University.

She told him how she had lost both legs, but was still able to do the walk with Dan using her prostheses. Dan and ‘Paulie’ continue to be very involved with the ‘Right to Play’ organization. Curt (Styres) is a strong advocate for this as well.”

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Dawson has come a long way since his entry into the league so many years ago. He is a vital part of the Knighthawks team, which he showcased during Games Two and Three of the NLL Championship Series. Former Knighthawks Assistant Coach Ed Comeau had the pleasure of coaching the 6-foot-6 Dawson at the Junior “A” level in Brampton. It was Comeau’s coaching and support that formed the then 17-year-old Dawson into the player he is now.

“Watching him become the player he is now, compared to when I coached him, is like night and day,” Comeau said. “He worked really hard at becoming a complete player. Players who are really tall have to grow into their bodies and once he did that, it gave him the confidence he needed to be successful. He is a respected player who has great character.

He’ll be one of those guys that, 10 years from now, a younger player will be talking about him being the person who made him the player he is today.”

Dawson surely made a statement in Game Two of the Championship Series, where he collected seven points (3+4) and picked up an assist on Craig Point’s game-winning goal in the mini-game to bring the Knighthawks their third straight championship. After sitting out for Game One, Dawson was eager to get back on the floor to fight for what he and the team had worked so hard for all season.

“Our backs were against the wall and that really defined who we are. We faced adversity,” he said. “Our character showed the resilient team we have. It was a total team effort.”

“It was difficult watching the games at times since the boys played different positions and each brought different skills and qualities to the floor. But it was an unbelievable feeling when Dan won MVP,” said Dan’s father, Joe. During the Knighthawks’ offseason, Dan took some time off from playing lacrosse to focus on his family and personal life. He and his fiancée just recently tied the knot in Mexico. It is the support and understanding of Alyse and the rest of his family that has gotten Dawson through each season.

“I have been chasing this dream for 13 seasons. I never at any point lost focus or determination,” Dawson said. “Through this long journey I have been extremely selfish, missing birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and even births of nieces and nephews. Not once has my family questioned or complained about my absence. Without this unconditional love and understanding I have received from my family, I would never have been able to reach this huge goal of winning a championship. I will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices over the last decade and a half. It has always been together that we accomplish our dreams and that is what truly happened.”

When the Knighthawks traveled to Calgary for Game One of the NLL Championship Series, each player was able to bring a family member to cheer them on. Dawson’s father, Joe, made the trip to Calgary to cheer on both of his sons. The experience was something he will always cherish.

“It was fabulous watching them play in Calgary. Mr. Styres flew out the families and made it a grand experience,” Joe said. “This year was nail-biting as Dan was out for one game and came back for Game Two and the 10-minute extra game. The competition was stiff, but I felt my boys were playing strong and leading by example. I was especially proud and happy to see the excitement of all the players and fans.”

Dawson’s success was ultimately recognized at the end of the season when he received the Championship Game Most Valuable Player Award. He put up 91 points (19+72) in 18 games during the 2014 season to finish second place on the team and fifth in the league.

He added 15 points in just five postseason games.

Winning the Championship Game MVP only makes Dawson more thankful for the guys he plays with and the people who have helped guide him to this point in his career.

He hopes that going forward, the talent and success will continue as the Knighthawks look to start the new season.

“I’m not big on personal equities like that,” said Dawson. “When you win awards like that it’s just a testament to the people you surround yourself with. I’m just blessed to have the coaches that put me in those situations and the teammates that are just so talented and gifted.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 17

FAMILY SUPPORT HELPS PAUL DAWSON BECOME A CHAMPION

By Andrea Chevalier

Rochester Knighthawks defenseman Paul Dawson has seen some action in nearly every aspect of the game of lacrosse, from goaltending to driving to the other end of the turf and taking his shot on goal.

The eight-year pro was originally drafted as a goalie with the seventh overall selection in the 2006 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. His family made the trip to New York City for the draft at Madison Square Garden, which turned out to be something his mother, Julie, will never forget.

“Wow, that was pretty cool!” said an excited Julie. “He was attending university at the time in Windsor and had to fly out to practices in San Jose each week and then games every weekend in different cities. He worked hard to keep up his schooling at the same time. He took it in good stride and was so proud to be part of the team.”

One year after being drafted by the San Jose Stealth, Dawson’s coach asked him if he would consider playing defense. He grabbed the chance and never looked back. It was a decision that his mother and father, Joe Dawson, were concerned about at first.

They were soon reassured that their son could hold his own in the new position and be successful.

“He became the ‘tough man’ on the team,” Julie said. “That was the one thing that did worry me. What if my little boy gets hurt? But standing at 6-foot-5, it was unlikely. He is much more docile now and focuses more on improving his skill level, thank goodness.” “(It was an) unbelievable experience going down by bus with all of the other parents,” said Joe. “The next year, he converted to defender and I was nervous and apprehensive, but he struggled through and became better each year. He was very strong and could take care of himself.”

Paul and his brother, Dan, made their way to Rochester in 2013, sharing memories that will last them a lifetime as they won their first-ever NLL Championship together.

The fortune carried over to the 2014 season where Paul managed to get his name on the board more than once for the defending champs, showing that he can take part in any area on the field.

“The biggest thing I can take from being traded is the team environment and the family atmosphere that the Knighthawks bring,” Dan said about playing on the Knighthawks and winning the championships with his brother. “Any time you get to share those mo-

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ments with your family, it makes it extra special.”

Aside from his brother, Paul considers fellow defenseman and Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk to be one of his closest friends on the team. When the defensive stars are not working hard winning championships in Rochester, they are playing together on the Brampton Excelsiors of Major Series Lacrosse.

“Everybody knows Paul was drafted as a goalie, but for him to make the transition to a defensive player and to become one of our stronger ones, to be able to do that, it’s really just a part of his growth to go out there and learn the game from a different angle,” said Kirk. “He took shot after shot after shot. He just stands on his head in the defensive end. It’s just been fun to watch, and it’s been fun to be a part of his growth and watch him learn.”

Dawson racked up five points during the regular season (2+3) and added two more points during the playoffs (1+1), one of which was a goal he scored in Game Two of the National Lacrosse League Champion’s Cup Series. Dawson made a bold move, pushing to the net to tack on Rochester’s ninth goal against the Calgary Roughnecks.

“It wasn’t a game-winning goal, but it was nice to get on the board,” Dawson said.

“It’s always nice to score as a defenseman and with it being in the Championship Game was even cooler.”

Rochester came out on top during Game Two, outscoring the Roughnecks 16-10, forcing the 10-minute mini-game to decide the winner of the Champion’s Cup. The rest is NLL history.

“It was awesome. Any time you’re a part of a history-making team it’s super-special,” said Dawson. “Any time you win a championship it’s pretty cool. Winning back-to-back for me is amazing but winning (three times in a row) makes it that much more magnified.”

The championship came down to one last stop in the closing seconds of the minigame. With the Knighthawks holding onto a one-goal lead, the defense and goalie Matt Vinc went to work to hold off the Roughnecks and lock up Rochester’s third championship win.

“I think everybody was kind of relaxed,” said Kirk. “It was tough defense and we kind of looked like we were scrambled, but that’s what we’ve done all year. We were confident with those five guys out there and everybody does their part to take the lane out and force those shots from different angles so ‘Vno’ could make those saves for us.”

“For me, I was trying to just get in the shooting lane and trying to get as big as possible,” Dawson said. “I just was just trying to block shots, but Vno did most of the blocking.

It was a nail-biting game, but it was pretty cool to be a part of. It was pretty wild winning it with two minutes left, but our offense made the comeback. It was just really great to be a part of it and make history.”

Long-time friend Kris Reesor described what it has been like watching Dawson’s career evolve into what it is today and watching his friend make history. As youngsters, the two never had the opportunity to play organized lacrosse together, but played hockey together for many years. Despite never playing on the same lacrosse team, Reesor remembers playing in their backyards or in the streets, where Paul would put him in goal to block his shots. “(Lacrosse) was a tough sport for me to handle. It certainly requires specific techniques, and maybe that is why Paul would throw me in net and play rapid fire,” Reesor joked. “Paul and I have had the opportunity to play hockey together for the Oakville Rangers AAA team for several years. Those years have some of the best memories, mostly because of us winning games or stirring up trouble on the road during tournaments.”

The support Dawson receives from his family and friends is something he deeply cherishes. His girlfriend, Midori Rutledge, is one of his biggest supporters, but she claims the two work as a team to support each other and their careers. From staying fit and active to being each other’s moral support, the couple has worked together this past season. His drive and work ethic has been an inspiration to her and everyone around him.

“This past season has been incredible. The ultimate goal is to win a championship and for him to win two back-to-back is unbelievable,” said Rutledge. “Having both Paul and Dan on the same team is really special for our family. We all get together to cheer them both on. I try to go to as many games as possible, whether they are at home or away. I believe that having a great support system has a huge impact on your success. I try to support him in every way, so he can be at his absolute best.”

These past two seasons in Rochester have been the highlight of Paul’s career, as he was able to play with his brother and win back-to-back titles. His support system back home gives him the drive to continue to work hard and be successful.

“Next year, it’s a new season. Maybe we can get that fourth (championship),” said Dawson. “(Whatever happens), I think when we’re all done playing to look back on this, it’s going to be pretty cool to say we did it.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 19

DAY PREACHES FAMILY AND TEAM FIRST

By Craig Rybczynski

When Paul Day was 6 and 7 years old, he always looked forward to Saturdays. That was the day every spring that he and his friends would hop on their bikes and pedal two miles to the downtown Peterborough library.

The youngsters would grab a table at Delafosse Library and watch professional lacrosse games on Super 8mm film. They watched the Rochester Griffins, Maryland Arrows and the Philadelphia Wings and the stars of the game like John Grant Sr., Robert “Buff” McCready, Doug Hayes and Terry Lloyd.

Now 40 years later, Day’s fascination with the game is as strong as ever as he works for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League. The 20-year coaching veteran is at the top of his game, having raised the coveted Champion’s Cup the past three seasons.

“I don’t think anyone imagined winning three in a row. It’s just a special thing we have going on in Rochester with the organization,” said Day. “It starts with (Owner) Curt (Styres) and the way everyone is treated, and extends to the office staff and the group of players. With the Knighthawks, team and family come first. Everyone says that, but the proof is in the pudding.”

On May 31st, Day and the Knighthawks made league history by becoming the first team to win three straight championships. Rochester did the unthinkable by rallying from a late two-goal deficit to defeat the Calgary Roughnecks in the NLL Championship Series.

With the Cup secured and confetti raining down onto the turf, Day and Head Coach Mike Hasen broke with tradition and did not join the on-floor festivities. Instead, they went to the far end of the arena to meet their families.

“I enjoyed the moment when the horn went. The place was electric, but ‘Haser’ and I didn’t see any of the presentation,” said Day. “We were walking to the gate to wait for our families. (After the game) everyone got to come onto the floor to enjoy the celebration.”

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When Paul finally spotted his family, he scooped up his son, McGillen (Mac), and hugged his wife, Angela, and daughter, Abby. It was a thrilling evening as the longtime Knighthawks coach shared another Cup with the people who have most supported his dream of coaching and winning the league’s ultimate prize.

“With me, it’s my wife and my family. Angela really didn’t know lacrosse, but has fallen in love with it,” said Paul. “Both of us take a lot of holiday time so we can be involved with lacrosse. We probably give up two to three weeks of our family vacation for lacrosse.

She has been there to support me, taking holidays when I am on the road. She has been the most important person.”

Angela has been with Paul every step of the way during the run of three straight championships. Angela, who met Paul while working for the Niagara Regional Police, has become a lacrosse fanatic since meeting Paul nearly four years ago.

“It has been extremely exciting. I never really knew the world of lacrosse until I met him. I don’t know a lot about the game, but I know they win. Ever since I have met him, all he’s done is win, win, and win,” she said. “It’s been overwhelmingly exciting. (It has been great) being part of that and having a son to go out on the field with his dad, and see Paul’s face light up, especially during the first one in 2012.”

The start of the Cup run began that night in 2012 when the Knighthawks stormed back to defeat the Edmonton Rush 9-6 in the NLL Finals. It was Angela’s first introduction to playoff lacrosse and the excitement of the one-game, winner-take-all format. It was also a product of a year’s worth of work and sacrifice – both on and off the field.

“That was awesome. I had Mac and Abby, and the whole family was there,” she said.

“It was really nice to see the success of the year. Being my first year, you watch so much go into it – you take time off from work to be there for the games or be there for the kids – and you see it all come to fruition. Everything we do, everything we put aside, it’s all worthwhile when you’re part of that environment at the games.”

Like most families, the Days juggle a hectic work and home schedule to accommodate lacrosse. With Mac now 3 years old and Angela working in St. Catharines, Ontario, as a police constable, and Paul serving as a recruiting sergeant, life sometimes seems like it never slows down. It’s filled with road trips and late nights, but the past three years have been some the most memorable of their lives. Paul’s commitment to the team and his family has earned him the admiration of the coaches and the players.

“The guy works all the hours of the week, then shows up and is there 100 percent for the team on the weekend. That does not go unnoticed,” said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “He played in the league before and knows the game extremely well.

The guys follow him and respect him for that.”

“He treats everybody with a lot of respect. Family is a high value for Pauly and it is contagious throughout the organization,” said Hasen, who also played for Day from 19992005. “Everyone is always saying family, but it’s a huge factor for him.”

You can tell how much Paul and Angela love the game by the joy they get from telling stories about their son’s love of lacrosse. In three short years, he has become one of the team’s most devoted fans.

“He sleeps with his lacrosse stick. When we’re back in Rochester at the arena and at the practices and the training camp, he gets the stick in his hands and never seems let it go during the season,” said Angela. “Every day at daycare he wears his lacrosse jersey. He’s already wearing his lacrosse jersey because he knows it’s starting up.”

“When he sees the Stanley Cup or any other Cup he calls it the Champion’s Cup,” said Paul. “(Since he was born) we have won gold in Prague (with Team Canada) and we have won every year since. He’s experienced it and it is beyond special.”

Like his son, Paul began playing lacrosse when he was 3 years old. Growing up in the lacrosse hotbed of Peterborough, Ontario also meant bike trips to the library to watch NLL games with friends Jim Milligan and Mike “Gumper” Morrissey. The three kids from Peterborough were first introduced to professional lacrosse by watching the 1974-75 seasons of the NLL.

“It was a small library in the south end where we grew up,” said Morrissey. “That’s what we did. We got our bikes and went places and did stuff.”

Mike and Paul have a lot in common. Not only did they grow up in the same neighborhood and play sports together, but their parents were both at the hospital at the same time as they were born just four days apart. The two have been best friends since they were in kindergarten. It was around that time that the 6-year-olds started playing sports for the St. John the Baptist hockey team.

“When we played Mites, that’s when I really got to know him. We started playing hockey and I have been in touch with him ever since,” said Morrissey. “He is the type of guy you want to be around and want to be like. He was raised that if you want something you have to work for it. He is one of my role models.”

Mike said Paul was raised right by his parents, Phil and Maureen, and his brothers and sisters as the youngest of five children. The respect level goes beyond words, as Paul was the best man in Mike’s wedding and is the godfather of his eldest son, Mitchell.

“He’s just a good all-around guy and the kind of guy you want your kids to be like,” said Morrissey. “He is a new father now and he’ll be a great dad for sure. It was a long time coming for him and he has never been happier.”

Paul and Angela welcomed their son, Mac, into their family in 2011. Day now brings his son to games, practices and on some road trips. During the games, Mac follows the action with his mom and sister as he cheers for his favorite team. For Angela, the best part of being a member of the Knighthawks family happens after the game during their postgame autograph session.

“The guys on the team make you feel like we’re one big family,” she said. “They always give you a hug and make sure Mac gets a ball. I think that’s the best part. It’s going down to the field and everyone celebrating together. That’s been pretty amazing.”

Paul returned to Rochester in 2011 to begin his second stint behind the Knighthawks bench. His first tenure with the K-Hawks lasted 11 seasons (1995-2005) and included the franchise’s first title in 1997. The following season, Day took over the head coaching reigns and led the Knighthawks to eight consecutive playoffs berths and three trips to the NLL Finals. The Knighthawks’ all-time wins leader also captured the 2003-04 Les Bartley Award as the NLL Coach of the Year, and in 2009 was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.

Day joined Hasen’s staff as an assistant coach on September 15, 2010 and has been in the same position for four seasons. On the day of his hiring, Hasen announced Day as one of his assistants and made sure to reference the return to the winning ways the franchise achieved under his predecessor.

“With Paul we are going back to our roots. I greatly respect him and his commitment to Rochester. It is an example I intend to follow,” said Hasen.

“He’s an honest guy and is not afraid to tell you what he thinks. He has a lot of knowledge and passion for the game,” said Knighthawks forward Mike Accursi, who has known Paul for over 20 years. “He has been a student of the game for a very long time.”

Since coming back to the Knighthawks organization, Day has also experienced the joy of coaching again in his role as assistant coach. After winning the latest Cup, combined with some key offseason moves, Day is excited about the possibilities for the upcoming season.

“I think I have likely been on the bench for the most games as a coach in the league since 1995, so going back to just being an assistant and not doing the scouting, drafting, trading and contracts has really refreshed me,” said Day. “I thought I would coach until I was 40 and then focus on management, but I am enjoying working with our management, staff and players. I can’t wait to have Jordan Hall back and (Jeremy) Noble will help our speed on offense and refresh our offense and give us more options.”

In 2015, Day will enter his 17th season with the Knighthawks with four NLL Championship rings to his credit. Each new season brings with it new expectations and challenges, but they are all part of the business. The father, husband and coach said he looks forward another season on the bench and sharing all of it with his with family.

“Angela, Abby and Mac look so forward to the season and weekends in Rochester, and following the team on the radio and television when we are the road,” said Paul. “It is a family affair when the NLL season starts.”

“I can’t wait. I already marked down every game in my police calendar and I am hoping I get all the games off,” said Angela. “We are all really pumped.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 21

DRISCOLL: A WEALTH OF LACROSSE KNOWLEDGE

By Stephen Stamp

There are many ways to contribute to a lacrosse team. Chris Driscoll used to do so on the floor in the early days of the Rochester Knighthawks. Since his retirement from playing three years ago, he’s helped the K-Hawks in a different form, but is still a valued member of the franchise. He’s served as a scout and the color commentator for the team’s games. And the players love having him around.

“He’s there every week, at every practice every Wednesday,” says veteran defender Mike Kirk. “I think he just brings so much experience. He had such a great playing career.

When he’s talking guys listen for sure because he knows what he’s saying. It’s great to have that kind of presence around the dressing room every week.”

Kirk says the players appreciate not just the experience and knowledge that Driscoll brings to the club, but his positive energy as well.

“He’s a great guy. We like to surround ourselves with guys who have been around the game,” he says. “He’s fun in the dressing room, he’s good on the road. He’s just a good addition to the boys.”

Of course, as a scout, Driscoll interacts regularly with the coaching and front office staff as well. Head Coach Mike Hasen says Driscoll is a valuable component to the team’s preparation.

“He is front and center in the lacrosse world on so many levels,” Hasen says. “He brings a lot of detail and information on the scouting side of things for the drafts and we continually talk about what we, as the Knighthawks, are doing on the floor each night. He is an extra set of eyes on the floor and he brings a veteran’s view for us to consider.”

Hasen doesn’t just know Driscoll in a professional capacity, though. They spent years as teammates and developed a friendship, so Hasen is happy to see Driscoll earning championships in his post-playing days.

“I am extremely pleased because we have been teammates and friends for almost 20 years,” Hasen says. “He was part of that winning culture in the early years in Rochester as a player and his passion and effort to help us get back to that is a tremendous help.”

Driscoll knows the National Lacrosse League, having played in it for 19 seasons. He can help players with tendencies and awareness of what they are doing. As Kirk says, Driscoll’s experience and ability to relate to players is a bonus.

“I think maybe, just for me, getting a little bit older, ‘Driski’ was able to play and be so good for so long, I think he’s been able to help me with being a little bit smarter when I play on the floor. Maybe take a step to the left, a step to the right, and just little things that help me keep up with these young fast guys.”

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The fact that he was in the league so recently is beneficial, as well, notes defender Scott Self.

“He just knows the game, knows the players. He’s really aware of what’s going on and who’s who,” says Self. “Driski’s just a good guy. You can just tell he’s really happy to be around.”

Assistant Coach Paul Day says it’s comfortable having Driscoll as part of the K-Hawks crew. Driscoll played for Day during his five seasons (1995-99) with the Knighthawks and won the 1997 NLL Championship.

“He was an original Knighthawk with me who has been with us since Day One. He helps us with summer scouting for the draft and pre-scout versus teams,” Day says. “Driski will do whatever the organization needs. It’s the same as when he came to us as a goal scorer who finished his career out the back door.”

Day recalls driving to Rochester together in the early days of the franchise, which was a 3-5 hour drive one way some winter nights. They had plenty of time to talk lacrosse then and they still love to talk about the game.

Of course, lacrosse plays a huge role in Driscoll’s life. Not only is he still involved with the Knighthawks, but he works for the Ontario Lacrosse Association as its technical director. He’s also an assistant coach with the Brampton Excelsiors of the OLA Junior “A” league.

That gives him great insight into players preparing to come into the NLL out of junior, which helps immensely in scouting for the NLL Draft.

Driscoll comes by his love of the game honestly. His mother, Ann, remembers 4-yearold Chris going to practice at the Boston Gardens with his dad, who played goalie for the Boston Bolts in their only season in the old National Lacrosse League in 1975.

“From the time Chris was a baby, he was interested in sports, mostly hockey and lacrosse,” Ann says. “Lacrosse was his favorite, definitely in his blood.”

Ann says it was obvious when he started playing lacrosse at age 5 that he would become a very talented player, and that he would be an unselfish one, scoring as many assists as goals.

“His skill and leadership abilities won him many awards and championships during his minor lacrosse,” she says. “He would always be prepared for practice and games, checking his sports bag many times to make sure everything was there. He always put 100 percent into his play and knew what it would take to win.”

Win he did, earning a pair of Mann Cups with the Brampton Excelsiors. He also helped the Owen Sound Woodsmen win a Presidents Cup late in his career. Four times he was a Top 10 scorer in Major Series Lacrosse, including 1996 when he notched over 100 points.

Driscoll, who has won six Champion’s Cups, now passes along his knowledge of the game to his son, Kyle, and the numerous youngsters he coaches throughout the year.

“Playing sports in school his one teacher wrote, ‘Chris is a true leader and his peers all respect and look up to him,’” Ann says. So it’s probably no surprise that he has turned to the coaching side of the game after finishing his playing career. “While watching Chris coach minor hockey and lacrosse we can see he is coaching with the same passion and leadership that he had as a player. We couldn’t be prouder parents.”

Driscoll’s role with the Rochester Knighthawks is behind the scenes, but there’s no question that he makes a valuable contribution to the family atmosphere that has helped mold the success the team has enjoyed.

“It’s a great experience to be part of the Knighthawks family,” said Driscoll. “You always know someone has your back over the course of the season. I think that (trust) brings everybody closer together and lets us focus on what the job is at hand.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 23

EVANS: NEW ROLE LEADS TO THREE-PEAT

By Brian Antonio

The Rochester Knighthawks and Calgary Roughnecks provided Rochester and National Lacrosse League fans with quite the exhilarating finish to cap off yet another thrilling NLL season, winning their league-record third straight Champion’s Cup in the decisive 10-minute mini-game.

“Our character was a huge quality for us,” said Evans. “A lot of teams and people thought we were done when we were down 2-0 during that mini-game with a few minutes left, but if you looked at our bench we were all cool and calm and we were able to find some scoring pretty quickly when we needed it.”

Evans has been a member of the team for all three titles and says each Cup has felt equally as amazing as the others, even if there were some slight differences in how Rochester won each one.

“From a series standpoint it was a bit different, being down after the first game in a best-of-three type scenario,” said Evans. “It was a long journey. We had a lot better regular season this year than we did in the past two years where we sort of had to squeak in to make the playoffs. We had some chemistry built from years past because we didn’t make too many big changes to our lineup. We sort of had a lot of the same pieces. I think that was huge for us because we all knew each other and knew how to play with each other.”

Part of that character, Evans says, is being able to trust the guys who put it all out there on the field alongside him.

“You know if you’re going to make a mistake (on defense) not only (Mike) Kirk, but every guy on that back line has everyone’s back,” said Evans. “So you know if you take a chance or you make a mistake you’ve got some solid back up. If by chance a defenseman isn’t able to pick up a guy, we have a guy like ‘Vno’ (Matt Vinc) in the net, who is always able to stop whatever they send at him.”

That trust is a lot easier to come by when teammates are also close friends, such as Evans and fellow defenseman Mike Kirk. Evans and Kirk drive to games and practices together every weekend and say their off the field relationship contributes to their performance on the turf.

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“I think it’s a big factor,” admitted Kirk. “You try to spend as much time as possible with each other off the field. I think when we are on the field together, it really shows by how well we play together. We can talk to each other and get mad at each other, but we both know we’re doing everything we can to help the team win.”

Evans was introduced to lacrosse when he was 3 years old by his father, Mark, and started playing organized just a year later – something his father said was inevitable.

“Dylan had the fortunate ¬or unfortunate ¬situation of being born into a fourth generation lacrosse family in Brampton and part of growing up also meant playing lacrosse.

It has been an important part of our family culture,” explained Mark. “Once he started, his enthusiasm for the game persisted and he worked hard to improve year after year.”

“He taught me from a young age how to play the game with respect,” said Evans when asked how his father influenced his career.

It was while playing lacrosse in Brampton where Dylan also met his future best friend, Kyle Rubisch. That was 19 years ago and the two have remained friends, while playing minor, midget, junior and senior ball together. When they first met, Dylan was a highscoring forward for his hometown team and was consistently leading the Ontario Lacrosse Association in scoring. His offensive talents even earned him First Team All-Star honors as a midget.

“Dylan was already a well-known lacrosse player in Brampton at the young age of 7.

I went for my first tryout and that’s when we first met,” said Rubisch. “When I first met him, until our first couple years of juniors, he was a goal scorer. He always had one of the best shots.”

Eventually Evans would join Rubisch back on defense, as he made the transition during his junior career. It was with the Excels that Evans also expanded his role as a faceoff specialist.

“He put in a lot of hard work, keeping his spot and earning his spot,” said Rubisch. “To see his hard work pay off and win some championships, he definitely earned it. I am glad to see that.”

It was at the Senior “A” level with Brampton where the friends finally won their first championship together, hoisting the Mann Cup in 2011 after beating the Langley Thunder 4-1 in the best-of-seven series.

“It was awesome. We always had good teams, but we never got to win that championship,” said Evans. “Winning it and having your best friend there, who you played lacrosse with for so long, was something special.”

Evans, who broke into the NLL in 2011, has continued that success at the professional level, winning three straight championships in his four season with the Knighthawks. In the first Championship Game, the friends were on opposite teams as Rochester hosted the Edmonton Rush in the 2012 title game. But that night would belong to Evans and the Knighthawks, as they rallied for a 9-6 victory.

“It was very weird. We had family and friends there who care about both of us, want to see both of us do well, but only one of us can win,” said Rubisch. “There’s no hard feelings.

It’s part of the game.”

Despite falling just short of his own dream of winning a championship, Rubisch was there to share in his friend’s success.

“The more awkward thing was when he brought the trophy to his house,” said Rubisch.

“I went over there to celebrate with him. I still supported him even though I wanted the party to be at my house. I just made sure I didn’t touch the Champion’s Cup.” Evans has since added two more Cups with the Knighthawks, while playing a more valuable role on the team each season. In 2014, he had a breakout year on defense, playing in all 18 games and achieving career highs in assists (9), forced turnovers (11) and loose balls (129). He also won 49.2 percent of his faceoff attempts to finish fifth in the league in faceoff wins (205).

For his efforts, he was recognized by his teammates and the coaching staff when they chose him as the winner of the team’s Wolf Pack Award, which recognizes a player’s commitment and exceptional dedication to the team.

“He was a strong faceoff guy last year, and he was one of the elite faceoff guys in the league this year. It’s helped us out with those extra possessions and timely faceoff wins,” said Kirk. “It keeps us off the floor a little more and gives us more possessions for the offensive guys. He’s not afraid to push the ball and put it in the net either, so he’s really an all-around jack-of-all-trades type of player.”

Just a few years removed from being converted into a defensive player after playing offense his entire life, his successful transition has earned him the respect of his teammates.

“I’m really happy for a guy like Dylan because he has worked so hard through changing positions,” said Kirk. “He’s always ready to do whatever the coaching staff asks of him.”

“You forget how young he is because of his maturity on and off the floor and how successful he has been in his lacrosse career already,” said teammate and close friend Scott Campbell.

“He has won three championships in four full years in the league. He is a great guy and I couldn’t be happier for him to find success.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 25

KNIGHTHAWKS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR GAGE

By Andrea Chevalier

Rochester Knighthawks Vice President of Player Personnel Jody Gage was able to add yet another accomplishment to his already impressive resume. He has played a vital role in the front office and in the scouting department of the three-time defending champions.

The 2014 season proved to be one for the record books not only for Gage, but for the entire Knighthawks’ organization. Rochester knocked off the Calgary Roughnecks 3-2 in the decisive 10-minute mini-game to become the first team in National Lacrosse League history to win three straight Champion’s Cups.

“It speaks about the group as a whole,” Gage said. “Very few teams in sports win three.

(Winning the Cup in 2007) was amazing because we lost so many times getting close to the finals. These last three have been amazing, winning them three straight years knowing that everyone wants to knock you off. It speaks volumes of the players themselves.

Yes, they have to be talented, but it’s also the character of the group and also the character and how close the lacrosse staff is. It starts with (Owner) Curt (Styres).”

Gage’s father, Jack, who he considers to be one of the most influential people in his life, was watching from home during one of the most exciting games in NLL history. In fact, he was so nervous during the mini-game that he had to leave the room until the game was over. When he found out the team had won the coveted Champion’s Cup for a league-record third time, the excitement he had for the team and his son exploded throughout the house.

“I was watching the game and I just couldn’t watch it anymore,” Jack said with a chuckle. “I went outside about halfway through and my wife had to tell me they won.

I was really quite surprised.”

Jody works closely with Styres and Landon Miller on day-to-day decision-making for player and team business in Rochester.

“I think he does a really good job staying on top of players and scouting them for us,” Knighthawks forward Joe Walters said. “I turn to Jody all the time for advice, not only for the Knighthawks, but for lacrosse in general. He’s been a huge helpful hand in my career and I’m very grateful for all he’s done for me.”

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In his 18 seasons with the Knighthawks, Gage has been able to see the sport grow and gauge how the players have transformed over the years into stronger, more competitive athletes, which is similar to what he experienced when he played hockey. “(When I first started getting into lacrosse) I was talking to Paul (Day) about how lacrosse players will start to get in better condition and become better athletes,” said Gage.

“The athletes would get bigger, stronger and faster as time goes on, similar to what I saw happen in hockey in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ’80s as the game evolved. I’m starting to see the same thing in lacrosse. It’s not the same but they are very close.”

Gage is well-known in Rochester not only for his work with the five-time champion lacrosse team, but also for his work with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League – as both a player and a member of the management team. Gage’s time in Rochester began long before his days in the Knighthawks office.

He played for the Amerks for 10 seasons before retiring during the 1995–96 season.

He finished his AHL career with 504 goals, 1,048 points, seven 40-goal seasons, and 51 playoff goals. He remains the Amerks’ all-time leader in games played (653), points (728), goals (351), and assists (377).

Following his retirement, Gage accepted a position as the assistant general manager for the Amerks and was a member of the 1996 Calder Cup Championship team, who defeated the defending champion Portland Pirates. He is currently working as the Director of Strategic Planning for the Amerks.

Highlights of Gage’s hockey career began when he was drafted into the NHL in the third round, 45th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in 1979. He also made stops in Buffalo, playing for the Sabres from 1985-88 and 1991-92. He played in the AHL for the Adirondack Red Wings and the Amerks. His career also included a brief stint with the Kalamazoo Wings of the International Hockey League.

Gage served as the Knighthawks general manager for 12 seasons (1997-2008).

The team advanced to five championship games and won two titles during that time.

In 2007, he had a hand in the team’s league-record 17-win season, which included 15 straight victories, the second most in NLL history.

It is thanks to Gage that the Knighthawks have had the luck of drafting some of the most talented players in the NLL such as John Grant Jr., Casey Powell, Curt Malawsky, Josh Sanderson and Colin Doyle. As the general manager, he played an instrumental part in acquiring superstars Mike Accursi, Chris Schiller, Steve Toll and Shawn Williams.

“When I first saw my very first game of lacrosse, I found it very exciting and I saw a lot of similarities between hockey and basketball,” Gage said. “So when you’re scouting players, there’s a lot of similar things you’re looking for, but then there’s heart and character and speed. (Both hockey and lacrosse) mirror each other closely.”

Gage is a member of four Hall of Fames, earning induction into the Knighthawks’ Hall of Fame in 2010 with notable players such as Randy Mearns and Paul Gait. Gage was also enshrined into the Amerks Hall of Fame in 1999, and joined the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. He also has the honor of being one of only three Amerks players who have their number retired. Jody was also a member of an inaugural class of the AHL Hall of Fame in 2006, along with hockey legends Johnny Bower, Jack Butterfield, Fred Glover, Willie Marshall, Frank Mathers and Eddie Shore.

If there is one thing that Gage could stress the most about the success of the Knighthawks over the past few seasons, it would be the true family bond that the team has created. For him, the family bond goes beyond the Knighthawks. His family has truly been his support system throughout his career and life.

Jody is backed by his family which includes his father, Jack; mother, Margaret; wife, Charlotte; son, Ryan; daughter, Stefanie; daughter-in-law, Gina; and grandsons Joseph, who is 19 months old, and Teddy, who is 3 months old.

As a child, Jody’s father, Jack, was his role model and the person he looked to for hockey advice and advice about life in general. The two have always been very close.

Growing up, Jack worked two jobs so that Jody could play hockey. This speaks volumes to Jody about how much his father cared for his happiness.

Though Jack was busy working to support his son, he never let that stop him from attending games to cheer his son on. Jody’s mother, Margaret, would take him to games.

Jack would meet them there after work to watch Jody play and then he would take his son home. It was during these car rides that Jody got some of the best advice from his father. He would always ask for his opinion on what he could do better for the next practice or game. Jack always tried his best to help his son become a better player.

“My dad is my idol. He worked two jobs just so I could play hockey,” Gage said. “You realize when you have children all that your parents did for you. I see now the sacrifices my parents made for me back then and I always tried to do the same for my kids.”

“He would come to me and ask my opinion,” said Jack. “He always came to me after games and asked for my advice and if I had an answer for him, I would tell him. It was sometimes something as simple as telling him to carry the puck, but I always tried to help him. I can’t say enough about how proud I am of him. Whatever he tried to achieve, he achieved.”

He knew that he would always get a well-thought out response from his dad. Even today, the father and son duo still spend as much time together as possible. Though Jody resides in Rochester, while his parents live in Canada, he makes the trip out to see him as often as possible.

“He was super supportive my whole life and allowed me to go after my dream, but never pressured me,” said Gage. “He was my best coach.”

“We never expected (him to be so successful is sports),” said Jack. “We never forced him to do anything. It was really just for fun. It was just something he really enjoyed doing and we enjoyed watching him do it.”

Some of Jody’s trips to Canada are for work, scouting players for the Knighthawks. Jack often travels with his son to the games, giving them time to talk. Jody still looks to his father for advice when it comes to his job and personal life.

“I look forward to those trips together,” Jack said. “I really just enjoy the time I get to spend talking to him and spending that time with him. We don’t just talk about lacrosse and sports, we talk about life and I try to help him if I can.”

Like his father, Ryan also played hockey. Jody used the words that his father told him when he was a young athlete as he watched Ryan grow up to be a successful hockey player: do it because you enjoy it. Ryan played at SUNY Geneseo and Aquinas, where he won two state championships and four Section V titles. Now married and with two young children, he coaches a 16-U team. During his high school and college days, he served as an equipment manager for the Knighthawks.

Jody’s wife and kids were at The Blue Cross Arena the day the Knighthawks made history in both the NLL and the city of Rochester. It is the “family first” motto that has hit home for the Gage family.

“It’s a team. It’s a group,” Gage said. “At the end of the day, it’s a group that really loves each other. It’s chemistry. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a chemistry that the organization has. Curt went out and hired the best coaches and we brought in quality players with the best talent.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 27

GAIT STILL EXPERIENCING SUCCESS WITH KNIGHTHAWKS

By Craig Rybczynski

Paul Gait’s legacy with the Rochester Knighthawks was cemented nearly 20 years ago after helping the franchise win its first National Lacrosse League Championship. His influence on the team, however, does not end with the 1997 Champion’s Cup, but continues to this day in the Knighthawks’ front office.

“I have always been a competitive person and having the chance to compete for a championship was, and is, extremely rewarding,” he said. “Although my role has changed from player to executive, it is still very exciting to be part of a team who cannot only compete, but win championships.”

In his current role as the Knighthawks Vice President of Lacrosse, he has won three straight Champion’s Cups, while working alongside Owner and General Manager Curt Styres and President Lewis Staats. With a lifetime of lacrosse experience, he lends his expertise to the organization’s business and lacrosse operations plans.

“I always knew who Paul Gait was, but I never really got to know him until he joined the Knighthawks’ staff. Once I got to know Paul, I realized he was just as good of a person as he was a lacrosse player and that is high praise considering he is one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time,” said Staats. “Paul is a gentleman and exudes professionalism in all aspects of his life. I believe these traits are what make him such a valuable asset to the Knighthawks both on and off the floor and a key contributor to our success.”

Gait rejoined the Knighthawks’ organization in December of 2008, as he and Styres began laying the groundwork for the team’s future success. Gait took over the head coaching reins for the 2009 season and led the Knighthawks back to the playoffs. After one more season behind the bench, Gait was promoted to the front office in his current role as VP of Lacrosse.

“Paul has spent his whole life in the lacrosse business as a player, coach and manufacturer,” said Styres in the days following the promotion. “He has a lot to offer the sport and will help us with the front office in Rochester.”

During his four seasons as a team executive, Gait has witnessed the rebirth of the Knighthawks, culminating in their league-record third straight Champion’s Cup in 2014.

“It’s a testament to hard work and seeing that hard work pay off. Getting the results you desire and play for is a great accomplishment,” said Gait. “Being involved two to three years prior to winning it and then realizing a championship means more than anything.”

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Gait has been in attendance for all three Championship Games, including the dramatic finale to the 2014 Championship Series against the Calgary Roughnecks. After defeating Calgary 16-10 in Game Two, the Knighthawks used three goals in the final three minutes to capture the NLL title. Gait credited Styres and the players with giving him the motivation to win this past year’s Champion’s Cup. “The amount of time and effort that Curt puts into the team is the motivating factor for me. Then it’s trying to execute that vision,” said Gait. “The other (motivating) thing is the players. Seeing how much they enjoyed being part of ‘The Wolf Pack’ and what it meant to them, made it more important to me.”

After winning his latest Cup with Rochester, he now has won six NLL Championships, including four with the Knighthawks. The NLL Hall of Fame forward and former Syracuse University standout also captured the 15th title of his career.

Paul’s accomplishments in lacrosse have been well-documented, along with his twin brother Gary. The Gaits are members of every lacrosse Hall of Fame you can imagine, joining the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2014. The brothers, who grew up in Victoria, BC, started playing at 4 years old because their neighbors Greg and Grant Pepper played lacrosse. The Gaits stuck with the sport, despite achieving success at other sports like soccer, basketball and rugby.

Paul noted a handful of coaches who helped him become one of the greatest names in the sport. The list included his father, Fred, and local coaches Tejinder Dhillon and Ron MacNeil. But it was recently inducted NLL Hall of Fame Coach Chris Hall, who Gait said played a significant role in his development, especially in the field game.

“I made him everything he is,” joked Hall. “It’s flattering because I don’t know how much influence I had (on his career). He probably had more of an influence on my career, than I did on his. He was so good, along with Gary, we just had to throw them out there and watch them wield their magic.”

Paul and Gary first played for Hall in 1983 on the legendary Victoria Seaspray, which was the first outdoor team in Victoria. The brothers excelled with the Victoria team over a five-year period and helped create a dynasty in the local field lacrosse community.

The Seaspray, who were also known as the Royal Waxmen, ruled local lacrosse from 1980-98, winning 17 BC Provincial championships, 11 Canadian National Ross Cups, seven Western States Tournaments and three North American Brogden Cups. The team won 142 games and lost only four through 1988, which included seven undefeated seasons and a string of 75 straight wins.

The Gaits, who were 15 years old in their rookie season, suited up with and against men in their 20s and 30s, including giants of the Canadian field game like MacNeil and Kevin Alexander.

“They were so good at 15 that they were capable of playing with older guys,” said Hall. “Physically they were one of a kind: big, strong and powerful. They were prototype athletes who coaches are looking for in the NFL and the NBA. You knew physically they were going to be unbelievable powerhouses.”

Hall was most impressed with the maturity of Paul and Gary. Even though they possessed superior athleticism, the 6-foot-2 twins remained humble and respectful as they played above their age group.

“They were like every other 15-year-old kid. They were enjoying life, playing sports and having fun,” said Hall. “In terms of their physical and athletic capabilities, they were a cut above the rest. They came with no ego and looked up and admired the players they were playing with. They were happy to be there and happy to get their chance and time when they were 15.”

After starting on the team’s fourth line midfield in their first season, the Gaits rose to prominence each season and quickly began dominating the field game.

“It was a great experience coaching them. It was a real treat for all of us – the coaches and players – just to have them with us,” said Hall. “It was great to watch them mature, go to Syracuse and see all the incredible things they went on to accomplish.”

The Gaits took their field game to Syracuse, where they revolutionized the game and brought attention to the university in Central NY. While playing for the Orange, Paul earned First Team All-American honors from 1988 to 1990 and helped Syracuse win three straight national championships. Gait was also named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 1989. In 1991, Paul and Gary made their professional lacrosse debuts and the league would never be the same.

“Paul and Gary gave players a chance to come from Canada and join the league. The best players in the world came. As a result, Buffalo, Rochester and other teams followed, which was likely to do with how Paul and Gary had turned the game into a profession,” said Knighthawks Assistant Coach and former player Paul Day. “I don’t think people realize how much of an impact Paul had on the pro indoor game and what it is today.”

“Paul was a great ambassador for the game of lacrosse,” said former teammate and Knighthawks Ontario Scout Chris Driscoll. “He brought the league and teams he played for to the next level. It was a great honor to be able to watch and play with a player who had so much passion for the game on and off the floor.”

Like several other members of the staff, Gait once played for the Knighthawks. He was the team’s first superstar when the Knighthawks joined the Rochester sports scene in 1995. In his three seasons, he took the team to the playoffs three times and led the Knighthawks to two NLL Finals. He brought instant credibility to Rochester’s newest sports team.

“From a franchise standpoint, he was a big name after playing in Syracuse. Our fan base knew Paul very well,” said Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage. “Secondly, he was a superstar. He was one of those phenomenal athletes with speed, power and a great shot. He just had everything.”

Gait also brought the Knighthawks their first championship. It was his eight-point effort – combined with 54 saves from Steve “Chugger” Dietrich – that carried Rochester to a 15-12 win over the Buffalo Bandits in the 1997 NLL Finals.

“In the Championship Game, he and ‘Chugger’ were the two big reasons why we won it,” said Gage. “Paul just basically put the team on his shoulders and was a man on a mission.”

Gait shared the spotlight with his teammates in winning the 1997 title, saying he was on a team of All-Pros. It’s tough to argue with that statement as he played on a team that included future Hall of Famers Tim Soudan, Jeremy Hollenbeck, Regy Thorpe, Randy Mearns, Duane Jacobs, Driscoll and Dietrich.

“The chemistry of that team helped us have success,” said Gait. “There were a bunch of lacrosse legends on that team. As I look back at it, we were stacked. It was also nice to have a Hall of Fame goaltender.”

Gait completed his Knighthawks career with 87 goals and 58 assists to earn enshrinement into the inaugural class of the Knighthawks’ Hall of Fame. Gait, who is also a member of the NLL Hall of Fame, had an unprecedented 13-year playing career that began in 1991 and ended in 2005. The former NLL MVP was an eight-time First Team All-Pro and a three-time Second Team All-Pro. Gait now influences the game as a teacher, mentor and manufacturer. It’s not uncommon to see a huddle of players around Gait as he talks about the game or the latest product line from the company he co-owns with Styres, Team 22 Lacrosse. One of his star pupils is 2014 NLL MVP and scoring leader Cody Jamieson.

“Paul is a very smart man. He is one of the few people who has been able to live his life in the lacrosse world,” said Jamieson. “I enjoy the passion he has for the game and talking to him about the past, present and future.”

The 47-year-old Gait spends his nights and weeks dedicated to transforming the game off the turf as the President of Team 22 Lacrosse. The company is an Authorized Licensee of Under Armour®, which designs, manufactures and distributes lacrosse equipment.

One of the big benefits of working in his dual role has been the relationships he has established off the field with Knighthawks/Team 22 players like Jamieson, Sid Smith, Craig Point, Stephen Keogh and Matt Vinc.

“It has been great working with them,” said Gait. “Just getting to know them as people has been a good experience for me. It’s been great to get to know the boys and their personalities.”

For Gait, it’s also the opportunity to help the Rochester Knighthawks continue to win championships and remain close to the game that has been a part of his life for four decades.

“My playing days were a great experience for me, and bring value to what I do every day,” said Gait. “I don’t really miss playing because I get to work around the sport every day. I try to cherish every moment of what I am doing today.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 29

WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS AN EXPECTATION FOR GENERAL

By Jeremy Pike

In 2014, the Rochester Knighthawks reached back into their past and named former netminder Derek General as the team’s goalie coach. Rochester has a history of hiring former Knighthawks players with Mike Hasen, Pat O’Toole, Mike Accursi and Chris Driscoll all making the transition from player to the front office after concluding their playing careers.

The homecoming for General was even more than he expected, as the 43-year-old raised the Champion’s Cup for the second time in his NLL career.

“It’s something special when a team or organization can make a new chapter in the history books,” General said. “A few teams have had opportunities in the past to threepeat. Personally, having started my playing career in Rochester and being a part of the staff makes it extra special.”

General, with his family in the stands, celebrated the Knighthawks’ history-making three-peat at The Blue Cross Arena on May 31st. It was an incredible night of lacrosse as Rochester won Game Two 16-10 and then rallied to defeat the Calgary Roughnecks 3-2 in the 10-minute mini-game to win its third straight NLL Championship.

“It’s all a team effort with the coaches just as much as it is with the players,” said General. “The staff is well prepared with video and scouting reports. Personally, I just try to contribute however I can. If you can limit the other team’s offense and score more goals than them, chances are good you will be successful. During games, I would keep track of where opposing teams were getting shots off. I would brief ‘Vno’ (Matt Vinc) during halftime when I had a chance as well as anything else I may have picked up on.”

In 2014, Vinc finished near the top of the list in every goaltending category as he won his league-record fourth NLL Goaltender of the Year Award. Fellow Rochester goalie Angus Goodleaf also enjoyed a career season in wins and established a franchise record with an .840 save percentage. With both of their goalies having stellar years, the Knighthawks allowed the second-fewest goals in the NLL (167).

General also played a role in the defense’s success, which is led by Head Coach Mike Hasen, and Assistant Coaches Jason Johnson and Pat O’Toole. General not only worked with Vinc and Goodleaf, but instructed and trained rookie goalie Brandon Styres in Training Camp.

“He has a lot of experience playing at a high level, a very competitive level. He’s obviously been there, done that, so when it comes to working with the younger goalies, rookies coming in, I think he can offer a lot to them,” said Johnson. “He kept track of stats and shots, so he gave us insight as far as offensively, what the other goalies are doing. He was also keeping track of who’s shooting, who’s shooting where and how many shots were being taken. Our goalies do a pretty good job themselves as far as scouting, but after a while players change things up.”

The 2014 season was his first as a coach in the NLL after playing nine seasons, spending four of those in Rochester (1996-99). He was also a member of the Knighthawks’ 1997 championship squad, who downed the Buffalo Bandits 15-12 on the road. The ’97 Rochester team was packed with future Hall of Fame players like like Paul Gait, Tim Soudan, Jeremy Hollenbeck, Regy Thorpe, Randy Mearns, Duane Jacobs, Steve Dietrich and Chris Driscoll. General was developing into a fan favorite and was a key member of the franchise’s inaugural championship team.

“That was pretty exciting,” said General. “I remember the crowd. We were pretty heavy underdogs at the time, Buffalo was expected to win that year. It was a big upset.”

In his final two seasons, he was 4-2 with a .736 save percentage. His most impressive season was in 1999, as he went 3-0, twice coming off the bench to guide the Knighthawks to victory. In one weekend, General led the team to back-to-back wins. On January 22nd, he made a season-high 43 saves in relief of Steve Dietrich in a 15-12 win over Philadelphia. The following night, he led Rochester to a 20-13 win over Syracuse.

“Derek General was a great goalie,” said Driscoll, who now works as the Knighthawks Ontario Scout. “He had a passion for the game and just loved playing the position. He always had a high compete level.”

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Paul Day, who coached General for all four seasons in Rochester, said that General played a major role after Steve “Chugger” Dietrich went down with a season-ending injury in the game against Philadelphia.

“He was always a fierce competitor,” said Day, who also played junior lacrosse against General. “He was a great team guy. I remember at the time that ‘Chugger’ got hurt, he stepped right in and played well for us on a team that was competing for a championship.

He was a real positive guy and went on to have a good career as a starter.”

General, who finished his playing career in 2006, moved into coaching in 2007 with the Junior “B” Six Nations Rebels. He carried that competitiveness he had as a player over to his coaching career and has been highly successful. General has become accustomed to winning in his career as the goalie coach for the Rebels. He has captured six Junior “B” Founders Cups, which currently includes a streak of four in a row.

“I joined the Rebels in 2007 and it has been a pretty steady diet of lacrosse. I learned a lot about myself and learned a little bit more about the game from the coaching aspect,” said General. “My role has changed over the years and now I am a steady bench coach.

Winning all those championships has been pretty amazing. We have had the same core group of guys, but the supporting cast changes every year.”

Knighthawks Assistant General Manager Landon Miller works closely with General during the NLL season and during the summer and has developed an idea of what General contributes to Rochester’s success.

“His information is more on where the shot selections are going to be, where they’re trying to shoot at,” said Miller. “A lot of it has to do with in-game adjustments. It’s more or less feeding Vno added information on what they’re trying to do against him. The defensive coach is worrying about keeping the shots from outside, where Derek will look at shot location.”

General began playing lacrosse when he was 4 years old and waited only one season before strapping on the goalie gear. What started out as a necessity for his youth team turned into a big career move for the Six Nations’ product.

“I told my dad, ‘I’ll throw on the pads,’” said General. “Everything just snowballed from there.”

General said his motivation for winning the 2014 Champion’s Cup was Owner and General Manager Curt Styres, who gave him the chance to coach at the NLL level.

“If Curt Styres hadn’t asked if I was interested in joining the staff, I wouldn’t have been a part of this historic year,” said General.

Styres, who has assembled one of the best staffs in the league, was excited to add a player and coach of General’s caliber to the then back-to-back champions.

“Players can learn from his experience in goal and in lacrosse in general,” said Styres.

“We always try to find someone with a specialty. By him being a goalie and involved in the game, he knows the players and their strengths and weaknesses.”

General’s job as the Knighthawks’ goalie coach brought him back to where his career began. He shared those memories with his wife, Tiffany, and kids Jakobi and Derellyn. He thanked his wife of over 10 years for supporting his lacrosse career and his 6-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter.

For Derek, the 2014 campaign was memorable at the beginning and certainly at the end as the Knighthawks hoisted the Champion’s Cup. It’s why Rochester holds a special place in his heart.

“Rochester is a great city and things kind of came full circle,” said General. “I spent a lot of time here as a player. It’s like a second home. I couldn’t be happier for the fans. They are passionate and knowledgeable.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 31

GOODLEAF: A MAN OF OPPORTUNITY

By Craig Rybczynski

Angus Goodleaf still remembers the first time he played in goal. As the youngest of four brothers, his job was playing goal in neighborhood field lacrosse games as he guarded the hockey net with little more than his lacrosse stick.

It’s no wonder he welcomed the chance to play box lacrosse as a goalie, which provided much more equipment and a smaller goal to protect.

“He was never really afraid of the ball.

He stuck with it and he liked it,” said his mother, Carol Martin. “I didn’t like it so much, but he did. He has done really well for himself over the years.”

Goodleaf was 8 or 9 years old when he first strapped on the pads and went in between the pipes for his Pee Wee team.

Eventually, the kid who grew up playing pickup games in Kahnawake, which is a community near the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, took his game to the National Lacrosse League. After spending three seasons in Buffalo, Goodleaf was signed by the Rochester Knighthawks in early 2013.

Since arriving in Rochester, he has been one of the most reliable goalies in the league.

In terms of personal statistics, the 2014 campaign stands as the finest season of his career. Goodleaf played 135 minutes and posted a 2-1 record, an incredible 7.08 goalsagainst average and an .840 save percentage, which set a franchise record.

“He’s done his job and has done exactly what the team has asked,” said Knighthawks forward Cody Jamieson. “He’s a happy guy. He’s funny and he keeps the dressing room nice and light, but at the same time he can step in and play some quality minutes if we need him to. I think he’s good for our team.”

Goodleaf and the Knighthawks have been a perfect match. He brought playoff experience to the defending NLL Champs. In 2007, he guided Burnaby to an appearance in the Minto Cup and the following season helped Six Nations earn a berth in the Ontario Finals.

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Goodleaf also won a Mann Cup Championship with the Peterborough Lakers in 2010. His personality, however, is what makes him an essential member of the Knighthawks. If you want to know his importance to the team, just ask fellow Rochester goalie Matt Vinc.

“Angus is the epitome of a perfect teammate,” said Vinc. “He is always in a good mood and relaxed, which helps me because I am always stressed and nervous. I couldn’t ask for a better goalie partner!”

Ian Llord, who has roomed with Goodleaf since their days with the Bandits, has gotten to know the 6-1, 290-pound goalie very well. One of the benefits of rooming with Goodleaf is sharing his mom’s home cooking. Llord recalls a late-night drop off of 100 chicken wings when they played together in Buffalo. This season, he sampled the homemade cookies and ribs that Carol delivered to the Knighthawks’ dressing room. Llord has noticed that Angus and his mother share some similar traits.

“When you meet his mom you see where he gets it. He is a big, lovable guy,” he said, “There’s a reason his nickname is ‘Sugar Tank.’”

“I get a lot of my humor from my mother,” admitted Angus with a smile. “Llordy loves when my mother comes to games because she keeps us well fed.”

Carol laughed when she heard the comparison with her son. She especially enjoys visiting her son and bringing bags of goodies with her on her trips.

“When I come into town for the games, because I don’t get to see him that often, I spend the day before baking a bunch of cookies,” she said. “I think Ian gets the benefit of some of that stuff.”

She added that her son has the perfect attitude and characteristics to be a successful goalie.

“He is a pretty even keel, happy-go-lucky kind of guy. I think being a goalie has helped him, and so has his personality being in that type of position,” she said. “I like that about him. When I see him playing in tough games of lacrosse, he keeps his cool.”

Goodleaf showcased his calm demeanor in back-to-back relief appearances in 2014.

His first appearance of the season was on January 25th, as he entered the game at the start the fourth quarter with Rochester trailing 10-3. In front of nearly 14,000 fans in Buffalo, it would have been easy to crumble, but Goodleaf calmly took his stance in goal and very nearly made team history. He turned aside seven of the eight shots he faced in the final 15 minutes, while the Knighthawks’ offense erupted for seven goals to get within one. It was a testament to the team’s tenacity, and set the stage for a historic season for Goodleaf.

“He is a great goalie and possibly the best backup in the league,” said teammate Craig Point. “He didn’t get in much because we have another great goalie. But whenever Angus was in, he was ready (to play), whether it was in practice or in a game.”

Goodleaf’s next game was equally impressive. On March 15th, he entered the game in the second quarter against the rival Toronto Rock and held them scoreless for over 16 minutes en route to a 17-12 victory. His 27-save effort stole the show at the Air Canada Centre in front of a national television audience.

While the offense was outscoring Toronto 12-3 in the second half, Goodleaf was knocking away shot after shot from some of the top offensive players in the league. He ended the night with a penalty shot save on Rock leading scorer Stephan Leblanc with under two minutes to play. “‘Gussy’ showed us how valuable he is,” said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk.

“He made big save after big save. He did his part to help us get the win in a tough place to play.”

After two outstanding relief appearances, Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen rewarded Goodleaf with the first start of his Knighthawks’ career on April 5th against the Minnesota Swarm. The fifth-year pro responded by tying his career high with 42 saves in a 12-9 victory. He also notched his first career win as a starting goalie.

“It’s good to know that the coaches had confidence in me to play a game like this,” he said. “We were well-rested for this game and we’re going to play every game like it’s a playoff game and go from there.”

In May, after a grueling 18 regular season games and six playoff games, Goodleaf and his teammates achieved their ultimate goal, winning another Champion’s Cup. After capturing his first title in 2013, Goodleaf was able to win the Cup on his home turf. It was a special moment for the 27-year-old, who thanked his parents by raising the NLL’s most prestigious trophy for the second time in two seasons.

Chester Goodleaf and Carol Martin were on the turf to celebrate with their son. Angus said it was their support this season that allowed him to achieve career numbers and back-to-back Champion’s Cup. “Both my mom and dad were able to make the games last year and this year,” said Angus. “It just makes it that much more special having your family there celebrating with you.”

“I am very proud of him. He works very hard. Just the travel alone to the games and practices, especially when he was living in Kahnawake, was hard on him,” said Carol. “But he stuck with it because it was something he wanted to do. I am proud that he didn’t give up at all.”

It was his parents who encouraged him to start playing lacrosse when he was 4 years old. They have also shared in his two proudest moments in the NLL. In 2013, Carol thought they were going to miss the game when it was announced that the NLL Finals were being played in Langley, BC. She was relieved and surprised, however, when her son said that the team was paying for the trip. It was a weekend she will never forget, as the Knighthawks won the Champion’s Cup. “Last year, the team was very generous and flew the parents out to BC,” she said. “I wanted to be there for sure and it was Mother’s Day. It was the best Mother’s Day I have ever had.”

“I was really proud to see that happen. I have also seen him win a Mann Cup,” said Angus’ dad. “It’s always good to see.”

This season, Chester flew out to Calgary for Game One of the Championship Series, courtesy of the Knighthawks. He was one of nearly 20 other dads and brothers who made the trip and experienced life on the road as a professional lacrosse player. Spending the three days with Angus made it that much more memorable.

“I felt like I was part of the team,” he said. “I was really proud to see him with that team. It was really great to see all the parents participate.”

After the opener, the series shifted to Rochester for Game Two and the mini-game.

Having the game in Rochester made for a shorter trip and allowed more of Angus’ family to attend the NLL Finals. Like the year before, the contest was filled with drama as Rochester pulled out the win in the final seconds of the game.

“It came right down to the wire. That was great,” said Chester Goodleaf.

“It was nerve-wracking, but it was an awesome game. Our goalie was doing so well, I was hoping he could keep it up,” said Carol. “I know Angus would have been there to, keeping his team into it. He knows his role as the backup goalie and has a very good mindset. He is there to support his teammates and be there when the team needs him. I really love that about him.”

It has been quite a two-year ride for Angus, and his family. It’s a streak he hopes to help the Knighthawks continue in 2015.

“Winning the Cup two years in a row was amazing and unbelievable,” said Goodleaf.

“These last two years have been two of the best years of my lacrosse career. I really appreciate the opportunity this team has given me.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 33

CHAMPION’S CUP A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR GREEN

By Craig Rybczynski

For the past two years, Wenster Green has watched his cousin Johnny Powless raise the National Lacrosse League’s Champion’s Cup. In 2014, he witnessed Powless celebrate his third straight title, but this time he had a better vantage point. Green, who signed with the team in November, was in the middle of the celebration as he hoisted the Champion’s Cup for the first time in his pro career.

“The experience was awesome,” he said. “The team deserved that win. Raising the Cup was something I will always remember.”

On May 31st, Rochester defeated the Calgary Roughnecks in Game Two and rallied for three goals in the final three minutes to claim the league title in the 10-minute minigame. The close-knit Knighthawks, who are known as “The Wolf Pack,” have family connections throughout the team.

The team truly has a family feeling to it with the Dawson and Self brothers on the roster, along with cousins in Green and Powless. Winning his third straight Cup in his third pro season was special enough for Powless, but having Green on the team made it even more memorable.

“It was awesome to be able to share that moment with a family member,” said Powless. “We’ve been playing together ever since we were 4 years old.”

“It was awesome to share it with one of my closest relatives,” said Green. “Not many people get to do that. It was definitely something special to share with him.”

The two Knighthawk stars, who were born just eight months apart, are more like brothers. In fact, they are so close that Wenster’s mom, Dawn Bomberry, calls Johnny her “other son”. Wenster and Johnny have been attached at the stick since they started playing lacrosse together in Hamilton. It was Dawn and her sister Laurie who moved their sons to Six Nations the following season when their home community started a house league program. The Six Nations duo has grown up playing on the same teams throughout their minor and junior careers. In 2012, they won a bronze medal together with the Iroquois Nationals at the U19 FIL World Lacrosse Championships. Two years later, the cousins captured the Minto Cup with the Six Nations Arrows.

“They have been close since they were little. They went to the same schools together.

They both attended longhouse and are traditional longhouse boys,” said Bomberry. “They played lacrosse together, they threw snow snakes (winter sport) in elementary school and they went to the same high school. They have done everything together. They really are more like brothers. We are a close family, I guess.”

Jacy Smoke, who has dated Green for four years now, agreed that the connection between the two is more like a brotherhood.

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“They have grown to love the game together,” she said. “They’ve learned from each other and have had an inseparable bond since childhood because they have always been there for one another.”

That family bond comes from their traditional upbringing as the boys are both Mohawk Nation, turtle clan.

“Family is what holds you together in the good times and the bad,” said Bomberry.

Wenster, who is the oldest boy in a family with two brothers and an older sister, treasures his family, and prefers to stay close to home when not traveling around the United States and Canada playing lacrosse.

“He has a great relationship with his family. His family is huge and they are all close,” said Smoke. “He and Johnny are just one small piece of the puzzle. They spend a lot of time together and they have a lot of family gatherings just to see each other, which I think is great.”

It was a special season even before Wenster stepped onto the turf, as he was reunited with Powless. The two were brought together when the Knighthawks signed the rugged defenseman/transition man.

“It feels awesome. I have been waiting for this opportunity,” said Green after he inked a deal with the then back-to-back champion Knighthawks. “I am willing do anything I can to make the team.”

“He was pumped because he has a lot of idols on the team. I think he was just excited to learn as much as he could from everybody, regardless of playing time,” said Smoke. “He was just excited to grow as a player.”

Green exemplified that statement in Training Camp as he showcased punishing checks, hard-nosed defense and speed through the middle. His two-way abilities caught the attention of the coaching staff and earned Green a spot on one of the most envied rosters in the NLL. His style of play was something he learned from his dad, Scott Longboat.

“As a youngster, I tried to instill the importance of learning to play both ends of the floor,” said Longboat. “Now as a young man, he is capable of contributing on offense and performing strong on defense.”

Green arrived in Rochester after winning a Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax) title in 2013 with the Iroquois Ironmen. The former sixth overall CLax pick played in six games and collected six points. He also appeared in two of the team’s three playoff games en route to a Creator’s Cup Championship.

The Six Nations product was also coming off an extended run in the Ontario Playoffs.

In 2013, he was one win away from advancing to the Minto Cup Playoffs with the Six Nations Arrows. Green recorded two goals and three assists in 13 regular season games, and notched four assists in a career-high 16 playoff games.

After a solid summer and pro season with the Ironmen, Green was getting his second shot in the NLL. After originally being selected by the Buffalo Bandits with the 40th overall pick in the 2012 NLL Entry Draft, Green was traveling an extra 60 miles down the thruway to Rochester. He still remembers his first introduction to the team.

“Everybody was really welcoming on the team – the players, coaches and staff,” said Green. “More importantly were the experiences throughout the season. Before this year, they were back-to-back champions and it was just good being around the guys to learn from them.”

For a full season, the 20-year-old was learning from some of the very best and most knowledgeable lacrosse minds in the game. He spent practices alongside grizzled NLL veterans like Paul Dawson, Scott Campbell, Mac Allen, Ian Llord, Brad and Scott Self, Jon Sullivan, Sid Smith and Mike Kirk. The tutelage definitely benefitted the youngster.

“It made me a smarter player. I feel like I am better prepared than I was when I came into my first Training Camp,” said Green.

“Wenster is a big, fast player. He has very good knowledge of the game and is always looking for more ways to improve himself,” said teammate and friend Jamie Batson. “He’s like a sponge at practice with all the veteran guys giving him pointers.”

In Rochester, Green was also exposed to a culture of winning, which culminated in the team rallying in the East Division Finals and NLL Finals to win both series in three games.

Smoke, who has been there “every step of the way” since Green made the transition from the junior level to the pro game, was thrilled that he was able to reach the pinnacle of the NLL. “I was overjoyed. That’s his dream come true,” she said. “That’s what he’s wanted since he was a little boy. You can’t really get any better than that.”

Green was also able to share his championship season with his parents, who he credits with inspiring him to win his first Champion’s Cup. His mother and his father were the ones who supported his dream of playing professional lacrosse.

“All of their never-ending support helped in winning the Cup,” he said. “My parents put a lot of time into my lacrosse career by giving me the opportunity to play because of everything they’ve done.”

Green also had the opportunity to show his appreciation during a rare family road trip during the Championship Series. His dad was one of nearly 20 men who flew out to Game One to cheer for the Knighthawks in their quest for the Champion’s Cup, courtesy of Owner Curt Styres. Wenster gave his father a behind-the-scenes look at life as a professional lacrosse player, which included the game-day shoot around, a locker room tour and the team’s pregame meal.

“I enjoyed spending time with Haweniyohsta (which means ‘he makes good sound’),” said Longboat, referring to his son by his traditional name. “He is respectful and is a good student of the game. I enjoyed traveling with the Knighthawks. I felt like a part of the team and witnessed the camaraderie that I had heard Curt instills in his team.”

The family was also able to travel to Rochester the following weekend for two exciting playoff games. Bomberry said she appreciated the way the families were taken care of

by Owner Curt Styres and the Knighthawks. The families had their own seating section and each person received a purple “Wolf Pack” shirt with all the family names on the back which formed a wolf howling at the moon. The outcome capped off an incredible evening, as the NLL Championship Series came to a down-to-the-wire finish with Rochester winning the final game with a late rally.

“It was very exciting. It was great to be able to be there. We got to sit with my sister and her family. Her family was a couple of rows above us and my other sisters were there.

It was pretty awesome to get the purple shirts with the family names on them,” said Bomberry. “The game was so exciting and we were glad to be there because it was such a good atmosphere.”

“It was a great experience to be able to be there and share the moment. The game was so exciting. The end-to-end action kept us on the edge of our seats,” added Longboat. “Again, we were treated very well as we were invited to go down to the floor and celebrate with the team. The family liked the T-shirts that were handed out. It made us feel like a part of the organization.”

It was a thrilling win, which was shared by the players’ families on the turf. After the game, Wenster and Johnny posed for a lacrosse photo just like they have done so often, but this time they were both NLL Champions. It was a fitting way to end his first season in Rochester, and his dad couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.

“Haweniyohsta is proud to be a member of the Knighthawks and we are proud of him.

He has always dreamt of playing in the NLL, so the season was especially rewarding since he had the chance to be a part of the championship team,” said Longboat. “He will play the role asked of him because he doesn’t put his own goals above the needs of the team.

Of course, he is my favorite player to watch because of his all-around skill and talent.”

After winning his first Cup, this season will be hard to match. But Green is eager to get back to work and try to rewrite the league record books for another season.

“I am very excited,” he said. “It should be a great year.”

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HASEN STILL LEADING BY EXAMPLE

By Jeremy Pike

As the clock ticked off the last 14 seconds of the mini-game to decide which team would raise the Champion’s Cup, Rochester Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen watched the frantic action in the Knighthawks’ defensive zone. The Calgary Roughnecks swarmed all over, unleashing quick shots on Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc, who was trying to preserve a 3-2 lead.

“I was just hoping that somebody from our team would grab it,” Hasen said with a laugh. “It didn’t quite work out that way and ‘Vno’ made a big, huge save there at the end.”

That save made history in the National Lacrosse League, clinching Rochester’s record third straight Champion’s Cup. Hasen stood behind the bench for all three Cup wins and has earned a great deal of respect from his players.

One such player is defenseman Mike Kirk, who Hasen played with and then coached while with the Brampton Excelsiors of Major Series Lacrosse.

“When I first started in Brampton, ‘Haser’ was the captain of the team,” Kirk said. “He was a quiet captain, but rarely made a mistake and always led by example. So I’ve had the chance to see him grow into the coach he is today. He still has the quiet sense to him, but when he talks it has meaning. When he has something to say, guys listen and buy in.

He’s a coach guys want to play for and that’s why I think everyone has bought in over the past few seasons with him in charge.”

“He is a great coach,” forward Cody Jamieson said. “His passion for not only the game, but the whole Knighthawks’ organization makes it really easy to play for him. He is the most prepared coach and makes sure we are all prepared for the game. He played for the Knighthawks and also was the captain, so he knows what it takes and believes in us to make it happen.”

“He’s not that far separated from us. He was a player in this league not too long ago, and I think that helps. He understands when guys are banged up. He understands what it takes to win both as a coach, but also as a player,” forward Joe Walters said. “He is a calming factor, but he also can be pretty intense as well. He’s just a great fit for the job and we’re so happy to play for him. He really makes it easy for us to do our jobs.”

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“The Knighthawks are in my blood,” Hasen said. “I’ve had a lot of good years as a player. (Rochester’s) a great little city and the support we get is loud and it’s proud.”

Two of the assistant coaches behind the Rochester bench certainly know how much the Knighthawks are in coach Hasen’s blood. Paul Day coached Hasen when the Knighthawks acquired him from the Buffalo Bandits prior to the start of the 1999 season, and Day now is one of Hasen’s assistants.

“It’s been his hard-working nature that’s carried over into his coaching career,” Day said. “As a player, he was a lead-by-example person, and that’s the same way with his coaching career. Players love him because he worked hard. Guys would have to keep up and work as hard as him, and that’s carried over to his preparation for practices and games.”

Not long after Hasen joined the Knighthawks, Hall of Famer Pat O’Toole was brought in as a backup goalie. Shortly thereafter, O’Toole became the full-time starter. These days, the two are together again, but this time it’s not patrolling the floor, it’s standing behind the Knighthawks bench.

“He was one of the smartest lacrosse players I played with,” O’Toole said. “He saw things before they happened. Usually that translates into good coaches because he was good at his position and he saw the game very well.”

After the 2013 season, the Knighthawks became only the fourth team in NLL history to win back-to-back championships. The other three teams never got that elusive third straight championship. Hasen and his team made it a concerted effort all season long to not think about winning a third straight title, but to focus on the moment.

“He kept us pretty well grounded,” Walters said. “As a team, we had our banquet around Christmastime, before the first game of the season. It was the last opportunity to celebrate what we did last year, winning back-to-back titles. We really focused and kept in mind that after that day, everything we did last year was last year. That was history.”

“We never talked about a three-peat all year,” Kirk said. “Our goal was to get back to the NLL Championship Game and win it. We didn’t dwell on last year’s success, but instead focused on what we needed to do to get back to our primary goal. It’s tough not to think about it, but he gets us grounded and focused on our next move.”

“As far as being a three-peater, I don’t think that conversation ever came up,” O’Toole said. “We didn’t think like we were defending the championship, we were striving to be the champions again.”

The fact that no team had ever pulled off a three-peat speaks to the competitiveness of the league, which meant Rochester had to take this history-making season one game, and sometimes one shift, at a time.

“With this league being so tight, any given night, the parity is just so huge,” Hasen said. “Any given night, any team is going to step on the floor and they have that opportunity to win. We just wanted to make sure we kept giving ourselves that opportunity to get into that next game. We’re looking at playing five minutes at a time. If we can get those five minutes, and we add up all the five minutes, then we get a win out of it.”

What made the Knighthawks so successful was Hasen’s drive to make the team as prepared as possible.

“Everything we do at practice, film or shoot around, had purpose,” Kirk said. “We went through every situation every week so by the time we were at the end it would become second nature to us.”

“He is the conductor of our train,” Jamieson said. “As soon as one game was over, he always made sure we were focused and prepared for the following week.”

“We broke down every opponent and we focused on their strengths, their weaknesses and their tendencies,” Walters said. “We watched a lot of film together. I think all those things add up.”

“He’s the guy up late preparing a lot of video for our team,” Day said.

“I think he just does a great job being prepared,” O’Toole said. “I think we do a good job with the video preparing the guys, and he does most of that work. Mike does a lot of that himself. That way he gets to put on the screen what he wants on the screen and what he wants to show to the guys. So I think his preparation, along with his knowledge, is his biggest asset.”

“You can only control so much,” Hasen said. “That’s what we focused on. We try to prepare as much as we possibly can. A lot of what we do is concentrating on us, on what we need to do offensively and what we need to do defensively as well. If we stick to our core principles and we’re executing, then it will work for us.”

His passion for Rochester and the Knighthawks’ organization, his attention to detail and his preparation added up to “The Wolf Pack” making history. So what did Hasen have to tell his team after Vno held on to win the last-second effort against the Roughnecks?

“I just jumped in that celebration,” Hasen said. Like Joe Walters said, he’s not that far separated from his players.

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HILL: A KEY PART OF THE KNIGHTHAWKS’ SUCCESS

By Craig Rybczynski

Four years ago, one conversation changed Kevin Hill’s lacrosse fortunes forever. A predraft discussion with the Rochester Knighthawks’ VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage began a relationship that would lead to a role as one of the team’s western scouts.

“I met Jody and he started asking me questions about Jarrett Davis. At that time, I was coaching the Burnaby Junior Lakers and Davis was on the Coquitlam Junior Adanacs,” said Hill. “I gave Jody all the info I had on him and that pretty much led to me beginning with the Knighthawks after that.”

Since the 2011 season, Hill has won three championship rings with the Knighthawks in his role as Western Scout. The 36-year-old Hill is one of four scouts who have formed the backbone of the Knighthawks’ scouting system, which stretches from Vancouver Island (BC) to Six Nations (Ontario).

“They are both plugged in,” said Gage of Hill and fellow Western Scout Bruce Clark.

“Anytime you ask them about a player, they know him right away. They definitely do their homework. They are good evaluators of talent and know what to look for.”

Hill has been involved with lacrosse for over three decades. From the age of 5 – when he started playing in Six Nations – to his current position as the general manager of the senior Coquitlam Adanacs. Hill said he spends just as much time watching and scouting lacrosse as he does at his full-time job working in the criminal justice system.

Hill credits his best friend and girlfriend, Carly Rigby, with supporting his lacrosse habit, which ultimately led him to winning three straight NLL championships.

“My girlfriend has been very supportive in allowing me to have the time for lacrosse,” said Hill. “She is involved in lacrosse as well, so she understands.”

Rigby, who works as the social media director for the Western Lacrosse Association, has been dating Kevin for three and a half years. She has become accustomed to his latenight routine of taking his iPad to bed to watch lacrosse games or footage.

“He is entirely dedicated. Our summers are at the arena, whether it’s for him or for me or for both of us,” said Rigby, who also does some work for the Adanacs. “Anything that’s going on out here, he’s involved in it. I am as involved as he is, but I have no idea how he knows all the people that he knows. And it never ends for him. He has an endless passion.”

Hill also noted that his father, Jack, and his sister, Erin, have been a great support system for him, especially after he moved from Six Nations to British Columbia after finishing up school in 2004. Out west, Hill played for the Coquitlam Adanacs before embarking on a stellar Senior “B” career. He was a perennial All-Star goaltender, who won three Goalie of the Year Awards and a league MVP award. After he finished playing, he made the natural transition into coaching, scouting and then management. Although, Hill did dress for several games in the 2014 Presidents Cup for the host team, the Tri-City Bandits.

Away from the floor, Hill has served as the coach of the Burnaby Junior Lakers, and worked as an assistant coach for the Junior Adanacs. Hill also held the assistant GM job of the Senior “A” Coquitlam Adanacs of the WLA before taking over as team general manager. Staying active in the lacrosse community has benefitted Hill in his role as the Knighthawks’ Western Scout.

“It really helps that Kevin was doing junior and senior lacrosse because he has a lot of connections on the mainland. He helps us out with our draft board and our mock drafts,” said Gage. “He is involved in our amateur and our pro scouting. He does pre-scouting when we play those teams out west and has been a big part of our success.”

In the postseason, the Knighthawks have a 5-1 record against West Division teams over the past three years.

“Kevin is an excellent individual, and he has great lacrosse knowledge,” said fellow Western Scout Bruce Clark. “He’s a good guy and I really like working with him.”

Hill’s scouting analysis starts in the family room and ends in the dressing room, as he carefully measures players’ tendencies on and off the floor.

“It helps when you are still working in the lacrosse industry,” he said. “It helps you make those connections. It’s talking to kids and just getting to know what their character is and what their family dynamic is like.”

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Hill began scouting for the Knighthawks prior to the 2011 season, joining a franchise led by Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. One year after coming onboard, Hill won his first NLL Championship ring, as Rochester rallied from a 5-1 first-half deficit to stun the Edmonton Rush 9-6.

“It was such an exciting moment. Just to be part of an organization like Rochester is just unbelievable,” said Hill, who was at The Blue Cross Arena to enjoy his first Cup. “Curt is just amazing. It shows through the players and the staff just what everyone is willing to do for that Cup. How much Curt puts out is reciprocated tenfold by everyone. Everybody just wants to go to the world’s end for a person like Curt.”

The following year, Hill had a shorter commute to the Championship Game as he made the 20-minute drive from his home in New Westminster, BC to the Langley Events Centre.

It was a special feeling for Hill, who was surrounded by his friends and family.

“It was very exciting to have my family there. You never get tired of winning championships,” said Hill.

“It was amazing to be a part of it. We had family from here and from back east there.

It was a real special thing,” said Rigby. “His experience being a part of the Knighthawks family, and I don’t think there is any other way to describe it, has been awesome. It has been awesome every year. His place with the Knighthawks has had a huge influence on our lives.”

This past May, Kevin and Carly watched the Knighthawks pull off more postseason magic. Trailing 1-0 in the series, Rochester defeated the Calgary Roughnecks 16-10 to force the decisive 10-minute mini-game. The Knighthawks then used three goals in the final three minutes to down the Roughnecks 3-2 to win the NLL Championship Series and make league history by winning three straight Champion’s Cups.

“The first was special. The second one was special, but the third just had a little more to it,” said Hill. “No one has ever been able to do that in this league. The moves that Curt has made over the years have always paid off. Three championships in a row – something no else has been able to do – just proves it.”

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HOBART PROVIDES FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

By Craig Rybczynski

For Brian Hobart, a bus trip home after winning a state championship lacrosse playoff game would normally be calm and relaxed. But after beating Akron handily in the NYS Class C Quarterfinals, the Penn Yan Head Coach was tense and nervous as he focused on his iPad. After coaching the Mustangs to a 19-4 win, he quickly switched gears to his other role as the American NCAA Scout for the Rochester Knighthawks. Having worked for the National Lacrosse League team for six seasons, Hobart had the opportunity to earn another win on May 31st – one with historic significance.

With the National Lacrosse League Championship Series back in Rochester, the Knighthawks needed a win to force the 10-minute mini-game to make league history and become the first team to win three straight Champion’s Cups.

Rochester knocked off the Calgary Roughnecks 16-10 in Game Two to set the stage for an exciting end to the 2014 NLL season. With Hobart’s three-hour bus ride coming to an end as they neared campus, the Knighthawks scored three goals in the final three minutes to claim another Champion’s Cup. “We have a lot of kids on our team who are Knighthawks fans so everyone was aware of what was going on, watching it and following it on social media,” said Hobart. “I was just excited. I was wishing I was there. I was wishing I was in the arena.”

Rochester capped off a remarkable season with a dramatic comeback win. Unlike the road to the previous two championship seasons, Rochester did not need a late-season win to make the playoffs. The Knighthawks led the division from the beginning of the season to the end as they captured their third division title with a 14-4 record. In the postseason, Rochester returned to the Finals after rallying to defeat the rival Buffalo Bandits in the East Division Finals.

Hobart said he had a feeling the first time the team got together that the 2014 season could be something special.

“I think right from the first weekend of Training Camp there was a feeling like we had all the pieces in place again,” he said. “I think there was that championship excitement right from the start of Training Camp.”

For Hobart it was his third championship in six seasons with the Knighthawks. The 45-year-old joined the franchise in 2009, which was the season after Curt Styres purchased majority ownership of the Knighthawks.

During that time, Rochester has advanced to the postseason in five of six years, and won three championships. Hobart, who works behind-the-scenes, jumped at the opportunity to join the Knighthawks and scout players in US colleges and universities. Hobart is one of four scouts who work in conjunction with the VP of Player Personnel, Jody Gage.

“I have worked most closely with Jody Gage. Jody is always prepared and thorough.

It’s nice to toss opinions back and forth,” said Hobart. “(Owner and GM) Curt Styres has assembled a staff that is second to none. He’s got those guys that are great out west and he has connections in Ontario. I am working down here in the states, and seeing a lot of the Canadian kids and gauging their abilities.”

“Brian comes from good stock. Penn Yan is like the Orangeville of lacrosse,” said Gage.

“They produce a lot of players. He is very plugged into USA Lacrosse and helped out with the Hamilton Nationals. He knows a lot of the players.”

Hobart has built a Hall of Fame career, coaching in his hometown of Penn Yan, NY. The village in Yates County, which is a community of 5,000 people near Keuka Lake, has a reputation for turning out tough-as-nails, skilled, gritty lacrosse players. Players like Brice and Brett Queener, Mike Manley and Knighthawks Hall of Famer Pat Cougevan.

“He is passionate in his pursuit of outworking his opponent before the game is even played,” said Brett Queener, who played for Hobart for five seasons at Penn Yan. “He could also tell you about any players’ tendencies as well as their stats. My nickname for him is Laxapedia.”

“He knows talent and he knows the kids, and gets the most out of people,” said his best friend, Pat Cougevan, who played football and lacrosse with him in high school. “You knew back then he would be a coach.”

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Hobart grew up across the street from Cougevan and has been hanging out and playing sports with “Cougs” since he was 9 years old. Cougevan could not say enough great things about his friend.

“What you see is what you get,” said Cougevan. “He is an honest guy. He is a great judge of talent, he works hard and puts his time in. Curt surrounds himself with good people and that is what he has done with Brian.”

The former Penn Yan attackman has had an unbelievable 24 seasons at his alma mater, 12 of which have been spent as the head coach. He was an assistant at Penn Yan from 1992 to 2003 before taking the reins in 2004 from the legendary Harry Queener. Queener, who still coaches alongside Hobart, was the man who convinced Brian to play lacrosse as a freshman in high school.

“I always played baseball and a couple of my friends decided they were going to play lacrosse,” said Hobart. “Mr. Queener, who knew I played football, basically told me he would like to have me come out and hit some people. I thought that sounded like a great idea.”

After a successful high school career, Hobart attended Canisius College and played football. But lacrosse was always in his plans and he spent his summers playing in field and box leagues in Penn Yan. He even played several seasons with teams in Onondaga, Akwesasne and Kahnawake in the Iroquois Lacrosse Association. Hobart eventually transitioned into coaching in the ‘90s, while also serving as a counselor at the elementary school in Penn Yan. He has since moved into the role of Dean of Students at the middle school.

“This is when kids make decisions on how they are going to live their lives,” said Hobart. “I try to help kids in their formative years to make good choices.”

Brian has continued to work the lacrosse sidelines for the Mustangs, while also working as an assistant with the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse and as a scout with the Knighthawks.

“He is very dedicated. The way he coaches his high school team, and works in the MLL and with us, you can tell he just loves the game and he can’t get enough of it,” said Gage. “He does a tremendous job with the pre-scouting. He comes at it with a coach’s perspective. His relationship with the coaches is great. He has been a great asset for us and a great team player.”

His biggest contribution to the team are the scouting reports he compiles on visiting teams. Hobart is the person who travels to Buffalo to watch the Bandits and drives to Toronto to watch the Rock. You will seldom find him at The Blue Cross Arena on game days because he is planning a week in advance for the team’s next opponent. While the Knighthawks are playing at home, he is in a visiting press box analyzing and deconstructing opposing team’s offenses and defenses.

“It is something I really enjoying doing and I think it is something that’s very helpful,” said Hobart. “I email and talk with Mike Hasen and talk to Paul Day. I really try to contribute something every week to help them prepare.”

Hobart’s dedication and attention to detail has been a huge help to the Knighthawks coaching staff. Rochester has seen that play out in the postseason, as it has earned a 10-2 record over the past three playoff runs.

“Brian has been watching the Knighthawks for years. I started scouting for us when Regy took over and we all worked on a plan for advanced scouting. He has been the constant for the past six seasons,” said Knighthawks Assistant Coach Paul Day. “His reports are clear, informative and give us a leg up on the competition. We use them and prove what he is saying with our video scouting. It is a very important piece of the preparation for our opponent.

“He has helped us prepare for games, drafts and individual players,” added Day. “His contribution is invaluable and even more impressive coming from a field background. He understood the indoor game way before being involved in scouting for us.”

The passing on of information is not a one-way street, as Hobart has learned a tremendous amount about the indoor game by working with the talented Knighthawks coaching staff, which also includes Jason Johnson, Andy Secore and Pat O’Toole.

“The amount of box lacrosse I have been able to learn from Mike Hasen, Paul Day and Pat O’Toole has been a treat. As a fellow coach, I have learned a ton from Mike Hasen. He has a commitment to his system and holds people accountable. He knows what it takes to be successful and never waivers from it. I cannot thank him enough. I have brought a lot of stuff that I have picked up from him and Paul over to my own program.”

In addition to providing inspiration for Hobart’s own coaching techniques, it was also Hasen who helped provide him with one of the highlights of his lacrosse career – winning the 2012 Champion’s Cup in Rochester.

“I got to be there. I was there for a number of games and just watched Mike and the players stick to the system. They knew sticking to what they believed in was going to make them successful and in the end it ultimately did,” said Hobart. “I admire Mike’s dedication, his intensity and his commitment to knowing what he wants to do and sticking with it.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 41

DETERMINATION PAYS OFF FOR HOPCROFT

By Craig Rybczynski

As The Blue Cross Arena erupted with chants and applause, Derek Hopcroft raced onto the turf to celebrate his first National Lacrosse League Championship. In his fourth season as a pro, the 28-year-old was finally able to hoist the Cup. “I was surprised. I really didn’t know how to react,” said Hopcroft after the final save to secure the Champion’s Cup. “I would have liked to have been playing in my first championship, but I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to go out there and get that championship I wanted.”

Hopcroft was a member of the Rochester Knighthawks team who made league history by winning three straight Champion’s Cups. It was a game of emotions as Rochester won Game Two to force the deciding 10-minute game. Calgary led 2-0 with under three minutes to play, but the resilient Knighthawks scored three goals in 1:15 to remain league champions. Hopcroft recalls pacing the stands with his teammates as the players on the floor roared back in the mini-game.

“After we won Game Two, we spent the whole 10 minutes standing and watching. We couldn’t sit down. It was nerve-wracking for sure,” he said.

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It was an unforgettable day for Hopcroft, who was activated on the afternoon of May 31st. It was an exciting buildup to the biggest weekend of the season. He still remembers the atmosphere in the arena as he hit the turf with the team for pregame warmups in front of a crowd of over 9,000.

“The fans started filing in, and it started to get louder and louder,” said Hopcroft as he sensed the crowd’s anticipation for the game. “Even though I found out I wasn’t playing, I was still pretty pumped for a big game with the team.”

The celebration was even more than he could have expected when he signed with the Knighthawks on January 29th. The dependable forward, who was a former second-round pick, landed in Rochester after playing three years in the NLL. He returned to the league after starting the year with the Durham Turfdogs of the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax), where he scored nine goals and added six assists.

“I was thrilled (to come to Rochester). I was playing CLax and hoping for the best that someone was going to need me this year,” he said. “When I got the call from (Knighthawks Owner and GM) Curt Styres to come out to practice, I was more than thrilled to join an awesome team that I knew had a bunch of great guys who knew how to win.”

Childhood friend and teammate Stephen Keogh was the happiest for Hopcropt, who he first met when he was 12 years old. The duo not only played junior lacrosse for the Toronto Beaches, but spent countless hours playing ball hockey and street lacrosse together as youngsters in Toronto. Keogh was one of the first to learn that his friend had joined the Knighthawks.

“I was pumped. I got a text message from him that he signed with the team,” said Keogh. “I was happy because I played with him when I was a kid. This was the first time we would get to play together since his last year of Junior ‘A’ lacrosse.”

Hopcroft got his chance to get into the lineup on April 19th against his former team, the Buffalo Bandits. He made quite the impact in his Rochester debut, scoring the goahead goal early in the second quarter as part of a 4-0 run to end the first half. Hopcroft also assisted on the final goal of the game as he fed Cody Jamieson in the 8-4 win over the Bandits. He finished the night with two points in the Rochester home win.

“When Derek first got into the lineup, I was super excited,” said Knighthawks defenseman Mac Allen, who also played with Hopcroft in juniors and in Colorado with the Mammoth. “He got an early goal and I was so excited I nearly jumped out of my seat.”

Keogh was impressed with his friend’s Knighthawks’ debut, but not surprised.

“He is a great player and has a tremendous shot,” he said. “He has a great attitude and would do anything for the team. His work on and off the floor shows that he wants to continue to get better.”

This season, Hopcroft was a player who was noticeable in practices with his speed and his shot. The righty was always pushing his teammates to be better and working hard off the floor to maintain his fitness. Derek credited his mother, Brenda, for supporting his dream of playing in the NLL, which ultimately led to his first Champion’s Cup. “My mom has been the biggest influence in my lacrosse career ever since I started playing. She did whatever it took to make sure I was at practices or games growing up,” he said. “Still to this day, my mom hardly misses a lacrosse game. She has been my No. 1 fan from Day 1.”

Brenda continues to travel around Ontario in the summer to watch him play in Major Series Lacrosse and drives to his NLL games during the winter months. She still remembers the little boy who began playing at the age of 8 with the Scarborough Saints.

“He picked it up quite quickly. He was just a natural,” boasted the proud mother. “He always had his stick in his hand or was throwing the ball around.”

It was in Scarborough where Derek met his best friend, Scott Fitchett. As two of the smaller players on the Pee Wee team, the two stuck together which helped create a friendship that has lasted over two decades. The two were inseparable as they played hockey and lacrosse on the same teams until juniors. Scott has closely followed Derek’s career from college to the NLL and has drawn strength from his determination.

“He has gone through a lot and has been knocked around from team to team,” said Fitchett. “If I were to sum up his pro lacrosse career, I would say it’s inspiring. He works hard to be at that level.”

Knowing the challenges Derek has overcome in his career is what made this season so memorable. On the night the Knighthawks won their third Cup, Scott was in attendance with a group of four friends to watch Derek celebrate his first pro championship. It was an emotional reunion on the turf after the game, but few words were spoken.

“I said, ‘it was about time, man, and congrats,’” said Scott jokingly. “We were all really happy for him. There weren’t really too many things we could say. It was just kind of a feeling.”

Derek also had a cheering section back home. Although not at The Blue Cross Arena because of a wedding party for her daughter, his mom watched later that night as Derek won the Champion’s Cup. “He had never won a Cup before so it was very exciting. It was pretty meaningful for him.” she said. “I am amazed at what he has accomplished. He is a wonderful friend and a pleasure to have as a son.”

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JAMIESON’S SUCCESS A TRIBUTE TO HIS DAD

By Casey Vock

There aren’t many trophies, medals or personal accolades that Cody Jamieson hasn’t placed in his case of lacrosse achievements. The star forward recently added an impressive line to his resume when he was named the 2014 MVP of the National Lacrosse League after leading the Rochester Knighthawks to a record third consecutive Champion’s Cup victory.

The honors have piled up quickly in Cody’s still-young career. But he says he wouldn’t have experienced any of it if it weren’t for his father, Cole.

“My lacrosse would always start with my father,” said “Jammer,” as he’s known by lacrosse fans. “He started me at a young age. I started at the age of 3 and he was my coach until I was 14. Anything I do in my lacrosse adventures is due to the sacrifices and the hard work he put in.”

Most Six Nations families place a miniature wooden stick in the crib with their newborns, and Jammer was no different. But his father says his son was forging a powerful tie to the game even as a young child.

“When Cody was a little boy, even just a baby still, I knew there was something special about him,” Cole said. “I didn’t know what it was, but as time went on, you could tell lacrosse was his thing. From when he was a little guy and then watching him grow up to today, you can tell lacrosse is what he’s supposed to do. He was a special person and it showed when he started playing. As a little guy, he always said lacrosse was going to be his life. It sure is today. Not knowing where lacrosse could really take him, he said it would be his living and how he would make his money would be through lacrosse. And he’s done that.”

So Cole began immersing him in the game at a young age. Cody recalls his father rushing home from work only to walk in the door, change his clothes and then head right back out on the road, oftentimes driving for several hours and occasionally skipping meals, just to get Cody to lacrosse games. When the family lived in Hamilton, the drives were sometimes even longer. But Cody says his father never hesitated to jump in the car and hit the road.

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“He’s the one who taught me a lot of my knowledge on the game,” Jammer said. “He took me to lacrosse games when we could go to them on days or nights he had off. We were traveling to watch the Arrows and the Chiefs. We’d drive to Niagara and St. Catharines. He’d take me just to watch games, and he taught me a lot. We wouldn’t just sit there and watch, but really watch and see the plays and the things the great players did.

He was smart enough to point things out to me and he does it to this day. He’s just always trying to get me to improve and see things in new ways.”

Cole was a lacrosse player in his early years, but he says he didn’t come close to his potential. So he was tough on his son, challenging him to take the game as seriously as possible and set his goals high even as a fledgling forward playing in youth leagues.

“I pushed him hard as a little kid,” Cole said. “But it wasn’t only me, it was Cody (as well). I think he knew he stood out a little bit from the other kids. I pushed him hard to do his best and to do what it took to win. If there’s a loose ball, go get it. If you’re on a break, try to score.”

It was Jamieson’s father who encouraged him to pursue the opportunity to play lacrosse in the United States and attend college. He explained his own path to his son, and urged him to find a way to let his passion guide him through life.

“He didn’t necessarily need to tell me to go college to play,” Cody said. “He told me wanted me to ‘take it as far as it can take you.’ He saw everyone else who was traveling and making a living in lacrosse and being able to see the world. That’s all he wanted for me.

“The other thing is that he doesn’t have a post-secondary education, so he thought it would be cool for me to get out there and go to the states for school and to play,” added Jammer. “He didn’t want me to have the jobs he did, working out in the smoldering heat and in the cold during the winter. He wanted me to have a nice job where I didn’t have to do all that stuff. So he pushed me in that way.”

His father’s guidance and Cody’s success on the floor led him to connect with Onondaga Community College Head Coach Chuck Wilbur, who was building the junior college program in Syracuse in the mid-2000s. Cody would thrust himself into the college lacrosse spotlight, earning All-American honors and guiding the Lazers to two NJCAA titles.

Serving as a mentor for Jamieson during his breakout season at Onondaga in 2006, Wilbur saw firsthand how strong of a bond Cody and his father had through the sport of lacrosse.

“He was always very close with his parents when he was playing here,” said Wilbur, who was instrumental in helping Jamieson get recruited by coaches at Syracuse University. “After every game, his dad would be there. He’d make overnight trips and see a couple games in a few days. You could see how much it meant to Cody to have his dad there. He likes to make his dad proud. He’d wait on the field after a game to see his father on the sideline, get his congrats from him and was happy to just know that his dad had seen him play.”

Onondaga coaches have preached the concept of family to their players, which Wilbur said has helped foster an incredibly tight bond between players, even among those who didn’t actually play together. Honored at Onondaga in the fall on the school’s “Alumni Faces” display, Jamieson has helped bring more Six Nations players into the Lazers’“family” and helped keep alumni bonded together.

“You could see how much family means to Cody and the other Native Americans when they were here,” Wilbur said. “It sounds cliché, but we’re a big family here. Our guys are always coming back and giving back to us and it means a lot. The guys are all about passing things on to the next group of kids. The players in the program realize they’re a part of something special. It’s become a close group and I think Cody is definitely a big part of that.”

From his dominance of the junior college scene at Onondaga, to his storied career with the Six Nations Arrows, to his unforgettable overtime game-winning goal in the 2009 NCAA Division I championship, Cody has given his parents and all of his fans on Six Nations and beyond many memories.

While winning three consecutive NLL titles with the Knighthawks will never be forgotten, Cody’s family still cherishes the 2009 NCAA championship victory, not only because of the thrilling ending, but because it represented a tremendous accomplishment for their son. Cole says that experience was one of the most challenging times for his son as he tried to balance school and lacrosse.

But Jammer stuck it out — thanks largely to support from his family and life-long friend Sid Smith — and ended up making history by leading the Orange to the program’s 11th Division I title. After he scored the game-winner, he sprinted the length of the field to embrace Smith in what will live on as a famous image in the sport.

Together, Smith and Jammer have won a Minto Cup, two Mann Cups, a trio of NLL Champion’s Cups and medals at the world indoor and outdoor championships. For as successful as Cody has been thus far in his career, Sid believes he’s still improving.

“There’s not too much to be said about him that hasn’t already been said,” Smith said.

“The accolades, the championships and the MVP honors speak for themselves. But beyond that, he’s been taking on more of a leadership role the past few years. He’s learning how to be a better teammate. And he’s becoming a complete all-around player.”

One of the elements of Cody’s game that his father considers crucial to his son’s success is his unwavering grit in the face of some of the sport’s most aggressive defenses, seemingly able to take a beating from the most intimidating defenders in the National Lacrosse League and Major Series Lacrosse.

“He plays through the aches and pains,” Cole said. “People don’t see the bruises that he gets and the pain he’s in because he doesn’t show it and because of all the goals he scores. But under the pads there’s bruises and there is pain that goes with that.”

Cody’s development as a total player is in some ways tied to his own experiences as a father himself. In 2013, Cody and his long-time partner, Michelle, welcomed their son Comyn Ryan into the world.

Like his father before him, Cody says he’s made his son his top priority.

“It’s different because before it just like ‘alright, I’m going,’” said Jammer, who led the NLL in 2014 with 108 points on 36 goals and 72 assists. “There was nothing to stop me.

If something came up for lacrosse, I just up and left. Last year when he was born, right before the Mann Cup out in Victoria, that was a weird feeling. It was the first time I found myself not really wanting to leave to go play lacrosse. I wanted to be home with my son.

And I couldn’t wait to get home after games. It’s changed my outlook on traveling for games and being home.”

Playing his first NLL season as a father, Cody was thrilled to have his son at a number of his games, hoping that Comyn will somehow absorb what’s happening and begin his understanding of the game.

“I like it when he’s there,” Jammer said. “He may not remember everything. But I tell myself when I’m struggling or having a bad game that he’s there watching. I’m just doing what every father does. Everyone must want to make their kids proud.”

Cole is proud of Jammer for adjusting his life to be able to spend as much time with Comyn and Michelle as he can, while still meeting his many commitments in lacrosse, including serving as ambassador for the Under Armour® and Team 22 brands.

“Being a father now, he does everything right with the baby — watching him grow, watching him step,” Cole said. “You only see it once so I’m sure he will do what he can to be there. His little guy is awesome.”

Confident in his own abilities and humble about his many notable achievements, Jammer deflects much of his praise, instead pointing to his father as the person behind his success.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the sacrifices he made,” Jamieson said. “All those little things, you don’t realize growing up what’s happening. But once I had a son of my one of my own, I could see the all those sacrifices my dad made for me. I couldn’t be more proud or happy that he did those things for me. I’d be a totally different person if hadn’t.”

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THE JOHNSONS: DEDICATING THEIR LIVES TO LACROSSE

By Craig Rybczynski

For 25 years, Jason and Tracy Johnson have made lacrosse one of the focal points of their marriage. Separated by only a sheet of drywall that divides their offices at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, the Johnsons have filled their work spaces and their lives with mementos of teams and players who have come into their lives.

Their dedication to the game is evident through their work with the Rochester Knighthawks. While Tracy works behind-the-scenes coordinating everything from travel to banquets to scrapbooks to holiday parties as the VP of Operations, Jason is more front and center as one of the assistant coaches for the three-time defending National Lacrosse League champions.

“She is more involved than any other player or staff wife,” said Jason. “Having her be a part of it is a bonus. Most people get to watch from the outside, but she is more hands on and knows what’s going on.”

Tracy’s office is the main hub of the ILA and is always filled with boxes of lacrosse gear, programs and deliveries for players. Posters of players – some autographed with thank you notes – decorate her walls. The back of the office is reserved for championship banners and citations for her husband.

Jason’s office also contains the latest Knighthawks swag and championship gear. His desk is a high-tech playground, containing his iPad, computer, DVD collection and external hard drive. It’s the place where he peruses game footage and highlights. But it’s in the small space in the back of his office where Jason spends hours in his workshop crafting and stringing sticks for youth, college and professional players. The 42-year-old has immersed himself in the sport as a professional coach and as the Arrow Express Sports Lacrosse Director. His impact on Knighthawks transition man Jordan Hall’s career starts the minute he picks up his stick.

“He strings my sticks, which is pretty crucial. So he is affecting every play that I am in,” said Hall. “(On the bench) he is a nice calming influence and sits back and watches the game. He dissects it and gives you little things that I don’t think you would otherwise pick up.”

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Johnson, who enters his sixth season with the Knighthawks in 2015, can draw on his experience as a coach and a player. His resume would fill several pages and what he has accomplished goes well beyond his three straight NLL Championships.

“He has a love for the game and is a very passionate guy,” said Knighthawks forward Cody Jamieson. “He does his homework and likes to share the knowledge he has learned (over his career).”

Besides working with the Knighthawks, Johnson served as an assistant coach for the Hamilton Nationals for five seasons and won the 2009 Steinfeld Cup. He has coached Team Iroquois, Team Ontario, the Iroquois Nationals, the Iroquois U-19 men’s and women’s teams, along with several Six Nations field teams. Johnson has also served as an assistant coach with the Senior “A” Six Nations Chiefs (MSL) and the Junior “A” Six Nations Arrows.

“I have coached so many kids at different ages and stages of their careers that you get to watch them grow as players and young men. Now that I am coaching girls, young women,” said Johnson, “you just get to see them grow and have the game be a part of their lives too.”

As a player, Johnson spent his entire career in the Six Nations lacrosse system, working his way through minor, Junior “B”, Junior “A”, Senior “A” and the Cam-Am ranks. He won the 1992 Minto Cup with the Arrows and 1994 Mann Cup with the Chiefs, and eventually was drafted by the Syracuse Smash of the National Lacrosse League.

It was as a player that Jason first introduced his then-girlfriend, Tracy, to the game of lacrosse. The couple first met at Caledonia (Ontario) High School. Jason was 17 and a multiple-sport athlete, running track and playing football, badminton and lacrosse for the Blue Devils.

The couple has been involved in lacrosse ever since and started down their career paths during the 1994-95 seasons with the Junior “A” Six Nations Arrows. Jason began working as an assistant coach shortly after a successful playing career, and Tracy – to stay close to her boyfriend – began managing things behind-the-scenes.

“That’s how I got into lacrosse. I was 16 years old and he was playing. By 19 or 20 he got into coaching. I just started looking after rosters and talking to parents,” said Tracy.

“The Arrows were my first experience in lacrosse as that’s who Jason was playing for when we met. I started as team manager for minor teams Jason started to coach and have been doing it ever since. I never would have had a lacrosse life had I not met him. He is responsible for that. We have a joint passion. It’s part of what we do.”

Jason learned to play the game from his family, and remembers playing against his shadow in his backyard to develop his creativity.

“My dad played, my uncles played and I watched my little brothers play, as well as my cousins,” said Johnson. “My little brothers were a big reason for me getting into coaching.

I have been around lacrosse my whole life.”

The Johnsons, who were married in 2001, have passed along their love for the “Creator’s Game” to their two daughters, Tawnie, 21, and Taylor, 16. Both girls have grown up with the Knighthawks and assist with team practices and events at the ILA. Taylor is just beginning her lacrosse career and spent the past season with the U-19 Six Nations team. Tawnie is a lacrosse veteran after getting her introduction to the field game when she was 7 years old. She has also played minor lacrosse for Six Nations and suited up for Team Ontario. Tawnie even traveled to Finland to play for Team Canada in the U-19 World Lacrosse Championships. She currently plays attack for the Western University Mustangs, which fills up the family’s fall schedule.

The couple’s love of the game is a perfect fit for the Knighthawks, as the organization preaches family first. It is something strongly supported by the team’s Owner and General Manager Curt Styres.

“Curt really focuses on a family atmosphere. In my role it’s key for me then to execute that part when it comes to the families,” said Tracy. “Curt and the coaches should be able to focus on the team. I just try to look after the families and be there to meet and greet them. It lets the players know they can focus on the game and everything else is looked after.”

Tracy is the main contact for the players and their parents for seven months, which spans Training Camp to the final game of the playoffs. Once the season ends, however, her relationship with the team does not suddenly stop.

“They stay in touch in the offseason, whether it’s a special birthday or holidays or sharing mementos. It’s kind of nice that families stay in touch and let us know how people are doing. Guys are getting older and having babies,” said Tracy with a chuckle.

Tracy goes above and beyond in her role as “team mom.” She handles ticket and hotel requests for families, arranges team meals and accommodations, and plans trips for players’ parents to attend road games, not to mention serving as a team host for families at home games and during playoff games. Her care and attention to detail are what has endeared Tracy to players like Matt Vinc and Jordan Hall.

“You think back to when you were playing soccer and the team mom, essentially bringing oranges and things like that,” said Hall. “She is doing that and all the little things – plus she is making sure your flight is on time. She’s always texting us and making sure we are as comfortable as possible. It’s like having a team mom, but at a professional level.”

“Tracy really is the team mom. She is there for you no matter what your request or need is. I think players feel the most confident turning toward Tracy when they have a question or concern,” said Vinc. “Her main priority is to help the players and their families.

She takes a lot of pressure off of the players as she handles and deals with the parents, wives and girlfriends on a personal level. She truly is a huge piece to ‘The Wolf Pack!’”

When asked who helped her win the 2014 NLL Championship, Tracy said the tight-knit Knighthawks are who inspired the team to win the Cup. It was a fitting answer for a team who refers to themselves as “The Wolf Pack” because of their closeness and togetherness.

“I am a support person who helps make everything run smoothly for the players to get out there and win,” she said. “I think that if someone helped us win the Cup it would be the support staff who look after all the little things. It lets the players and coaches focus on the game and winning.”

Jason also had family on his mind when he divulged his inspiration for winning the 2014 Champion’s Cup. “The first thing that comes to mind is family. You always want to do good for your family,” he said. “It’s being that role model and trying to succeed. Being the best is one thing, but it’s how you do it. It’s the process of getting there and the obstacles you overcome.

Especially where I come from, you try to set that standard for the next person and give them something to strive for. Don’t do what I did, do better.”

That has been the motivation for Johnson as the team continues to win championships. On May 31st, the Knighthawks reeled off their third straight NLL Championship. It could be argued that the last championship was the most exciting. With Tracy cheering from the stands at The Blue Cross Arena, her husband was in the midst of the excitement as the Knighthawks defeated the Calgary Roughnecks 16-10 in Game Two of the NLL Championship Series to force the decisive 10-minute mini-game.

What happened next was one of the greatest finishes in team history, as the Knighthawks scored three goals in the final three minutes to defeat Calgary 3-2 and earn another Champion’s Cup. The victory was so dramatic that even three weeks after winning the 2014 Championship, Jason was still experiencing the excitement of the NLL Championship Series while re-watching the last two games against Calgary.

“I knew what was going to happen, but I was still on the edge of my seat,” he said. “I knew then what it was like for the fans.”

Sharing the win with their daughters made the experience even more special.

“It was huge. My girls don’t miss anything,” said Tracy. “It wouldn’t have been the same without them.”

“They have always been a big part of what I do,” said Jason. “It’s always a big bonus when you have your family there.”

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KEOGH WAS BORN TO BE A LACROSSE PLAYER

By Jeremy Pike

Stephen Keogh first picked up a lacrosse stick when he was just 6 years old and has never looked back, knowing even in school that he wanted to be a professional lacrosse player.

“Stephen has always showed his talent,” said Keogh’s mother, Margret. “When he went to Grade 9, he had to write about himself and his family. He wrote that he had two brothers and two sisters, and he wrote about them. (Then) he wrote that he’d like to be a professional lacrosse player.”

His lacrosse journey eventually took him from his hometown of Toronto to prep school in New Hampshire.

“Getting that scholarship to Brewster Academy was wonderful,” Margret said. “And from there, it was Syracuse and Rochester. He’s got a wonderful talent. We’re so proud.”

Stephen has always had the support of his family. As the youngest of five children, it was his brother Matt who first played lacrosse and who inspired him to play the sport, recalling the long hours they spent together in the family’s yard playing pickup games.

“I tried to have a lacrosse stick in my hand as much as possible. It has helped me get to where I am today,” said Keogh.

Keogh achieved his childhood dream of playing pro lacrosse when the Knighthawks used the second overall pick in the 2011 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft to take the hard-working forward. In his rookie season, he finished third on the team with 58 points and third among rookie point producers en route the NLL All-Rookie Team. In 2012, he won his first of three straight Champion’s Cups. After winning his second title in 2013, Keogh was determined to duplicate his effort from his inaugural season.

“I really wanted to prove not only to the coaches, but to myself, that I still could produce,” Keogh said. “I remember a talk I had the night before our first game with Dan Dawson about last year being over and done with, and that I was due for a breakout season. I really think that helped me with my confidence.”

“I’ve been playing with and against Keogh my entire life,” Knighthawks forward Cody Jamieson said. “I knew he was capable of doing what he did. Confidence was a big factor and I look forward to seeing more out of him.”

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That fire spurred Keogh on to the best season of his young career. He finished with 71 points (33+38), which was good for third on the Knighthawks behind Jamieson and Dan Dawson.

He broke out in a big way in the middle of the season. In a five-game stretch, he notched 31 points, starting with the February 15th win over the Toronto Rock. He also was instrumental in keying a sweep of a weekend home-and-home series against the Minnesota Swarm in April. On April 4th, he scored six goals at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota. The following night, he scored twice and tallied six assists at The Blue Cross Arena in Rochester.

“That’s the Stevie we need,” Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen said. “That’s the Stevie that came in and played his first year. The biggest thing about Stevie is he’s constantly going hard to the net and he’s creating space for his teammates. But at the same time, he’s burying and capitalizing on his opportunities. It’s real good for him.”

“It felt great to bounce back after last year,” Keogh said. “I expected more out of myself and I think my team and coaches did as well.”

In 2014, Keogh and his teammates were on a mission. With the possibility of making league history in the form of three straight championships, the Knighthawks stayed mentally focused.

“Obviously, a three-peat was in everyone’s mind going into the season,” Keogh said.

“That is the team goal the day you start Training Camp, but I think the coaches did a great job reminding us that last year was over. It was a new year with the same goal, so we needed to focus on each game and play a full 60 minutes.”

A resurgent Keogh helped the Knighthawks defeat rival Buffalo in the East Division Finals, and return to the NLL Championship Series. After dropping Game One of the Finals to the Calgary Roughnecks, the Knighthawks returned home to Rochester and The Blue Cross Arena with a must-win in Game Two.

In the second contest of the series, with the season on the line, Keogh responded, scoring three goals and tallying an assist in a 16-10 Knighthawks win. The victory forced the decisive 10-minute mini-game, which Rochester won 3-2 in comeback fashion to claim its third straight championship.

“Oh gosh, I just thought it was amazing,” Margret said. “You just want to cry, it was unbelievable. They were down by a couple of goals and they won it. It was unbelievable and to go down in history. We just can’t believe it.”

Margret and her husband, Sean, have watched Stephen win all three championships.

Watching him win championships has become routine for the Keogh family. Stephen’s brothers and sisters have also traveled to see their little brother win a string of three straight Champion’s Cups. Sean Jr., Stephen’s eldest brother, was visibly happy when he talked about his brother’s accomplishments.

“I am very proud. We have been down for all three of them,” said Sean. “He has done really well for himself.”

Stephen said his best friends are his family members because they have always been there to encourage him every step of his lacrosse career.

“They come to all my games and have been very supportive,” he said. “They used to come down to Syracuse to watch me. It’s good having them around and it’s been pretty special being able to win two championships in the Rochester building and having my family there.”

There was no doubt that home floor advantage played a pivotal role in the Knighthawks’ third straight championship, having lost only one game at The Blue Cross Arena all season long. The distance to his hometown also made the trip convenient for his family.

“Rochester is such a great place to play because of the great fans and the way the organization is run,” Keogh said.

“The way that the fans are behind us and the atmosphere they bring to the arena is unbelievable. That final game against Calgary, I really think the way the crowd supported us and were so loud helped us come out on top of that game. Rochester is also a great place to play because of how close it is for our families to make the short trip and play in front of them.”

Keogh’s success on the floor at the BCA comes as no surprise to any fans who have followed him in his other lacrosse endeavors. Childhood friend and Rochester teammate Derek Hopcroft, who has known Keogh since he was 12 years old, first realized his potential when the duo played junior lacrosse together for the Toronto Beaches.

“I would say that Keogh is probably one of the biggest team guys you could ever play with. He will do anything for the team on or off the floor, whether it’s taking a hit, setting a pick for others to get open or even using his knuckles to get the boys fired up,” said Hopcroft. “He knows how to win and has won many championships. He’s a gifted winner.

When a game, season, or playoff is on the line, Keogh knows how to step up when given the opportunity and takes full advantage of it. I’ve enjoyed playing with him as a kid and now even better as men on the Knighthawks.”

Throughout his lacrosse career, Keogh has been a part of numerous championship teams, which includes two NCAA Division I national championships with the Syracuse Orange (2008-09). In 2008, he also captured the Junior “A” Minto Cup with the Orangeville Northmen. He has struck gold in the past three seasons with the Knighthawks, as well as winning back-to-back MSL and Mann Cups titles.

Keogh’s success on the floor and on the field can be traced back to his time spent less than two hours down the New York State Thruway. Keogh’s play at the Carrier Dome for the Syracuse Orange is one of the reasons that led to the Knighthawks selecting him second overall. He finished his career at Syracuse with 133 goals, good for ninth on the Orange’s all-time goals scored list.

Keogh was also named the Big East Attackman of the Year in 2011. During that award-winning campaign, Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s Head Coach Kevin Corrigan spoke after the Irish fell to the Orange for the second time that season about what made Keogh so special. That game and that season gave lacrosse fans a glimpse of Keogh’s outstanding potential.

“You have to account for him all the time,” Coach Korrigan said. “That’s a pretty good player right there. He’s the guy you have to account for as a unit.”

“I think his biggest attribute is that he plays hard all the time,” added Knighthawks forward Joe Walters. “It’s not always what he does on the scoreboard, but it’s the little things he does that sets him apart from the rest.”

That was certainly true in 2014, where his contributions were pivotal in helping the Rochester Knighthawks make history. It’s been three seasons and three championships for the youngster from Toronto, who once aspired to be a pro lacrosse player. With determination and help from his family, that dream has come true.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling being a professional lacrosse player and working so hard, being drafted by a great organization like the Rochester Knighthawks and winning three championships,” said Keogh. “I thank my family a lot for that. They put me through prep school and helped me get to Syracuse. I am really thankful for everything that they have done.”

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KIRK’S TITLE RUN ALL ABOUT CHARACTER

By Craig Rybczynski

Mike Kirk signed autographs alongside his teammates, trying to take just a moment to reflect on the excitement. Row after row of fans offered congratulations as he handed over his autograph. It was the conclusion of a day of celebrating for the Rochester Knighthawks’ assistant captain as the team returned to town to share their third straight Champion’s Cup with their loyal supporters.

“I think the guys are really trying to soak this one in and celebrate it,” said Kirk. “I can’t wait to get back to work next year.”

By winning the 2014 NLL Championship, the Knighthawks became the first team in the league’s 28-year history to win three straight titles. It was a thrilling playoff run with the Knighthawks defeating Calgary 3-2 in the Championship Series mini-game to win the Cup. The final seconds were especially exciting, as Kirk and the Rochester defense turned aside two late opportunities. With the Roughnecks buzzing around the net, Matt Vinc made the final save as time expired.

“I have no idea what happened,” said Kirk after the game. “I was just trying to be as big as I could and take a lane and try to block a shot. They had a lot of opportunities late, but ‘Vno’ made the big save. He made big saves for us throughout the game. A lot of people talk about our defense, but really we have the best goalie in the league. A lot of credit goes to him.”

But four-time NLL Goaltender of the Year Matt Vinc was just as eager to send credit back the other way.

“Kirky is a leader, has great lacrosse IQ, and knows how to win,” said Vinc. “He’s a rock on ‘D’ and a guy I rely on to be a top defender.”

Kirk has been one of the anchors for the Knighthawks the past three seasons, playing in 49 of the team’s 50 regular season games, and appearing in all 12 playoff games. He has been quite a force in the NLL, missing only one game in eight seasons. Defenseman Paul Dawson, who has also played with him for three seasons, further described the leadership qualities Kirk brings to the team.

“He leads by example on the floor, doing the little things all the time,” said Dawson.

“Off the floor he is vocal in the dressing room, making sure the boys are ready to go each and every game.”

The 32-year-old Kirk serves as a role model for younger players like Dylan Evans, who has also played alongside him for the past three seasons. In 2014, Evans had a breakout season, playing in all 18 games en route to career highs in assists (9), forced turnovers

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(11) and loose balls (129). He credited Kirk with helping him become a full-time player in the NLL. “He is a calming presence on and off the floor. He’s taught me to stay focused during the highs and lows of a game,” said Evans. “His intensity is contagious. It helps my game knowing if I make a mistake, he’s got my back. He’s taught me how to be a professional off the floor as well.”

Fellow veteran Scott Campbell, who also played with Kirk in Boston in 2011, respects Kirk’s commitment to the players in his role as assistant captain. Kirk serves as a sounding board for the players, delivering updates from players to management. On the lighter side, Kirk makes a special delivery come playoff time. Prior to the past two NLL Finals, Kirk, who also works as a store manager at Dairy Queen, has treated the team and staff to Blizzards®.

“Mike is a great leader and a great advocate for the players to the management and coaches. He is really a voice for the team,” said Campbell. “He carries himself with a level of maturity and composure on and off the floor that people naturally notice and look to emulate. Plus, he works for DQ and brings Blizzards® to practice periodically, which really goes a long way with the boys.”

Kirk admitted that he could not focus so intently on the team without support at home. It’s no surprise then that the father and family man credited his wife, Erna, with giving him the strength to win the 2014 Championship.

“She is my rock, and she allows me to chase my dreams,” said Mike. “She comes to my games and she cheers me on, and even watches game tape with me. I know she doesn’t like doing that, but she doesn’t complain.”

While Mike was traveling back-and-forth to Rochester for homes games, and making 11 road trips during the championship run, his wife took care of their son, Bennett, and watched and listened to all 24 games.

“I think I balance it because I am really proud of him and he is super-determined and an inspiration to me. I just want to support him in what makes him happy,” said Erna.

“People say ‘happy wife, happy life,’ but I also think it goes the other way.”

Erna and Bennett took the trip to Rochester for every home game, but were unable to attend the championship finale at The Blue Cross Arena because of a job she had booked months before the playoffs. Erna listened to the game on a podcast as she drove home from the wedding shoot in Port Elgin, Ontario.

“It was one of the hardest things ever for me. I sobbed and I sobbed. I had to pull over because I was crying so hard,” she said. “I was so excited.”

It was Mike who first introduced her to lacrosse, so it was only fitting that he called his wife of five years to share the exciting news after the Knighthawks pulled off an incredible comeback.

“He called me from the dressing room. I cried and he cheered. He was really excited,” she said. “I got to see him the next day when he came home.”

The run has been a rare and incredible journey for Kirk, his teammates and his family.

“It has been amazing. It was just cool for once to say we are making history,” said Erna.

“I am just excited to be a part of it and to see him do that.”

“This one’s special,” said Mike. “To be able to do something three times in a row is pretty special, especially to be able to do it with this great group of guys. It was a really good year.”

After the game, he once again shared the Cup with his family, which included his mother, Janie, and father, David. It was his dad who signed up the four Kirk boys to play the sport in the lacrosse hotbed of Orangeville, Ontario. What began with the eldest brother, Matthew, was passed on to Mike, Jamie and Evan.

“My dad didn’t learn the game of lacrosse until we all started playing,” said Mike. “So our whole family was able to learn it together. He was a big sports fan so he was able to combine all his knowledge to help us become well-rounded athletes.”

David and Janie have enjoyed the past three seasons and are grateful for the family atmosphere created by Owner and General Manager Curt Styres, which contributed to the success of “The Wolf Pack.”

“It was an amazing feeling to be a part of history. They are not a flashy bunch of guys, just hard working with great work ethics. Curt made all of us a part of the Knighthawks family and it just all came together. The Knighthawks belief is that it takes an entire family and their energy to be successful and that is exactly how it happened,” said Janie Kirk.

“All of us were recognized as part of the unit who contributed to the success. I am so proud to have a son who works hard, is committed and is part of the incredible unit led

by Curt.”

“This championship was really special. That final two minutes gave opportunity for so many emotions that built and built to an incredible eruption at the final buzzer. I have never experienced anything like it in a sport ever before. And I was just in the stands,” added David Kirk. “Now after all has settled, I still feel a sense of awe, pride and am still somewhat in disbelief. History was indeed made, but it was the fashion in which it was achieved that will always be remembered.”

While the Knighthawks have lifted the same Cup for three consecutive years, Mike Kirk insists the feeling of winning each one is different and special in its own right.

“It’s always nice to win, but I think every championship is a little bit different – the season, the road you take to get there, and the adversity you overcome,” he said. “We were able to get through games when we needed to and that was the difference.”

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THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO IAN LLORD

By Stephen Stamp

Ian Llord is a family man. It comes naturally, growing up in a family with four sisters (Victoria, Rebeka, Robin and Ginni) and one brother (Dylan), all of whom are close. All of his sisters are older, but he’s always been protective of them.

They’ve supported Ian by always attending his games, from when he was young up to the 2014 Champion’s Cup Finals in Rochester.

“Ian always had a large cheering section due to the size of our family. We didn’t miss many of his games,” says his sister Rebeka. “Dinner time was always early at the Llord household because we never missed our brothers’ games. Our family vacations even centered around their sports schedules.”

Llord was a mild-mannered and quiet child, Rebeka says, adjectives that could still be applied to him as a man, but he has no trouble making friends.

“We can’t go anywhere without being asked, ‘Are you Ian’s sister?’” she notes. “That just shows how friendly and approachable he is. It feels like he knows everyone. We chuckle watching him walk into an arena. He can’t take three steps without talking to someone. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Our dad is the same way!”

Like so many lacrosse players, though, when he steps on the floor he takes on a different personality.

“The minute he put a on jersey, even at the young age of 5, our ‘gentle giant’ showed us another side: a competitive and aggressive side,” says Rebeka.

“He’s a ‘whatever it takes’ kind of player,” says teammate and friend Cory Vitarelli. “He plays tough defense, runs hard on and off the floor, gets under the skin of other teams’ players and puts his body and head in the way of shots.”

Brad Self seconds that opinion.

“He does things that most guys aren’t willing to do,” says Self. “He’s consistent in his effort and game from week to week. He’s a smart, tough, reliable defender who stands in front of 100-mile-an-hour shots and doesn’t bat an eye. He’s a huge part of our back end.

He makes my job look easy by cleaning up the guys running behind me during the year. I can always trust that Llord is going to be there.”

Both Vitarelli and Self agree that Llord, intense and focused on the floor, is kind and funny off of the floor as well. Other than a proclivity to empty out the peanut M&M’S® before anyone has a chance to get any, he’s a great teammate, jokes Vitarelli.

“He always brings a smile and some jokes to the team, which sometimes fall short, but they keep everyone pretty mellow,” says Vitarelli.

Mitch Dumont has been friends with Llord since they were about 8 years old, growing up playing hockey together and lacrosse against each other.

“He was always a tough kid, and I was glad to be in his good books growing up,” says Dumont. Again, the toughness is tempered by Llord’s kindness.

“Ian doesn’t ask for much, but is willing to give you a hand at the drop of a hat,” adds Dumont, who calls Llord an old soul. “To me, Ian has always been his own person, always doing his own thing regardless if others think it’s cool or not. He stands for what he believes is right, and often roots for the underdog. He’ll give you his last dollar or the shirt off his back if you ask.”

Dumont and Llord were lucky enough to get to play together last summer with the St. Catharines Saints as the team marched to the Presidents’ Cup Canadian Senior “B” Championship. Another member of that club was Ian’s brother, Dylan, who says it was very special to win a title with his brother, who brought a wealth of knowledge to the team.

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Dylan admits Ian is a great brother, but an even more amazing father.

“We have a net in our parent’s backyard and we are constantly out there playing lacrosse, teaching his son, Hudson, to shoot high and hard,” says Dylan. “My family and I always make time to go and watch Hudson at his soft lacrosse practices. This past weekend Hudson got his first official goal. It was awesome.”

Dylan wasn’t able to attend the Champion’s Cup Final this year because he was playing with the Saints, but he was still following the game.

“A bunch of friends and family were texting me the score of the game which was awesome. I felt like I was there,” he said. “I heard it was a tight game, so I was relieved when I received the final score. I was very proud of Ian and he deserves it.”

The rest of the family, however, was at the game.

“We were all fortunate to be in Rochester this year watching the team bring home the Cup with the entire family,” says Rebeka. “We wouldn’t miss it for anything. Ian has made the family very proud from the day he was drafted in the first round, fifth overall, to winning and shining in his Rochester jersey. We are extremely proud of Ian’s accomplishments, both on and off the floor.”

Victoria remembers a story from Ian’s childhood that shows his toughness and mildmannered nature.

“When Ian was about 7 or 8 he was tobogganing at my aunt and uncle’s house. Ian had an accident going down a part of the hill that was supposed to be off limits. Ian’s inner thigh was cut open by a metal rod hidden by snow in the ground. When my Aunt and Uncle were taking him to the hospital for stitches he requested that I be there. As Ian sat in the emergency room he was completely composed and was checking out the wound with his biggest fascination with the cells under his skin,” says Victoria. “Once he was in a room with a doctor he laid back in the chair with his arms behind his head as if he were in a beach chair sun tanning. The doctor even commented that he had never even seen a grown man this calm. Ian braved through the cleaning of the wound (inside and out) as well as 12 stitches (if my memory serves me correctly) with a grin on his face the entire time. I was also watching the doctor clean the wound and the doctor asked me to leave, as I was white as a ghost and almost passed out!”

To those who know him, it’s no surprise that Llord has succeeded in lacrosse and won championships.

“We knew at a young age that Ian’s intention was to play in the NLL, and that he was determined to achieve that goal,” Rebeka says. “He always put his heart and soul into any sport he played, but most of all lacrosse. He has a great sense of humor and it’s definitely gotten quirkier. We attribute that to the amount of balls he blocks with his head,” she quipped. “He’s a great team player, he risks it all. Even at a young age he played that way.”

Victoria echoes the popular sentiment that Llord is a gentle and generous man.

“He is compassionate, quick-witted, and never forgets a thing,” she says. “He is a wonderful brother who is always there when you need a hand, an ear to listen, or just his physical strength.”

It’s that strength that makes Ian Llord a great brother, friend, father and teammate, and the kind of guy you can be really happy for when you see him lift the Champion’s Cup.

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McCREADY KEEPS FAMILY TRADITION ALIVE

By Craig Rybczynski

Some kids learn to play a sport, while others are born to play a sport. For Joel McCready, he was born to play lacrosse: Knighthawks lacrosse.

For five years now he has carried on the McCready name with the team he grew up watching as a kid. Joel has continued the tradition started by his uncle Pat and his grandfather Robert “Buff” McCready.

“Buffer” was a key member of the coaching staff, while Pat was starting his Hall of Fame playing career. Joel spent his childhood rooting for the Knighthawks as his uncle starred for the newly-created franchise. Pat, who spent seven seasons in Rochester, was the person who inspired Joel to play pro lacrosse.

“I grew up watching my uncle play the game and seeing my grandpa coach it. Wherever I go, I always hear stories about the two of them. I use it as motivation to get into the gym and work hard, so hopefully one day I can accomplish what those two have,” he said.

“I’m having a lot of fun playing lacrosse, and I can always go to my uncle for advice about my game. They both taught me so much when I was growing up, and I am extremely thankful for that.”

The young McCready was treated to great lacrosse when he visited the Rochester War Memorial, while Pat was helping the Knighthawks win the 1997 Championship and reach additional title games in 1999 and 2000. Joel was star-struck as he was introduced to several future Hall of Famers during postgame locker room tours with his uncle.

“I remember watching my uncle Pat play when I was younger, going to all of his games,” McCready said. “I’ve seen how hard all of those great players like John Grant and Regy Thorpe worked to get better. I’ve learned from those guys, and have just tried to form my game through watching them.”

Joel first began playing lacrosse when he was 3 years old in St. Catharines, Ontario.

His mother, Tracey, remembers him carrying his stick everywhere he went, even trying to take it to school with him. There were hours spent tweaking pockets and designing shafts. His passion for lacrosse sometimes meant more work for his mom. Countless times she had to repaint the newel post on the main staircase because young Joel kept using it to shape and break in the pockets on his new sticks. It was a chore, but his mom saw the connection her eldest son had with the game.

“He had a pure love of the game. It was amazing to see,” said Joel’s mom. “He just took to it from the first time he went on the floor. I knew he was encouraged by his uncle Pat and his papa ‘Buff.’ It was a real family thing for him.”

His brother, Jake, recalled late-night lacrosse games with Joel. Jake would play offense and defense, while his sister, Emily, would go in goal with couch cushions strapped around her legs for pads. Jake, now 22, said his older brother was a father figure to him and his sister. It was lacrosse that brought them all together.

“We would be outside every day throwing the ball around. He would always drag me out and force me to stay until it was dark out,” said Jake. “We were always playing lacrosse and he was always teaching us something.”

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After years of playing backyard lacrosse games and hanging around Bill Burgoyne Arena to watch his uncle play, it was Joel’s turn to hit the floor. He thrived in the St. Catharines junior system and eventually arrived in Rochester after a year at Division I Cornell University. Joel finally got his wish of playing pro lacrosse, as the Knighthawks selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft.

“It was a dream come true. It’s definitely a moment in my life I will cherish and always remember. It was a great day I will always look back on and smile,” he said. “I am reminded of everyone in the St. Catharines minor system, all the coaches and volunteers, who helped along the way, and thank the Rochester management for believing in me and giving me a shot.”

On Draft Day, Joel was accompanied by his mother, his sister, Emily, and his aunt, who all flew to Boston to support him. Having their big brother drafted by a professional lacrosse team was inspiring to Joel’s sister and brother.

“When I was little, I knew he would go pro with it,” said his younger sister. “He always said that was his dream and he did it. It’s just amazing.”

“It is amazing (what he has accomplished),” added Jake. “I have nothing but pride for him, especially with our family name. It’s a huge thing for him to follow in those footsteps.”

In his NLL career, Joel McCready has played in 48 games and notched 23 goals, 27 assists and 180 loose balls. One of his most memorable seasons was in 2011, when he finally got the opportunity to play alongside his uncle Pat with the Knighthawks. When Pat retired, Joel carried on his family tradition, started by his uncle, of wearing No. 10.

The number has been good luck for Joel as he has won back-to-back NLL Championships (2013-14).

“He’s been my role model my whole life,” said Joel. “I just try to emulate his play. He was obviously an outstanding player and I’m just trying to do what I can to emulate my play after his. He’s done everything and seen everything. I’m just trying to help the organization like he did.”

In 2014, Joel McCready helped the Knighthawks in a big way by notching career highs in every offensive category with 14 goals, 15 assists and 29 points. It was evident in the season opener that this would be a season to remember for McCready. On Opening Night, he scored the game-winning goal against the Minnesota Swarm. Trailing by one late in the game, he drove to the net and scored the goal that tied the game. He then scored the game-winning goal 28 seconds later.

Three games later, on January 25th in Buffalo, McCready scored his first career hat trick as he finished with four points to spark a furious fourth-quarter comeback bid that fell one goal short. On February 8th, the Knighthawks would avenge the loss to the Bandits, as McCready tied his career high with three assists in a 9-6 win over Buffalo. He ended the regular season with a 10-game point streak, while also spending time back on defense as he showed his versatility all season long.

“Joel was able to step in and do exactly what the coaches needed him to do. He seemed to always score at the right time for us the past couple of years,” said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “He was big on loose balls and seemed to take a punishing, but he never stopped and probably scored one of his biggest goals for us against Buffalo. I see him as the Energizer Bunny. The kid was dead tired, but never stopped. He kept pushing and shots fell for him. He’s also a great team guy and great to have in the dressing room.

He’s always smiling no matter what.”

McCready showed that tenacity and grit in the postseason as he put up nine points in just three playoff games. He saved his best performance with the season’s outcome on the line on May 17th against the Buffalo Bandits. Needing two wins in one day to advance to their third NLL Championship in three seasons, the coaching staff inserted McCready into the lineup after dropping Game One. It was obvious from the start that he was ready to play.

“I was ready to go when I saw my number on the lineup. We have such depth on this team that on any night, anyone’s number can be called and any one of us can step up and have a night,” McCready said after the games. “It was a team effort this weekend and just brought us closer as a group as we take the next step.”

With Rochester needing a win in Game Two of the East Division Finals to force a 10-minute mini-game, McCready responded with a career-high five points (2+3). He scored goals in the second and fourth quarters as the Knighthawks pulled away from the Buffalo Bandits in a 13-8 victory. In the mini-game, it was McCready who would keep Rochester’s playoff hopes alive. He tied the game at one by diving across the crease and banking a shot off the right arm of Buffalo goalie Anthony Cosmo.

“He’s been doing it all year,” said Knighthawks forward Joe Walters after the game.

“He stepped in and played a great game. He does the little things that we need and (had some) big goals and he worked really hard for it. You know what you are going to get with Joel. You are going to get hustle and a guy who plays with a lot of heart.”

The goal forced the game into the first overtime mini-game in NLL history. Cory Vitarelli scored the game winner at 1:56 of OT to end one of the most thrilling evenings of lacrosse in Knighthawks’ history.

Two weeks later, Rochester once again rallied from one game down to notch its record third straight NLL title by defeating the Calgary Roughnecks in the NLL Championship Series.

“We all went in with a purpose at the beginning of the year, and everyone in the room had the same goal,” said McCready. “It worked out for us and it was a pretty amazing experience. It is something when you are old and you can’t play anymore, you’ll look back on and remember the day and how awesome it was. It’s about the guys that you played with and how great it felt to put in all that work and come out on top at the end of the year.”

After he hoisted the Cup for the second straight season, Pat McCready offered his congratulations to his nephew. The former Knighthwks captain was watching the YouTube broadcast of Games Two and Three of the 2014 NLL Finals from his home in St. Catharines.

“I am very proud of Joel,” said Pat. “I am especially proud of how he was able to overcome all the challenges he faced this season, while expecting his first kid.”

Joel credits his family for inspiring him to win the 2014 Champion’s Cup. It was a long season of traveling for Joel, who also works as a fire fighter in Burnaby, BC. Not to mention that he remodeled a house, while preparing for his wedding and the birth of his daughter, Tenley. His fiancée, Jessica, was a huge part of his success because she allowed him to focus on lacrosse.

“Jess was always supporting me even though it meant she had to be alone some nights when she was pregnant, which was tough,” said Joel. “It’s something I’m very thankful for. She really stepped up and took care of things at home, while I got to live out a lifelong dream.”

The 26-year-old McCready also acknowledged his mother, who encouraged him to pursue his dream of playing pro lacrosse. As a new parent, McCready can now fully appreciate the sacrifices his mom made when he was growing up.

“Without the opportunity I was given by my family to play lacrosse, this season would have never happened. I am very appreciative. They worked hard to get me my first set of pads and drove to thousands of tournaments and games over the years,” he said. “I am very fortunate to have the family and support I have.”

His mother and sister were at The Blue Cross Arena to celebrate his second straight Champion’s Cup, which marked the fourth time a McCready has won an NLL title with the Knighthawks. His mother, who has shared both championships with her son, was extremely proud of his latest accomplishment.

“Their home arena was a great place to have them win the championship. It was such a proud moment as a parent when you see your son that happy and on top of the world,” she said. “It is the best feeling ever.”

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MILLER: STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD

By Craig Rybczynski

Landon Miller has a saying that certainly encapsulates his tenure as the Rochester Knighthawks assistant general manager: “It wouldn’t be fun if it was easy.”

Miller, who enters his sixth season with the Knighthawks in 2015, has certainly had fun winning the past three seasons. But it’s the way the team has achieved success that would challenge the nerves of the strongest man’s fortitude.

The run to a record three straight Champion’s Cups has been marked by one-goal wins, last-second saves and clutch regular season victories. The 2014 NLL Championship Series was the most dramatic of the bunch, packing two games worth of excitement into one night.

“It was insane. I didn’t like the sound of the format because I didn’t think it gave the home team an advantage,” said Miller. “But the excitement of it was unbelievable. I never expected such intense lacrosse that the fans and players had to go through.”

Rochester defeated the Calgary Roughnecks 16-10 in Game Two to force a 10-minute game to decide the championship. Trailing 2-0 in the final three minutes, the Knighthawks scored three quick goals to remain NLL Champions.

“I told Craig Point that sometimes this team drives me crazy because they take everything right down to the wire,” he said. “But it’s absolutely what I love about the game.”

Miller’s entrance into lacrosse started later than most kids, playing when he was 11 or 12 years old, but he picked up the sport right away and was hooked. He parlayed that passion for the sport into six seasons with the Junior “A” Six Nations Arrows – four of those serving as the captain. In 2007, he joined the executive board for the Arrows and three years later was hired by the Rochester Knighthawks.

“He’s always had a head for the game,” said Landon’s mother, Shelia. “He’s amazing at knowing the good players and what the Knighthawks need (to be successful). With the support of Curt (Styres), he can put together a good team. He really enjoys being part of the Knighthawks.”

In his role as assistant GM, the 36-year-old Miller works very closely with Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. He is responsible for overseeing all player movement, which includes free agent signings and the annual draft. Miller also works behind-thescenes on trades and looks after contract negotiations for players and coaches.

“Being a GM in this league is satisfying and fun,” he said. “I really enjoy the challenge of putting together a competitive team. Putting in a salary cap makes it more fun. You have to come in at a certain price and lay out a three or four-year plan. We’ve all played fantasy sports, but I’m doing it for real. That’s the fun part and I think I am good at it.”

Miller’s fingerprints were on the 2014 Championship, as he worked with Styres to acquire key players through trades and the draft. Over a three-year period, Rochester stocked its roster with first-round picks in Sid Smith, Cody Jamieson, Stephen Keogh and Johnny Powless. The Knighthawks also pulled off deals to obtain Matt Vinc, Brad Self, Dan and Paul Dawson, Scott Self and Jon Sullivan. It was a roster perfectly suited for the coaching philosophy of Hall of Fame defenseman and Rochester Head Coach Mike Hasen.

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“I am a firm believer that once you pick the head coach, you have to build a team that suits his style, his mentality. ‘Haser’ is a defenseman by trade. For me to put all these high-flying, flashy forwards on the floor wouldn’t have worked,” said Miller. “I systematically built the team around his mentality, smarts, toughness and team-first attitude. It has obviously worked well. He gets them to play to the best of their abilities.”

“Landon does a great job at listening, supporting and making this a team,” said Hasen.

“The team and family atmosphere starts at the top and Landon is great at finding individuals who fit our team’s core values.”

Enjoying unprecedented success the past three years, Miller has mixed some humor into his preseason discussions with Hasen. When it comes to coaching, Miller has a similar style to the late, great owner of the Oakland Raiders, Al Davis, who coined the phrase, “Just Win, Baby.”

“I have a running joke with him at the start of every season,” said Miller. “I tell him all you have to do is win and you’re fine. It has worked three years in a row now, so I will say it to him again.”

Hasen and the coaching staff have produced, bringing three straight Champion’s Cups to Rochester. Miller applauded the job of the coaches, scouts and player personnel.

“They’re an excellent bunch of guys. They’re unique and have great lacrosse minds,” he said. “They are different and each add something to the mix, which is what you need.

All the coaches add some input and work well together. They don’t leave any stone unturned.”

Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage, who handles the team’s scouting department, sent credit back to Miller for his commitment and dedication to the team and the staff.

“We talk daily and we definitely have each other on speed dial,” said Gage. “There is great communication and we have a great team. Landon is a big piece of that. At the end of the day, it’s doing what’s best for the Knighthawks.”

The group has been together for four seasons and has taken the Knighthawks to four straight playoff berths and a 10-3 postseason record. Last year, Rochester finished the regular season with a 14-4 record to secure the franchise’s third division title. The 14 wins tied a team record and the eight home victories also tied a team single-season mark.

With such a well-prepared team, Miller said that he was confident from Day One that this squad could win the Champion’s Cup. “At the start of the year, we didn’t have a whole bunch of guys at Training Camp. I believe that will be the case this year as well,” he said. “We got to work right away and got down to business right away.”

His belief was reinforced after road wins in Buffalo and Toronto. The Knighthawks went 3-1 in their East Division rivals’ buildings, and were one goal away from being perfect during the regular season.

“It was a totally different mindset when we went into those two tough arenas,” said Miller. “I thought the team looked so confident and so well coached. The only way we don’t win is if we don’t execute. Every game we went into I thought we would win, instead of hoping we would win.”

In the playoffs, Rochester defeated Buffalo by winning Game Two, 13-8, and then edging the Bandits 2-1 in overtime of the mini-game. That was a tense series, but the NLL Championship Series against Calgary would set new highs for drama. After winning Game Two, the Knighthawks scored a 3-2 win in final minutes of the 10-minute minigame to keep the Cup in Rochester. It was a special season and more memorable because he was able to share it with his family.

“Winning the third one in Rochester and having them out on the field with me to celebrate meant a ton,” said Miller. “After spending a lot of time away from my family, it makes it that much sweeter when we do win. Ultimately, the sacrifices we make at home are to get that trophy.”

Miller, who also runs his own business, has dedicated himself to the team, which sometimes means spending time away from his daughter, Dylan, and two sons, Noah and Ryan. He thanked his wife, Sher, and his kids for their backing during the team’s championship seasons.

“My kids and my wife are right there,” said Miller when asked who inspires him. “I want to make sure my kids see what it takes to be at the top of anything. They can see the sacrifice, time and dedication it takes to achieve the ultimate reward.”

The rock of his family, however, is Landon’s mother, Shelia. When everyone else is traveling, she is the one who mans the house and watches over the family. Yet, she said she seldom misses a home game.

“We support him 100 percent and we go to all the games,” she said. “It makes us happy to see him happy when he has a successful year.”

She and her husband, David, were in attendance on May 31st when the Knighthawks defeated the Roughnecks twice in one night.

“It was just unbelievable. It just makes me so proud,” said Shelia. “Landon works really hard for the team and is very committed. It’s year-round to him. For the love of the game, he does what he can do to make the best team possible. Once the Championship Game is done, he is starting over for the next year.”

After Landon made history this season by winning three straight NLL titles, she jokingly put some pressure on her son for the 2015 season.

“I am pushing for four,” she said.

Before looking ahead to a possible four-peat, Landon recapped the three Cups and said all three have been different. In the first two championship runs, Rochester needed late-season success to make the playoffs. The Knighthawks used a second-half rally to beat Edmonton in 2012, and then downed the Washington Stealth 11-10 the following

year. Last year, Rochester was the top seed in the East and used the full three games to take down Buffalo and Calgary to repeat as champs.

Miller was humble in his assessment of his role in the three-peat, and echoed the words of his mother about preparing for the upcoming season.

“I was just doing my job,” he said. “As soon as this season is over, I start thinking and looking at next season. We’re trying to ride this success as long as we can.”

Miller and Styres proved that point on September 22, 2014, as the Knighthawks made two huge deals in less than 24 hours to shape their roster for the 2015 season. Rochester started Draft Day by acquiring four picks, including the second overall selection, from Vancouver in exchange for Johnny Powless, Joel McCready, and the ninth and 23rd picks.

But Rochester wasn’t done, acquiring seven-year NLL pro Jordan Hall from the New England Black Wolves for three draft picks.

“We made some changes this year that blew some people out of the water, but we know our replacements will fit right in,” said Miller. “They are team-first guys who will fit into the mold we have in Rochester.”

The 2014 NLL Entry Draft was filled with excitement as Rochester acquired former Knighthawks’ standout Jordan Hall, and drafted Jeremy Noble and four prospects from the Minto Cup Champion Six Nations Arrows. The pace of the moves and the draft might cause undue stress to some executives, but not Miller, who calmly went about his business to set the course for another season of Knighthawks lacrosse.

“I thought this was going to be the easiest offseason after winning three in a row, but it ended up being one of my most challenging ones,” said Miller. “We won, it was great and I thought about being three-time champs in the offseason. But realistically, I am looking forward to next season and trying to give us our best chance to win again.”

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NOLAN A PART OF KNIGHTHAWKS’ HISTORIC RUN

By Craig Rybczynski

Ted Nolan has won at every level and knows how to build a winning organization. In 2009, Nolan joined another winning team when he was hired by Owner Curt Styres and the National Lacrosse League’s Rochester Knighthawks.

In his dual role as the VP of Hockey Operations for the Rochester Americans and as an advisor for the Knighthawks, Nolan saw great promise in the way the teams were being constructed.

“When Curt bought the hockey and lacrosse teams, he called me up and asked me to help with both areas. I didn’t play lacrosse all that much, but the principles are all the same (as hockey). It’s finding yourself some good people and letting them do their jobs,” said Nolan. “Then you have to get the right players. You watch what they did in a couple of those drafts and built that team. You look at all the successful teams in any sport and it all starts with the people. Certainly, Curt brought in the right people.”

Now six years after joining the Amerks and Knighthawks, Nolan – who serves as the Knighthawks Senior Advisor to the President – has seen the Knighthawks win a National Lacrosse League record three straight Champion’s Cups.

“I believe any good organization in the world starts from the top. Curt put together top-notch, knowledgeable lacrosse people, but more importantly, he put together a great group of people,” said Nolan. “They all have the same desire to be the best they can, and as a result they have won three World Championships. It all starts with the people.”

For three years, the Knighthawks laid the groundwork by acquiring impact players through trades and the draft. Rochester stocked its roster with first-round picks in Sid Smith, Cody Jamieson, Stephen Keogh and Johnny Powless, and pulled off trades to obtain Matt Vinc, Brad Self, Dan and Paul Dawson, Scott Self and Jon Sullivan. The bench staff was solidified prior to the 2011 season with the hiring of Head Coach Mike Hasen, Assistant Coaches Paul Day and Pat O’Toole, while retaining the services of Assistant Coach Jason Johnson.

On May 31st, Ted and his wife, Sandra, were among the 9,000 fans at The Blue Cross Arena who watched Rochester defeat the Calgary Roughnecks in a thrilling three-game series. After winning Game Two of the Championship Series, 16-10, Rochester clinched the three-peat by scoring three goals in the final three minutes to win the decisive 10-minute mini-game.

“Rochester had some special players on its team who made it possible for a threepeat,” said Nolan. “It’s very, very tough. It’s a lot of work to win. To watch them do it last year, especially in that fashion (was incredible). They had to come back and win. They have a heart of a champion and are hard to knock off. Now you go into the next season with a one game at a time approach again. You never know what will happen.”

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Nolan knows all about utilizing his team’s talent to produce a winning product, having taken Latvia to the 2014 Winter Olympics, and the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Over the past 12 seasons as a head coach, Nolan has taken seven teams to the postseason and won three league championships (two OHL and one QMJHL). His hard work has also earned him the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year and a Memorial Cup title.

Nolan, who is currently the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, has developed a reputation as a players’ coach and as someone who cares about his community and his fellow employees. He has based his life on the principles he first learned from his mother, Rose, and his father, Stan, while growing up in the Garden River First Nation Reserve. The Seven Grandfather Teachings include wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.

“Everybody always asks me what my coaching philosophy is. I don’t know if I have a coaching philosophy. I have a philosophy about life,” he said. “It’s about respect and incorporating the Seven Grandfather Teachings. The one I have always wanted to do is show the people I work for that I do care and I respect what they do.”

Ted often tells the story of his humble childhood, as he grew up with six brothers and five sisters. He talks about getting a TV when he was 5 or 6-years-old and indoor plumbing when he was 16. But what the family lacked in modern conveniences was filled with something more important.

“We didn’t have a whole lot, but one thing we did have was a tremendous amount of love in our home,” said Nolan. “We didn’t have a lot of material things, but we did have moral support. My mother was very instrumental in keeping us close and talking to us about our culture and where we are from – our ceremonies and our rituals.

“She took me to all the Pow Wows growing up. She had a big impact on making me proud of who I am as a First Nations man and an Ojibwa,” he added. “I passed that on from growing up in my house. My father was the same way. They both died when I was very young. I really wanted to honor them by living a good life and do as many good things as I possibly can and pass those on. I got married and our kids are doing it. We are just passing the torch.”

Ted and Sandra could not be more proud of their sons. Brandon, a former pro hockey player, now works with former National Chief Phil Fontaine helping First Nation kids, while Jordan is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings. His sons founded and operate the 3 Nolans Hockey School, which works with youth to further develop their hockey skills and knowledge.

On July 23rd, Ted and his sons, Brandon and Jordan, were honored guests of Six Nations Elected Chief G. Ava Hill, as they headlined the first of an inspirational speakers’ series. The Nolans gave a motivational talk to the 100 guests – just months after Jordan won his second Stanley Cup with the Kings. It was a proud moment for the 56-year-old Nolan.

“I was motivationally touched that we were able to do that. (It has been great) to watch two young boys grow up to be young men and hear them talk about the importance of schooling, setting goals and working toward your dreams and aspirations,” he said. “I listened to them talk about how important parents are and how important we were in their lives. That’s a good message to all parents to be very supportive no matter what (their kids) do. That was great.”

The evening at the Six Nations Community Hall also included a special presentation to the Knighthawks for their league-record third straight NLL championship. Knighthawks President Lewis Staats and Assistant General Manager Landon Miller accepted a plaque commemorating the 2014 Championship Season. To have Ted in attendance was extra special for Miller, who works with Nolan on several business ventures, and has long admired his commitment to First Nation people.

“Receiving a plaque from Six Nations was a pretty big honor. It was a surprise to me that they were going to give it to us, along with the 3 Nolans night,” said Miller. “He is a huge role model. He has done so much for Six Nation youth and Six Nation women. He has raised his two boys the same way and they are now someone the youth can look up to. Helping First Nation youth in sports and education is something I feel strongly about.

It was a pretty exciting night.”

Ted spends his summers working the hockey school, which now visits Brantford, Ontario, Couchiching (Ontario) First Nation and Fredericton, New Brunswick. He also returns home to the Garden River First Nation Reserve, which is a community near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Nolan house has served as the focal point for the family and as a gathering place to celebrate milestones. Lately, that has meant enjoying five championships – three of those by the Knighthawks. That was certainly the case on August 20, 2012, when his son Jordan brought the Stanley Cup home for the first time in his career.

“People from all over came back home to be a part of this. I strongly believe that sports are a great thing and have a tendency to bring communities together,” said Ted. “It’s special to see how the community really pulled together and how they supported Jordan’s run to the Stanley Cup.” The NLL Champion’s Cup also made an appearance at the festivities at Ted and Sandra’s home, marking the first time ever that the Stanley Cup and the National Lacrosse League’s Champion’s Cup attended the same Championship celebration. Members of the Knighthawks front office – including Styres, Staats and Miller – were on hand to witness history in the small community.

“I guess we can say we were also a part of history as we were able to bring the Champion’s Cup to the celebration. Being able to get our picture taken with the Stanley Cup and the Champion’s Cup together in the backyard at Ted Nolan’s home on the Garden River First Nation made the day all that more special as it was among family and friends,”

said Staats. “Two world championship trophies were on display in a small First Nations’ community in Northern Ontario in two different sports that we, as Native people, hold near and dear to our hearts. Unbelievable is the only word that comes to mind.”

Since 2012, Ted Nolan has also celebrated winning three consecutive Champion’s Cups.

Even though his coaching career has taken him around the world and then back to Buffalo with the Sabres, Nolan has been able to celebrate all three titles with the Knighthawks.

“Ted is a person who knows how to bring out the best in people and he has continued to do that by supporting the Knighthawks and our staff even though he is not here every day. We feel that Ted is still a key part of Knighthawks family and he has shared in all three championship celebrations with us.”

Nolan shares the same philosophy of the Knighthawks when it comes to building a winning team. The Knighthawks, who are known as “The Wolf Pack,” have formed a bond that has yet to be broken in three straight playoff runs. Nolan, who was once rated the top players’ coach in the NHL, has also demonstrated his commitment to his teams through his coaching style.

“I try to instill that with my players that they are wanted and playing their role is important. It’s just like my family. Each and every one of us was very important to it. Not one anymore special. Just that we were all special. That’s what you have with really good teams. Just because one guy scores 50 goals versus a guy who scores two doesn’t make him anymore important to the overall team concept.”

“Teddy is a people person and has a lot of charisma,” added Knighthawks VP of Player Personnel Jody Gage, who has known Nolan since their hockey playing days with the Adirondack Red Wings. “Players love to play for him because he treats them with respect and treats them like they are family. He is very invested in his players and very invested in the people he works with.”

Nolan is back in Buffalo for the second time in his second career. It was a joyous occasion for Ted and his family on November 13, 2013 when Ted was introduced as the Sabres’ head coach. In nearby Rochester, the Knighthawks staff were also savoring the moment as they watched on their laptops as Nolan took over the reins in Buffalo for the first time since the 1996-97 season.

“I believe that everyone should do what they do best and do what they love to do. For my friend Ted, that is being an NHL coach,” said Staats. “The fact that he is once again the coach of the Buffalo Sabres is just icing on the cake as it allows us to keep in touch both on ice by going to games in Buffalo and off the ice by meeting and going out for dinner with him and Sandra when time allows.”

Two days after being named the head coach of the Sabres, Lewis and his wife, Wendy, were among 19,070 fans who welcomed Ted back to the Buffalo bench for the first time since the 1997 season. Nolan did not disappoint the sellout crowd, as the Sabres defeated the rival Toronto Maple Leafs that night, 3-1.

“I am not a very emotional person, but the ovation Ted received that night in the First Niagara Center is something I will never forget,” said Staats. “Ted has been called a coach, a mentor and even an inspiration by many people, but I am most proud to be able to call him a friend. Ted and I speak fairly frequently and I know he still considers himself part of the Knighthawks Family and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.”

Nolan remains steadfast to his core beliefs as he faces a challenge in Buffalo that is similar to the one Styres faced in 2009, trying to rejuvenate a franchise and bring a championship back to Western NY. “You have to change the culture and the attitude. It’s hard to do and it doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be patient and you have to stick to your core beliefs,” said Nolan.

“Once you do that, in the long run you win. It was great to watch it work in Rochester, and that same approach can work here.”

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O’TOOLE CONTINUES THE TRADITION

By Andrea Chevalier

Pat O’Toole has a unique perspective on the game of lacrosse, more importantly Knighthawks Lacrosse. Having been a superstar goaltender in his days as a player, at the age of 39, he made the transition into a coaching role where he has continued to see unbelievable success.

O’Toole started off his National Lacrosse League career with New York Saints before making his way to Buffalo to play for the Bandits for three seasons (1996-98). He came to Rochester in 1999, where he played the remainder of his career.

“I know ‘Paddy’ so well. I coached and played with him. We almost know what each other thinks,” Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen said. “On the coaching side, when he was still playing, (having played with him) made it really easy to know what he wanted to see. Coming to the coaching side of things, he has a knack for simplifying things for the guys to make is easy to understand and easy for them to fall into. The guys gravitate toward that and play very well for him.”

The Brampton, Ontario native, known as “Toole Time” by Knighthawks fans, was famous for his focus and intensity on the field.

“I can’t say enough good things about ‘Paddy’,” said Knighthawks forward Mike Accursi. “He’s just a good all-around guy. He is a student of the game, he knows a lot and is passionate about his position. Goalies and younger players have learned a lot from him over the years.”

The former Rochester star held his own in the goal for the team for 12 seasons (19992010) where he made four championship appearances (1999-2000, 2003 and 2007). As Rochester’s all-time franchise leader in wins (102) and saves (5,756), O’Toole posted a career record of 115-56 with an 11.40 goals against average and a .768 save percentage, while adding three goals and a league-record 136 career assists.

His postseason output was just as impressive. In 23 games, O’Toole posted a 9-9 record. As a player, he won the 2007 Champion’s Cup with the Knighthawks when they defeated the Arizona Sting 13-11.

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In 2013, O’Toole was the 11th member inducted to the Knighthawks’ Hall of Fame and the first goaltender. The three-time team MVP joined an esteemed club that includes Knighthawks alumni Duane Jacobs, Paul Gait, Tim Soudan, Regy Thorpe, Pat Cougevan, Jody Gage, Paul Day, Jeremy Hollenbeck, Mike Hasen and Randy Mearns. Later that year, O’Toole was also inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame for his contributions to the team and the league.

After retiring after the 2010 season, O’Toole took on another role with the Knighthawks. With a young Matt Vinc and Aaron Bold prepared to take over the back-end responsibilities, O’Toole seized the opportunity to take his career to a different level.

O’Toole was hired as an assistant coach, a position that has suited him just right.

“The year that we had ‘Vno’ come in and we had Bold there too, obviously (they were) two young, good goalies so I decided to move up to coaching to stay within the organization,” O’Toole said. “I knew my playing days were numbered and they gave me a call and told me they wanted to keep me within the organization and that’s when they asked me to stay on as the goalie coach.”

“I grew up watching ‘Paddy’ play and win at all different levels,” said Vinc. “Even in juniors, I tried to mold my game after his. ‘Paddy’ understands my game and style. He is a calming influence on myself and the defense. We have worked together so long now I feel like he has helped tailor a defense toward my strengths.”

O’Toole has help Vinc take his career to a new level. Vinc and the Knighthawks relentless defense are among the most feared units in the NLL. “It’s nice. It’s a lot of hard work, but I have all the faith in ‘Paddy’,” said Hasen. “He does all the little things that help go a long way to make the guys better. He simplifies things and makes things easy on the floor for everybody. He’s just one of those easy going guys who is focused and learns to adapt and move onto the next moment.”

O’Toole and Hasen have a special bond both on and off the team. O’Toole is married to Hasen’s sister, Lynne. After Hasen retired and became the assistant coach under Paul Gait’s staff, he had the unique opportunity to coach his brother-in-law after playing with him for six seasons.

“We’ve played together for a long time and we’ve been roommates for a long time as well,” Hasen said. “But, first and foremost, he’s family and we get along really well.”

O’Toole credits his wife, Lynne, his son, Connor, and daughter, Kayla, with helping him win the championships. Their support and understanding over the years is something that left him nearly speechless.

“They’re my biggest supporters,” said O’Toole. “They have to take the biggest hit when dad’s away. They’re very understanding and very supportive. Sometimes I can’t go do something because I’ve got to stay in and watch video for the next week’s game. They are the biggest thank you for these championships because they support my dreams.”

Lynne gave the credit right back to her husband for spreading his knowledge of the game to the younger players, including their son. When he is not coaching the professionals, O’Toole coaches Connor with the hopes that his son will one day be as successful as he has been.

“He’s incredible,” said Lynne. “I grew up with lacrosse so to see where he has gone over the years and what ‘Paddy’ has been able to accomplish in lacrosse has been pretty special. I like it from a coaching standpoint, not only with the Knighthawks, but him coaching our son. Seeing that knowledge being passed down to some of the younger generation has been great.”

It was obvious that the goaltending aspect of the game was a key in the Knighthawks’ success in recent years, something the he help create.

“It’s been exciting being able to stay with the Knighthawks organization and continue on with the team I played for,” O’Toole said. “Coaching has been great and it’s been a lot of fun. The Knighthawks have always been an organization that strives to win championships. When you work hard and that comes true, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

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PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF FOR POINT

By Casey Vock

Hard work has become the hallmark of Craig Point’s lacrosse career. Now a star forward for the Rochester Knighthawks, Point learned about persistence as one of six children raised by his mother, Valinda, on Six Nations.

It was her support, encouragement and sacrifice that helped him develop into the elite player that he is today, one who’s collected championships in college, in Canadian Junior “A” and Senior “A” box lacrosse, and now three consecutive professional titles in the National Lacrosse League.

“Whatever I learned, my mom gave to me,” said Point, who scored the game-winning goal against the Calgary Roughnecks in the 10-minute tiebreaker game of the 2014 Champion’s Cup Series, lifting the Knighthawks to a thrilling third-consecutive National Lacrosse League championship.

“I never really had the opportunity like some players had to have their dad take them places. It was really up to my mom signing me up to play,” Point said. “Financial wise, it was limited for us. There were six of us kids. So she had to make due with what she had.”

Picking up a lacrosse stick at about 5 years old, Point was already a few years behind his Six Nations peers, who like many Iroquois players, had a stick in their hands as toddlers. But he was inspired in his early years, watching the Six Nations Chiefs of the mid1990s — led by current Knighthawks Vice President Paul Gait — and the Six Nations Arrows, making it known that he wanted to play at that level when the time came.

“He had aspirations when he was very young,” Valinda said. “I remember taking him to Arrows games when he was a boy, and he would tell me, ‘someday I’m going to play for this team.’ He said someday he would play for the Arrows, someday he wanted to play pro lacrosse, and he wanted to go to college and play lacrosse. And he manage to reach those goals.”

Point would learn from close friends Sid Smith and Cody Jamieson, closely watching their styles of play and studying their tendencies. As young boys, they would compete ferociously in the back yard, not only playing lacrosse, but football and basketball as well.

Point learned as much as possible from his friends and tried to infuse what he’d learned into his own lacrosse skills.

Pulled up from a “B” squad to an “A” squad as a novice player at the age of 9 or 10, Point said he got the confidence boost he needed to help put him on a trajectory for success as a box lacrosse player.

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That was right around the time that Jason Johnson — a respected Six Nations box coach and now an assistant coach with the Knighthawks — entered Point’s life. A distant cousin of Point’s with a similar blue-collar upbringing and a self-made status in lacrosse, Johnson has been coaching youth lacrosse on his home reserve for years. He began working with Point and drove him to challenge himself to become a better player.

“He was one of the guys who pushed me,” Point said. “He taught me to work on the basic stuff in lacrosse that turns into the big things. Coaches all say that, ‘the little things turn into the big things, and they’re right.’”

Johnson urged Point to try out for teams — encouragement that Point said is an important stimulus for up-and-comers on Six Nations.

“I knew a lot of the great offensive players that were here, and so I kind of pushed myself,” Point said. “I didn’t really hold back. If I wanted something, I’d try to go get it and my mother would always help me.”

Point helped himself, too. After being told by a coach that his shot wasn’t as hard as some of his teammates, Point began spending countless hours in his backyard shooting on a lacrosse goal, honing his incredibly powerful and accurate shot. He’d aim for a corner of the post or target a spot in the net and would shoot at the same spot over and over again as hard as he could, literally trying to crack the iron or tear the twine.

Smith witnessed Point’s worth ethic as a young player and has seen it manifest itself in his game today.

“With a shot like his a lot of people would sit back and rely on that outside cannon he has, but he works hard and gets in the best shape that he can,” Smith said. “He’s always trying to get better.”

Point’s drive led him to tryout for the Six Nations Rebels when was about 16. After two seasons, which saw him pulled up by the Arrows for a handful of Junior “A” contests, Point decided he wanted to challenge himself even more. So he tried out for the Arrows and made the team for the 2004 season, breaking out with a 56-point campaign and helping the Arrows to the first of four consecutive Ontario championships.

Enrolled at the Brantford Collegiate Institute, Point was making a living as an ironworker and was already a father to his first son, Keelan, when he was faced with the decision to attend college or choose a different path. Thanks to encouragement from his mother as well as Knighthawks General Manager Curt Styres and friends Jamieson and Smith, Point decided to enroll at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.

“Curt talked to him and told him education is important. He told him ‘you have the rest of your life to work, so you need to take opportunities as they come along.’ He told him to try it,” Valinda Point said. “And Cody and Sid, they kept bugging him and calling him because they wanted him there.”

Point’s lone season at Onondaga saw him put up more than 50 points and saw the Lazers go undefeated on their way to the 2006 NJCAA championship. Though Point spent only one year in Syracuse, his mother says it was an experience he’d never forget, and an important turning point as he showed he could balance being a father and playing lacrosse on the road.

The following year brought Point’s next major lacrosse achievement, as he helped the Arrows win the 2007 Minto Cup alongside friends Jamieson and Smith and his brother, Kyle. Point entered the NLL the following year as the third overall draft pick, landing with the Minnesota Swarm as a highly-touted prospect. He went on to earn Rookie of the Year honors after a 61-point season.

Continuing to play for the Chiefs during the summer, it was only a matter of time before he would reconnect with Jamieson and Smith and get to play closer to home and his family. Point was acquired by the Rochester Knighthawks by way of a trade in early 2009. Smith joined the team a year later via the draft, and then Jamieson was drafted in 2011. Again, Point and his closest friends were playing with one another in front of their families almost the entire year round. That included playing for the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse, where the trio won Mann Cup championships in 2013 and 2014.

According to Point’s mother, the “family” feel of the Knighthawks is similar to that of the Six Nations Arrows teams her son had been a part of.

“Curt wants players’ families being there and to be around them and what they do, and that makes a big difference,” she said. “They like their families being included, that’s a big part of it. It makes it easier on them to play in that atmosphere and have their families be a part of what they’re doing. Curt always makes sure of that.”

The close-knit nature of the Knighthawks organization allowed Point to cherish one of his greatest sports memories with his sons — Keelan, who’s now 11, and Tyler, 6 — and his mother, who were at The Blue Cross Arena the night of his championship heroics.

After battling through injury for most of the season, Point found himself on the bench during the extra mini-game tiebreaker of the Champion’s Cup Series. He recalled telling himself, “I need to do something. Something big’s going to happen.”

The next few minutes were some of the biggest of Point’s career. With the Knighthawks down 2-0 and only 2:14 left to play, Point pulled Rochester within one as he took a long pass from Joe Walters and scored on the crease. After Walters scored again to knot the score at 2-2 less than a minute later, it was Point who again delivered in the clutch.

With just 58.5 seconds on the clock, Point’s defender made the move to double Walters, leaving him just enough space to take a feed, step down and bounce home the game winner, sending the crowd of 9,188 fans into a frenzy.

“I’m glad my boys were there,” Point said. “I hope they’ll remember it and other people will too.”

It’s an experience Point himself will never forget, and one he hopes will drive him to stay involved in lacrosse for his entire life. As his mother indicates, Point always has a long-term plan. And his plan is to become a coach — so he can teach and encourage young players, to empower them through the sport of lacrosse.

But with 299 career points on his resume and lots of lacrosse left to play, Point reflects each day on where the game has taken him and who helped him along the way — most importantly, his mother.

“I’m still fulfilling my dreams,” he said. “When you think about it, it’s tough to put it all into words. In the end, I’m just thankful for what I had growing up and where I am today.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 63

POWLESS MATURES WITH EACH CUP

By Stephen Stamp and Craig Rybczynski

In just three years, Johnny Powless has experienced more success than most seasoned professionals. The Rochester Knighthawks star has won three Champion’s Cups, two Mann Cups and a Minto Cup – all before the age of 22.

Powless has grown up while playing professional lacrosse. As a high school senior he balanced the NLL and the normal routines of an 18-year-old. After a road game in Buffalo his rookie season, he drove back home to attend his senior prom. Then just before graduating from high school, he was busy winning his first Champion’s Cup in front of a worldwide viewing audience.

This summer, Powless graduated from Six Nations Polytechnic just two weeks after capping off his third season in the National Lacrosse League with his third straight Champion’s Cup. The past three years have been a blur and certainly have been a challenge, but it’s nothing the superstar lacrosse player can’t handle.

“At times it was stressful (with school and lacrosse), but I learned to manage my time and get things done quickly,” said Powless.

It would be an understatement to say that Powless’ life has been full-speed ahead since he became a pro athlete on September 21, 2011 at the NLL Entry Draft in Toronto.

The soft-spoken forward was just 18 when the Knighthawks traded up to select the can’tmiss lacrosse prospect.

It’s easy to see the maturity and poise that Powless now possesses after meeting him at the draft. He has grown as a player and as a person since he first put on a Knighthawks jersey. One of the biggest areas of personal growth has been in public speaking. One of the first times that he spoke publically was at the NLL Draft, when he was interviewed live in the draft room by a member of the NLL Network. He was very nervous, but he got through it, and is now much more comfortable speaking in front of people.

Powless credits Six Nations Chiefs teammate Colin Doyle with helping him with his interview technique. Johnny first played with Doyle in the summer of 2013 and was impressed by how positive and encouraging the veteran was. He took some of what he learned from Doyle with him into his role as the Six Nations Arrows captain in 2014.

After winning another Champion’s Cup with the Knighthawks, Powless returned in time for the postseason and didn’t miss a beat. He led the OLA in playoff scoring, then led the Minto Cup in scoring to earn series MVP honors, as the Arrows beat the Coquitlam Adanacs in six games.

“It was a dream come true,” said Powless. “It makes it that much more special winning it with all the guys I grew up with.”

One of those players was Knighthawks teammate Wenster Green. In fact, the two are cousins and best friends, and have been playing together since Paperweight. When the family had gatherings, the boys would bring their lacrosse sticks because there was always a game in the yard. It was never hard to get the boys together for a game because Johnny had seven brothers. Wenster would often stay overnight, and the boys would always have their sticks with them.

“It was just something they did,” said Johnny’s mother, Laurie.

Wenster, who joined Johnny in Rochester this season, said his cousin is a great player on the floor, but is an even better person off the floor.

“He’s really kind, generous and always puts others before himself,” said Green.

Wenster and Johnny grew up playing the game, first spending one year in Hamilton before coming home to play in Six Nations after they started a house program. Johnny’s love for lacrosse and his skillset were recognized when he first started playing the game.

His father was the person who realized that his son might have a future in lacrosse.

“You just watch and see. He’s different. I can see that in him,” said Joe. “(My wife) Laurie couldn’t tell at the time that Johnny had the combination of talent and heart that would lead him to be a star in the sport. It’s hard to blame her, though. Johnny was only 4 at the time and playing Paperweight lacrosse.”

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His early success was a prelude of things to come for the young Powless, who noted his parents have been a huge part of his success. His desire to play professional lacrosse, however, was influenced by Laurie’s first cousin, Kimbo Squire. Squire was a role model for Johnny and one of the stars for the early Toronto Rock championship teams.

“That’s where I’m going to go,” said Powless about playing in the NLL. Johnny got his chance to play in the NLL with Rochester during the 2012 season. Entering the NLL Entry Draft early piqued the interest of the Knighthawks, who were so keen on getting him that they pulled off a huge trade. Rochester sent Shawn Evans and a first-round draft pick to Calgary in exchange for the opportunity to draft Powless.

“He is an exciting young player who is not afraid to score goals,” said Knighthawks Cody Jamieson when Rochester drafted Powless back in 2011. “He can really put the ball in the net. He will be an asset for a very long time.”

That decision has certainly worked out for both Powless and the Knighthawks, as the three championship rings can attest. Since joining Rochester, Powless has amassed 144 points (78+66) in just 50 games. In his three seasons in Rochester, Knighthawks Assistant Coach Paul Day has seen the former first-rounder develop into one of the elite, young players in the NLL. “Johnny has improved every game. I think the first half of his rookie season he started strong, then everyone scouted him and he needed his game to evolve,” said Day. “He quickly changed and became a dangerous player on and off ball. He worked on his quick release and (shot placement). He is a pure student of the game, and his love for lacrosse is unmatched.”

One his best friends on the team, defenseman Jamie Batson, said Johnny’s skill and knowledge of the game are unmatched. He is a hard worker, willing to make sacrifices for the team.

“He has soft hands and can bury from outside or dangle with pressure on the crease,” said Batson. “He sets hard picks, and creates room for teammates. He has put his body on the line to help win games and he always brings a lot of grit and toughness to the floor.”

His maturity as a player was evident in 2014, as he reached career highs in goals (30) and points (53). His play had even more impact during the 2014 Playoffs. He was at his best in Game Two of the East Division Finals against Buffalo. Needing a win to force the decisive mini-game, Powless responded with three goals and two assists. His three firsthalf goals, which included back-to-back goals in the second quarter, gave Rochester an 8-4 lead. The Knighthawks never trailed the rest of the way in the 13-8 win.

In the NLL Championship Series, Powless registered points in the first two games. It was another thrilling three-game series with the Knighthawks rallying to defeat the Calgary Roughnecks 3-2 in the final contest. The win was still palpable as Powless reflected on the past season and the first three-peat in National Lacrosse League history.

“It was crazy after going down 2-0. We needed two goals, and then Craig Point got that last one. It was exciting,” he said. “It was a great group of guys and it was great to make history.”

As Powless enters his fourth season in the NLL, there are certainly more championships in his future. Whatever is ahead, Johnny’s success so far has already validated the big decision he made a few years ago to enter the NLL Draft. The future looks bright, and he’s not looking back.

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 65

SECORE ADDS HIS EXPERIENCE TO THE BENCH

By Stephen Stamp

Andy Secore was only 27 when he had to stop playing the game of lacrosse because his knees just couldn’t take it anymore. His transition to a post-playing career was made much easier when Rochester Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres offered him a coaching position with the team. It meant he kept being involved with the game he loved and had the chance to share his high lacrosse IQ with players. As it turned out, it also meant winning three championships in three years.

Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson says he has known Secore since the latter was called up to the Junior “A” Brampton Excelsiors when he was still midget aged. He has seen him mature over the years, as a teammate with the Arizona Sting and now as a coach with Rochester. Even though Secore is still only 30, Dawson says that Secore commands the respect of the Knighthawks players.

“His love and passion for the game is what he brings to the table. Regardless of his age, he’s very knowledgeable,” Dawson said. “He has a very strong lacrosse IQ. He can draw up a play with 10 seconds during a time out. He understands situations and game philosophies. Everyone respects him.”

In fact, being younger than most coaches helps him relate to the players, as does his great sense of humor and positive attitude. It also helps that he saw the floor so well when he was playing.

“He understands what needs to be done out there,” Dawson said. “He could see the floor when he had the ball in his stick, but he was also one of the best off-ball players I ever had the chance to play with. So, he knows what to do without the ball. His vision as a coach and a player is tremendous.”

The fact that Secore had to stop playing, but has remained so positive, is yet another reason he’s so great to have around the team.

“When the game gets taken from you, you don’t take things for granted,” Dawson said.

“That’s one thing Andy does, he doesn’t take any time with the Knighthawks for granted.

I think the guys thrive off something like that, his passion and the way he carries himself, the understanding that the game can be taken away at any time. That’s the way we play the game in Rochester.”

Cody Jamieson got a chance to play with Secore in junior lacrosse as well, when Secore was traded to the Six Nations Arrows for his last year in junior. Secore brings a fresh outlook on the game and does a great job of balancing his relationship with the players.

“He’s a really funny guy, down to earth. He played in this league for a while so he knows that you’ve got to have fun with it. He’s really funny and keeps the mood light,” Jamieson said. “But at the same time, he knows when to get serious, when to punch in and put on the game face.”

Seeing him have to hang up the stick was heart-breaking for his mother Coralee, but she says it was almost a relief after watching what he went through to play.

“The doctors told him you really shouldn’t be playing. You’re not going to walk by the time you’re 40,” Coralee recalled. “You could just see him at home spending the week nursing his knees. He would literally nurse his knees for the week to go back and play that weekend and he’d be back Monday nursing his knees all week. Then he’d be back again.

You could see it was difficult for him to play, but you could see he was trying.”

Secore grew up in Hamilton and played there until he was called up to join the Excelsiors in Junior “A” when he was 15. She remembers watching him play and being proud that he tried to involve all of his teammates. It got to the point that she sometimes reminded him that it was okay for him to shoot as well as pass.

“He saw the floor very well. He seemed to understand the concept,” she said. “He was never somebody who wanted to be a goal scorer. He wanted to see somebody else score the goals. I told him sometimes you have to score the goals because he was always trying to see the floor, to see somebody who might have a better opportunity than he had.”

The Secores were proud of Andy when they saw him playing that way in minor. They were proud of him when he was named the OLA Junior “A” Most Outstanding Player in 2003 and earned the Most Sportsmanlike Player honor in 2004. And they are proud watching him coach with the Knighthawks and hoist three championship trophies.

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Secore has a close relationship with Head Coach Mike Hasen, with whom he works at a lacrosse store. Secore also helps coach the Six Nations Arrows in the summer.

“His involvement in the game keeps him front and center in the lacrosse world,” Hasen said. “It helps him keep up on trends and performances of players and the game itself.”

That intimate knowledge of the game helps make him an effective coach for Rochester.

“I’ve gotten to know him and he has such a passion for the game and a passion for his teammates,” Hasen said. His playing career was cut shorter than I’m sure he would have liked, but he has such a great outlook on the game and for the Knighthawks. His passion is contagious and he brings a great deal of knowledge that we lean on for our success.”

Secore works closely with offensive coach Paul Day, who emphasizes that Secore’s youth is helpful to him and the other coaches.

“Andy is as close to the game as Pat O’Toole, but from the generation that is playing, which helps us in our relationship with the younger players,” Day said. “He coaches Junior A in Six Nations, which helps us preparing our players versus rookies that are in the NLL every year, players he has already scouted.”

But there’s much more that Secore brings to the team.

“He has an intuitive lacrosse mind and he’s a fantastic roommate on the road,” Day said. “Outside the game, he is laid-back, relaxed and enjoys to have a laugh, which fits into our staff and locker room. We have a lot of fun and our team environment is business, but business casual in that we try to not be too uptight. He is a guy that keeps everyone loose.”

Veteran defender Scott Self also got a chance to play with Secore on a couple of teams.

He says Secore’s lacrosse IQ was the key factor in his success in the game and it’s what is already making him a good coach.

“Andy’s very, very smart. I got to play with Andy for a bit in Arizona. He’s very intelligent as far as the offence goes,” Self said. “He does a lot of video work with the offense as far as goaltender tendencies. Again, he’s just a good guy to be around. He’s a pretty quiet guy, but he has a good sense of humor. He’s always kidding around with guys, making fun of guys’ sticks and stuff like that. He’s a character guy and very important to the team.”

As an assistant coach, players and his fellow coaches alike made it clear that Secore is an important part of the Rochester Knighthawks’ three straight championships. He may have had to give up playing the game earlier than he would have liked, but he has made the transition to coaching seamlessly.

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FOR BRAD SELF, IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL

By Andrea Chevalier

Championships have become a common occurrence for Knighthawks transition man Brad Self, who with the most recent Knighthawks title win, has three National Lacrosse League Champion’s Cup wins to his name, as well as a Mann Cup in the past three years.

“Any time you think about it or someone talks about it, it’s pretty cool to be able to say that you did that,” Self said. “You’re excited, and still playing, and obviously you want to win more championships each and every year. It’s been amazing to be able to win them.

Each year is different and next year we’re just going to try to win again.”

Self became a member of the Knighthawks during the 2012 season where he made his first postseason appearance since 2005 and won his first NLL Champion’s Cup. After winning the Championship, Self went on to achieving his second career Mann Cup with the Peterborough Lakers of Major Series Lacrosse, while playing alongside his older brother, Scott.

That was just the beginning for the brothers, though. Scott, a defender, was traded to the Knighthawks from Buffalo in the middle of the 2013 season. The duo finished the season strong with the Knighthawks’ second straight championship win. The victory also marked Scott’s first NLL Championship win after 13 years in the league and was Brad’s second-straight win.

“On the field we help each other just like all of the guys on our defensive unit,” said Scott. “With us both playing defense, we’re always really open to each other’s help. I understand how he plays and he understands how I play the game, so we don’t have a problem telling each other to try something different and learn from the other guy.”

The 2014 season proved to be just as successful as the previous one for Brad. He and the Knighthawks defeated the Calgary Roughnecks in Game Two of the NLL Championship Series, where he earned an assist on Cody Jamieson’s second goal of the game to give the Knighthawks a lead that they never relinquished.

Self also had a game-high two forced turnovers in the winning effort. It was a comefrom-behind win during the 10-minute mini-game that helped Rochester become the first team in NLL history to win three consecutive Champion’s Cups. The Knighthawks scored three goals in less than three minutes, while the defensive end hustled to block shot after shot on goaltender Matt Vinc to win the game, 3-2.

“It was pretty scary at times, but our team has dealt with those things each and every year. We seem to always find a way to win,” Self said. “We’re really comfortable with one another. When we’re on the floor, we talk to one another and our coaches lay it out for us. At the end of the day we want to win and we continue to find a way to do it. It was awesome to be a part of it.”

“It’s a great feeling to be able to do something no other team has ever done before,” said Scott. “It’s really special to be able to do it with my brother and share that with our family.”

Proud parents Steve and Jan Self are extremely fortunate to have been able to watch two of their sons play lacrosse together on a championship winning team. Brad’s father, who has been his role model throughout his career, has shown his support for Brad since he was a young player just learning the game.

“He always taught me about life through the sport and I think that was the biggest thing for me,” Brad said. “Respecting others, treating people as equals, working hard, commitment, learning to win and lose, being a part of a team and family were big things that he preached to me.”

Though he considers his father to be the person who taught him the values of dedication and being and all-around team player, his father says Self’s demeanor contributes to his success on and off the field, and is a complement to the morals instilled in the players by the Knighthawks’ coaches and staff.

“We are like most parents–very proud of Scott and Brad and how they have handled the opportunity to play in the greatest lacrosse leagues in the world,” said Steve Self.

“Seeing them (play) together for the Cup wins in 2013 and 2014 was very special. It has been rewarding to see them fit in nicely with the team concept that Mr. (Curt) Styres and Coach (Mike) Hasen’s staff have put in place.”

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“There really are no words to describe how exciting it was to watch the Knighthawks win their third NLL championship,” said Jan Self. “The new playoff format contributed to the excitement. It was a very proud moment to have the boys be a part of such an amazing team and organization.”

Self’s childhood best friend Jon Chambers, who grew up with Brad and watched him become the successful athlete he is now, was not able to attend the Championship game in Rochester, but said that seeing Brad win has become somewhat of a normal occurrence.

“We are used to watching him win,” said Chambers. “It’s old news now. We kind of expect it. It never gets to his head though. He always surrounded himself with friends who wouldn’t let that happen.”

Chambers recalled growing up with Brad and playing lacrosse and hockey together.

He said that Self was always a natural when it came to his athletic abilities. The two, who have been close friends since they were 7 years old, would play one-on-one games, which got pretty heated at times. Chambers even said that sometimes they would get so angry with the outcome of the games (with Brad winning most of the time), that they would go a day or two without speaking to each other. But they always got over it and continued to have friendly competitions.

“Growing up, we always knew that he was going to be a pro athlete–whether it was hockey or lacrosse,” Chambers said. “It was in his genes and he always took it very seriously. We knew that out of everyone, he was going to be the one to do something with it.”

This season, Brad demonstrated the talent and versatility that he has always had on the field, leading the team in loose balls with a career-high 131. He picked up 25 points during the regular season (7+18) and added a career-high four assists during the postseason.

“He’s the ultimate two-way player on our team,” said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “He gets that loose ball, makes that big defensive stop, and scores for us. On a team that plays primarily five-on-five, to have a guy like Brad is a huge advantage in our lineup.”

Upon completing the three-peat with the Knighthawks, Brad returned to the field for the Peterborough Lakers of Major Series Lacrosse, along with Knighthawks forward Cory Vitarelli, goaltender Matt Vinc, and his brother Scott.

Brad and Vitarelli have known each other for many years, both hailing from Peterborough, Ontario, and playing for the Knighthawks and the Lakers. The two are roommates and Self explained that they have become close friends since they started playing together for both teams.

“Cory and I have known each other for a long time coming from Peterborough. We have become closer since we started playing with one another and spending so much time together on the road and rooming together,” said Self. “We talk about everything from the team, to life, to everything else good friends would talk about.”

“I’ve played with Brad for the last three years in Rochester and more in Peterborough,” said Vitarelli. “We’ve become good friends and have a lot of good memories. It’s been great to share with him winning the last three championships in Rochester. He is a great player. He’s fast and fun to watch.”

Brad will take his talent back to the turf for the Knighthawks after signing a four-year deal with the team at the beginning of last season. With his family there to cheer him on every step of the way, Brad is looking forward to the upcoming NLL season as the Knighthawks battle for the opportunity to win an unprecedented fourth straight championship.

“We just work well together,” said Self. “We’ve been together for a few years now so we are a veteran group of guys. Everyone just buys into the team and it’s worked well for us.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 69

WINNING ALL IN THE FAMILY FOR SCOTT SELF

By Andrea Chevalier

As the clock was winding down in the final game of the National Lacrosse League Championship Series, the Knighthawks defense was doing anything in their power to block shots and keep the ball as far away from the goal as possible to hold on to a onepoint lead. Defenseman Scott Self was on the floor, embracing all the action, as the team made one last stand to achieve a goal they have had all season—winning a recordbreaking third straight Champion’s Cup. The three-peat for the Knighthawks marked Self’s second consecutive championship win since joining the NLL in 2001.

“It was really exciting for me,” Self said. “If I played my entire career and never won a championship, I think I would have been a little disappointed. I’ve enjoyed my time playing, but that’s something you always strive for.”

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In his NLL career, Self has played in 207 games, scooped up 982 loose balls, and collected 44 goals and 132 assists for a total 176 points in 14 seasons. After making his way through Minnesota, Ottawa, Arizona, New York, Chicago, Buffalo and Edmonton, he was traded to the Knighthawks at the trade deadline of the 2013 season in exchange for Alex “Kedoh” Hill, giving him the opportunity to play alongside his brother Brad.

“Scott knows the game inside and out,” said fellow defenseman and Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “He’s a very smart player and he knows the situation, so he just goes out and dominates each shift.”

Prior to joining the Knighthawks, Self was aware of what it felt like to win championships, having won five Mann Cup titles. His latest came in 2012 with the Peterborough Lakers.

After 13 years in the NLL, Self finally achieved his first NLL title, but that was not the end for the 35-year-old. He signed a three-year deal with the Knighthawks before the beginning of the 2014 season and became part of history in both the NLL and in Rochester by winning three-straight championships.

“Winning never gets old,” Self said. “I’m very fortunate to play for a great organization in Rochester, as well as a great organization in Peterborough. The Knighthawks value winning and have all the right things in place to win championships every year.”

In Game Two of the Champion’s Cup series against Calgary, Self scored Rochester’s 10th goal in transition against the Roughnecks en route to the teams’ 10-6 win, forcing the deciding 10-minute mini-game.

“It was a little bit surprising, considering I think I scored one goal all year,” Self said.

“It’s just not the style we play. We don’t really look to capitalize on transition. It just so happened the ball hit my stick and they were a little bit slow getting off. I was actually running with Brad and I thought about passing to him. He’s more of a scorer than I am, but it was just kind of the way things worked out. I just aimed high and hoped that the ball went in. It was pretty exciting because it was a big game and a big goal.”

After rallying in the mini-game, the Knighthawks secured a one-goal lead with less than three minutes to play. That’s when Rochester’s defense went to work, blocking multiple shots on goal and playing strong defense to bring the Knighthawks to their recordbreaking win.

“It was nuts,” Self said. “For about a week I didn’t really know what had happened. At the end of the game, I was on the floor and the ball was bouncing back-and-forth and ping-ponging around. Guys were blocking shots and it was just really chaotic, but a great feeling at the end.”

What made both championship wins even more satisfying was winning them alongside his brother, transition man Brad Self, who Scott considers to be his best friend on the team. The close family bond that the brothers have was obvious on the field. To be able to win two championships together with the Knighthawks was the icing on the cake, and a great way to close out the season.

“It’s an honor to be able to (watch the two play together). They’re both kind of quiet guys, but you can tell they feed off of each other,” Kirk said. “They both take on different roles on the floor, but they fit into the team so well.”

“Obviously, we have a close relationship and I’m just thankful that Curt (Styres) traded for him last year,” Brad said. “It was really exciting when we heard that he had been traded.”

“My best friend on the team would be my brother. We grew up together and have shared a lot of experiences and memories together,” Scott said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to do something no other team has ever done before. It’s very special to be able to do it with my brother and share that with our family members who were at the game.”

For Self, the family bond he focuses on goes far beyond what happens on the turf. His parents, Steve and Jan, are his biggest supporters off the field and he considers them to be the people who helped shape his career into what it is today. They were at The Blue Cross Arena for the final games of the Championship Series, cheering on their boys.

“My role models throughout my career would be my parents,” he said. “They’ve always been very supportive of everything I’ve done and always take the time to come and see me play.”

“The playoff format this year created some intense and exciting moments in both series with Cory Vitarelli scoring the big goal in overtime to win it (against Buffalo),” said Steve. “Then, the comeback in the mini-game (in the Championship Series) was thrilling, and the last 14 seconds with the Calgary possession was tense, but Matt Vinc and our defense stood tall and shut the door. When the buzzer sounded there were certainly some tears among our family members.”

“We consider ourselves very lucky to have been able to watch the boys develop into the players that they have become,” Jan said. “We thoroughly enjoy watching them play and are very proud of their accomplishments. It has been very exciting watching the team be so successful. It made it even more so when they traded to get Scott in time for their second championship. It’s always easier, as parents, when the boys play on the same team rather than against each other. It makes it twice as exciting!”

Though Scott considers his closest friend on the turf to be his brother and teammate Brad, off the turf, another Self is added into the mix. Scott considers his closest friends outside of the lacrosse world to be Brad and his other brother, Dayton. The support of his siblings is what has led him to the success he has experienced over the past two seasons.

“I have always been Scott and Brad’s biggest fan and supported them their entire careers,” Dayton said. “Whether going to the games or watching them on the internet, we rarely missed a game. Most Saturdays throughout the winter were spent watching games on the laptop hooked to the TV. It’s always exciting to watch them play, and even a little stressful sometimes. Seeing them win the Cup this year was a great experience. It was incredible to be able to be there with my entire family and share in the moment. I’m not afraid to admit that the tears of joy were flowing when that final buzzer sounded. I am extremely proud of Scott and Brad and the success they have achieved throughout their careers. I never miss an opportunity to share their success with others.”

Scott Self recalled the feeling of having not only the fans in the stands and his brother by his side, but also seeing his family at the end of one of the most memorable games of lacrosse at The Blue Cross Arena.

“It was pretty special to go through the hand-shake line and come out at the end of it seeing my family up in the stands and give them a wave,” Self said. “It was just a pretty awesome feeling.”

2014 Rochester Knighthawks Championship Review | 71

SMITH CARRIES ON THE FAMILY NAME

By Casey Vock

Lacrosse is in Sid Smith’s blood — a sport his family has played for generations. It’s that long line of lacrosse players, as well as several important coaches, who have helped the current Rochester Knighthawks captain achieve more in his career than most could accomplish in a lifetime.

“I’d say my parents and my grandparents are some of the people who have been the most influential on what I’ve done in lacrosse,” said Smith, who captained the Knighthawks to a league-record third consecutive National Lacrosse League Champion’s Cup victory in 2014.

Sid represents the fourth generation of lacrosse players in the Smith family. He’s named after his great grandfather, Sidney Smith, who was a professional star in the 1930s. Smith’s paternal grandfather, Roger “Buck” Smith was a talented lacrosse player who won Mann Cup championships in 1952 and 1953.

On his mother Ginny’s side, Smith’s grandfather Peter Skye was also a successful lacrosse player in his own right. A generation later, Sid’s father, Kim Smith, was a highscoring member of several Six Nations junior and senior squads before entering the coaching ranks. But as important as lacrosse has been to Sid’s family, his parents never mandated the game.

“It was just never really thought about as an expectation or anything like that,” said Smith, who has collected just about every major lacrosse championship and medal.

In addition to his three NLL titles, Smith has also won a Major League Lacrosse championship, a NJCAA championship, two NCAA Division I titles, a Minto Cup Junior “A” championship and two Mann Cup championships, including the 2014 Mann Cup. Between the 2014 NLL championship and the most recent Mann Cup win, Smith helped make history with the Iroquois Nationals, as the team won the bronze medal — its first medal — at the FIL World Lacrosse Championships.

“Lacrosse was never forced on me,” Smith said. “There was never anyone forcing me to play. I just felt like doing it. The support was there. Obviously, I was in a pretty good environment for it, around people with a lot of knowledge of the game, and my family always supported me.”

As a young boy, both of Sid’s grandfathers were important figures in his life. His “Grandpa Buck,” now a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, would take him to pick out a new lacrosse stick whenever he needed one. His “Grandpa Pete” would take him to games, offering him tips and pointers as they watched the Six Nations Arrows, the Chiefs, and other local teams in action.

Exposed to the game as a way of life on Six Nations, Sid’s family didn’t have to urge him to pick up a stick. Instead, they were there to help support him when he gradually became devoted to the game.

“To me, you have to want to play the game to be good,” Sid’s father, Kim, said. “Some kids, their parents make them play. We never did that with our kids. They’d just do it on their own. I told him, it’s up to you, but I’ll sign you up if you want to do it. That was a big difference. That was all his decision to do what he wanted. He was smart enough to do it and make his own decisions.”

Sid’s mother, Ginny, was a box lacrosse player herself years ago on the reservation. His sisters, Tia and Stacy, are former members of the Iroquois Nationals women’s world team and played the game since they were young as well. As he was growing up, Sid’s mother and sisters chipped in by helping get him to games and even offered their own advice as he was coming into his own.

“They were definitely a big influence on me,” Sid said of the women in his family.

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In his early teen years, Sid became a ball boy for the Six Nations Arrows, while his father was part of the coaching staff. Sid worked with the late Blair Martin, a respected trainer who helped him learn the importance of his role.

“Blair helped me to set a pretty high standard. He made sure it was fun, but that we got the work done too,” said Smith. “He made me feel like I was part of the team. He had me do all the little things. It was like a job and he taught me a lot that way about responsibility. I hung out with the team so I learned a lot at a young age. It was a valuable experience that helped make me the player I am today.”

More than 15 years later, Sid still has mentors in his life, including his father, who was part of the Six Nations Chiefs bench for the 2013 and 2014 Mann Cup victories, the second of which was won on the Chiefs’ home turf at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. Kim first coached Sid at the midget level and has continued to provide his son with guidance throughout his career.

“It was fun playing for him. It was fun seeing him coach all those years in junior,” said Sid. “I was paying pretty close attention to what he was doing, learning as I was watching.

Sid says lacrosse has helped him continue to build a strong relationship with his father.

“If I need to bounce anything off of him, he’s always there for it,” said Sid. “We don’t really talk too much anymore about strategy. But he’s always there if I ever need to talk about anything going on out on the floor.”

Sid’s benefited not only from his family’s collective lacrosse wisdom, but also from a number of coaches who helped him develop his game and become one of the most respected defenders in both box and field lacrosse.

As a member of the Six Nations Arrows, Smith learned from former Syracuse legends and pro lacrosse veterans Marshall Abrams and Regy Thorpe. Enrolling at Onondaga Community College in 2005, Smith began studying the field game under the tutelage of Lazers Head Coach Chuck Wilbur and Defensive Coordinator Mike Villano, whom Smith credited for putting him on the right trajectory for success with the long stick.

“I was pretty raw at field lacrosse, so when I got there it was like a new type of lacrosse to me,” Sid said. “Mike, in particular, spent a lot of time with me. He taught me the ins and outs of slide packages, while allowing me to keep other parts of my game, like throwing checks. It would have been pretty easy for me to get discouraged and not do as well as I did without that kind of coaching.”

Villano said Smith brought intangibles with him when he arrived on campus in Syracuse — qualities that combined with his skillset helped him excel in a new setting.

“What made him great was his character,”Villano said. “He’s always willing to learn. He was like a sponge. Everything you told him, he’d try to apply it, and he just kept growing and growing. He was always willing to swallow his pride and things didn’t always have to be his way. That’s why he’s so good now, because he’s always developing his game to get better.”

After finishing his time at Onondaga with a junior college championship and AllAmerican honors, Smith took a year to finish his academic work. Along the way, he won the 2007 Minto Cup, and got himself into Syracuse University, where he’d meet another renowned defensive coach, the Orange’s Lelan Rogers.

“He liked playing for Lelan and playing at a higher level like that,” Sid’s father said.

“They won two championships, so he obviously enjoyed it.”

His experience at Syracuse was made even more memorable as he won his second Division I championship alongside one of his closest friends, fellow Six Nations product and Rochester Knighthawks star Cody Jamieson.

Jamieson said he leaned on his life-long friend, a person who is as important to his teammates off the field as he is on it.

“Growing up playing, even when Sid wasn’t a captain, he was always our leader,” Jamieson said. “When I difficulties at ‘Cuse, he was right there as a guy I could talk to. When I scored that goal (against Cornell), I was still there because of him.”

Jamieson said he wishes Smith would get more attention for the player and leader he’s become.

“He doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the work he puts in and his leadership abilities. I’m happy I don’t go up against him,” said Jamieson. “I’ve told people he’s the best defenseman I’ve ever faced. He’s the best in my eyes.”

Sid’s father is proud of the way he’s carrying on the legacy of the Smith name as a lacrosse player. But Kim might be even more moved when looks at the person his son has become. Sid and his longtime partner, Leah Sault, are now parents themselves; their daughter, Sylken Ellejay, turned two a few weeks after the Knighthawks’ most recent championship win.

Kim says Sid is just as devoted to his family as he is to the game of lacrosse.

“I couldn’t ask for a better son,” Kim said. “He’s respectful and he’s pretty level-headed.

He’s quite a guy. He’s been a great son and he’s an even better father.”

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STYRES BUILDING LACROSSE LEGACY

By Casey Vock

Dynasty is a powerful term, but there’s no other way to describe what’s taking place on the Genesee River.

The Knighthawks made National Lacrosse League history on May 31st, winning the Champion’s Cup for a record third straight time. The Knighthawks kept the Cup in Rochester after earning two wins in one night, capping off the thrilling evening with a 3-2 win over the Calgary Roughnecks in the 10-minute mini-game.

In the wake of the latest victory, the Knighthawks have now won a fifth NLL title and fourth since 2007. Rochester now clearly stands as the class of the professional box world.

The Knighthawks are emblematic of Curt Styres’ perspective and his mission.

“Every time you move, a billion other things move, and so it’s never the same year after year,” said the Knighthawks owner and general manager. “We have to change, and your players have to be honest with themselves to see if they are changing with the times, because today’s not the same as yesterday.”

Making some of most talked-about trades and other personnel moves in the last five years, Rochester’s coaching staff and management has been committed to Styres’ player acquisition plan.

2014 scoring champion Cody Jamieson, Champion’s Cup MVP Dan Dawson, Craig Point, Stephen Keogh, Matt Vinc and captain Sid Smith — all players Styres and his staff targeted and successfully acquired within a few-year window — were each instrumental in the win over the Roughnecks, a team that came on strong late in the season and downed the high-powered Edmonton Rush in the West Division Finals. It’s a roster that’s been strategically constructed over the last four years, with many of the core players signed on for the long haul via multi-year deals.

“I’ve watched players over the years and I’ve monitored their performances on how they conduct themselves,” Styres said. “I try to do that with our coaching and training staffs too. It’s well beyond a man’s personal life. There are so many different avenues you have to look at.”

Styres pointed out after the win that the players are only part of the equation.

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“Our players always joke about how we’ve got 24 players and 48 suits,” said Styres, who purchased the Knighthawks in 2008. “Everyone is there for a purpose and a reason and everybody has a special quality. Just like with athletes, you have someone who can run, someone who can jump, and someone who can score. With our staff, everyone has a unique characteristic about them, and that is the key to success.”

“Curt wants to surround everybody with the best. That’s his goal. He wants to have the best coaching staff, the best players, the best management and the best trainers,” said Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “He has high expectations for everybody on the team.”

Styres’ commitment to the team has brought Rochester back-to-back-to-back NLL titles. The Knighthawks were only the second team to even have the opportunity to capture three straight victories since the Champion’s Cup was first introduced as the league’s championship prize in 1998.

After hoisting the trophy in 1999 and 2000, the Toronto Rock went for the three-peat in 2001, only to fall 9-8 to the Philadelphia Wings. In today’s NLL, the Knighthawks are the new model for consistency — at least when it comes to winning championships.

“It’s always been about working hard. Results come from hard work,” said Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen, who now has three titles in four years at the helm in Rochester. “That was our focus. Just going out there and playing 60 minutes and trying to get a chance to play another 10. That’s all we did. It was moment to moment and we played well and now we can enjoy the three-peat.”

The team’s success, Styres said, helps strengthen another important element of his equation, and that’s a supportive fan base.

“The fans are the seventh man we always talk about,” Styres said. “Being the seventh man, you can do magical things. You can score a goal, you can stop a goal. A lot of it has to do with the fans, the passion of the fans.”

Sharing the Knighthawks’ success with fans is a bonus for Styres, who seems to value the growth of lacrosse above all else. Enjoying the team’s success with his Native community on Six Nations, which several of this star players also call home, allows Styres to celebrate the Knighthawks’ glory with some of the individuals and families who influenced him the most.

Reminiscing about his days growing up on the reservation, Styres recalls one man in particular who helped show him what the sport of lacrosse could do for his community.

Growing up with his four siblings, Styres lived across the street from Roger Porter. Porter, Styres said, devoted himself to helping teach sports — not just lacrosse, but all sports — to local children.

“When we were growing up, he was the one who would help us,” Styres said. “We’d be playing hockey and he’d be showing how to do things. When we’d play lacrosse, he’d show us how to set up the nets, he’d cut the grass and help us play the sport. We’d play on a tennis court, and he’d be there setting up the lights for us, and we’d play until two or three in the morning. He spent a lot of time with the neighborhood kids, and thought nothing of it.”

In 2012 and 2013, Styres recalled returning to Six Nations in the wake of the Knighthawks’ NLL title victories and catching up with Porter at Six Nations’ Bread and Cheese Day. “He’d be sitting in the same spot, and I’d have my Knighthawks NLL Championship hat, and I’d give it to him.”

The Knighthawks’ risto prominence is something that gave Porter — a die-hard sports fan, even in his later years — a great sense of pride as he saw Styres and players from Six Nations leading the way.

A decorated athlete and coach in his time, Porter passed away on Feb. 22, 2014, as the Knighthawks were in Calgary facing the Roughnecks — a game the team would lose 11-10. Roger was 89 years old. Porter was in Styres’ mind the night the Knighthawks avenged that loss and won their most recent championship.

“This year, I wasn’t able to give that hat to him,” Styres said. “But I gave it to his wife, Betty.”

While the Knighthawks have become a powerful influence on Rochester’s lacrosse culture, the team is also a vehicle for Styres to impact his own community in a positive way. His mother, Vera, instilled in him a desire to help his neighbors when he was a small boy. His mother raised him and his siblings all by herself, attending school in the day and working at night, and money was tight.

But that didn’t stop the family from helping others who were struggling more than they were.

“Curt never wanted to miss a practice or a game, even when he was a tike lacrosse player,” Vera said. “And we always went and picked up other kids who really couldn’t afford to go. Some of them were worse off than our family was in terms of finances. I always had a carload, and we fed them all and got them snacks after the game. Curt played hockey too, so we’d do the same for hockey season. He had some friends whose families couldn’t afford to take them around or outfit them, and so we’d find a way to do it.”

Decades later, Styres had his mother at his side for the laying of the foundation of what would become the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, now the home to powerhouses like the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse, the Six Nations Arrows and the Six Nations Rebels — all winners of their respective national championships in 2014. Vera could see the plan her son was putting into action with the construction of the ILA; she knew her son had made giving back a priority in his life. The arena would become a catalyst, sparking a resurgence of lacrosse on Six Nations and helping usher in the era of high-profile players like Jamieson, Smith and Point, who now form the backbone of the Knighthawks.

“Curt decided he wanted to do something for the kids who couldn’t do things for themselves,” Vera said. “He saw so many talents going to waste because families couldn’t continue to take their kids (off the reservation) to games. I think he just remembered his own struggles to get to what he wanted to do. If he could make a difference, he was determined to do that.”

Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that what Styres has created in Rochester is rooted in his experiences growing up, the culmination of his work to resurrect lacrosse on his home reserve.

By building his organization on the backs of like-minded coaches and players, including some who’ve benefited from his philanthropy on Six Nations, Styres believes he’s positioned the Rochester Knighthawks to be winners for years to come.

“We look at the people with a passion, the passion to grow the sport,” Styres said. “I know we can’t win every game, but what we can do is pass on our passion and grow this great game of lacrosse. With that mindset, you really never lose.”

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SULLIVAN FINDS SUCCESS IN ROCHESTER

By Andrea Chevalier

During his past two seasons with the team, Rochester Knighthawks defenseman Jon Sullivan has found the fortune he has been searching for since his rookie year in the National Lacrosse League: Championship wins.

The 10-year pro won his first NLL Champion’s Cup during the 2013 season, his first season in Rochester. The 2014 season proved to be more of the same as Sullivan and the Knighthawks became the first team in Rochester and league history to win three championships in three consecutive seasons.

Sullivan joined the Knighthawks in 2013, just before the team won its second straight title. Having been in the league for nine seasons before winning his first Cup, the immense satisfaction and relief of being a member of a winning team truly hit home for the 32-year-old.

“Having watched the team win last year only made this win that much sweeter,” Sullivan said about his championships in 2013 and 2014. “Before I came to Rochester, I had never even been past the first round of the playoffs.”

As a young child, Sullivan wasn’t out on the field working on his lacrosse skills. In fact, he didn’t start playing lacrosse until he was 13 or 14 years old as his parents were nervous to let their son play such an aggressive sport.

During his second year of playing house league lacrosse, Sullivan was asked by the coach of the “A” team to join them. He wouldn’t see much playing time each game, but the team needed him. Sullivan and his father looked at it as an opportunity to grow and gladly took the offer. Looking back now, his parents, Terry and Teresa, are thankful that their son convinced them to let him play.

“He really wanted to play, but his mother and I were nervous to let him because it was such a violent sport,” said Terry. “(There wasn’t) a chance we thought he would go pro.

Since he started later than the kids he was playing with, they were all better than him.

But he worked really hard to get where he is now.”

The Minnesota Swarm signed Sullivan as a free agent back in 2004 where he played for seven seasons. He was then traded to the Colorado Mammoth where he served as one of the teams’ two assistant captains.

Sullivan was then traded to Rochester in March of 2013 in a deal that sent Casey Powell to Colorado. The Knighthawks gained another solid defender to add to their already robust lineup. ‘Sully’, as his teammates call him, has collected 60 points and 478 loose balls in 142 career games.

“Coming to a championship team is definitely a daunting task,” Sullivan said at the beginning of the 2014 season. “You want to try to fit in and be a positive contributor and add to the ultimate goal.”

What’s even more impressive was his output during the 2014 Playoffs, as he added three points to the Knighthawks’ record-breaking effort. Sullivan suited up for 12 regular season games this season and all six playoff contests.

During the playoffs, Jon was able to share his first trip to the NLL Finals with his dad.

Jon’s father is one of his biggest supporters so when he was offered to make the trip out to Calgary with the team, he jumped on it. Although the Knighthawks didn’t win Game One of the 2014 NLL Championship Series, it was still a bonding experience for the father-son duo that both will never forget.

“Going to Calgary with the team was such a great experience,” Terry said. “Regardless of the outcome of the game, I had a wonderful time with the team. I appreciate Curt Styres and the things he has done and I’m very impressed.”

In Game Two of the series, Sullivan closed out the scoring for Rochester with his first ever goal as a Knighthawk to solidify a 16-10 win for the champs. It was his first playoff goal since 2007 when he played for the Minnesota Swarm.

In the decisive third game of the series, Sullivan assisted on Craig Point’s first goal that started a momentum shift in Rochester’s favor. The Knighthawks rallied to score three goals with just over two minutes left in regulation to win the Champion’s Cup.

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“Anytime you can contribute on the score sheet is a bonus as a defender,” Sullivan said.

“I don’t think my goal made much a difference because we were up a bunch already, but I was pretty pumped to get my first goal as a Knighthawk in the Championship Game.”

Backing Sullivan up on the defensive unit is one of the NLL’s most prestigious goaltenders, Matt Vinc, who he also considers to be one of his closest friends on and off the team.

The two grew up playing lacrosse together so to be able to take the friendship to the NLL is something that both Knighthawks can truly appreciate.

“It’s great to have someone on the team who you grew up with and is still one of your best friends,” said Vinc. “I really pushed the Knighthawks to get him, not only because of us being great friends, but because of what a great player he is.”

Vinc is lucky to have a top defender on his side who can block shots before they make it close to the net. This makes his job a little bit easier when standing in goal. “’Sully is a steady defenseman who is great one-on-one and in the team game,” said Vinc. “What makes him so good is that he has a great lacrosse IQ.” Post-NLL championship, Sullivan took to the field for the Six Nations Chiefs of Major Series Lacrosse where he helped the team win its second straight Mann Cup Championship after defeating the Victoria Shamrocks in Game Six in September.

Sullivan played his defensive roll for the Chiefs in 13 regular season games while taking his shot on the opposite end of the field as well. He picked up four points (2+2). In the postseason, he played in 17 games and put up four points (1+3) to win another Mann Cup, keeping his winning streak alive.

Sullivan is going to have little time off as the Knighthawks prepare for the NLL preseason. Though next season is going to be a clean slate for Sullivan and the rest of the team, he is looking forward to reuniting with everyone and working hard to continue the success that the Knighthawks have achieved thus far.

“I hope to just positively contribute to the team,” said Sullivan. “I want to help to put ourselves in a good position to make another run at the Cup.”

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FAMILY BOND FUELS VINC’S SUCCESS

By Casey Bock

The Vinc brothers formed a bond through their love for sports and their competition against one another. Despite their age differences, they grew inseparable.

But their relationship would change significantly in November of 1995, when the boys tragically lost their father, John Vinc Jr. He was only 48 years old at the time of his death.

At the time, Jason was 20, Eric was 18 and Matt was only 13. That’s when Eric, their mother says, took on an even more important role in Matt’s life, taking him under his wing, ensuring he had everything he needed and, whether he knew the importance of it at the time or not, helping him stay involved in sports.

“It’s one of those things where you have to grow up a little bit faster than you would have liked,” Matt said. “My brothers had to do that to help my mom out. We all still played sports, even after that. It’s amazing to think back on how much we did even after that.

It was the effort of my mom and brother that allowed me to do those things and get to where I am at.”

JoAnne Vinc becomes emotional when she thinks back to those days and the level of maturity she saw in her sons as they rallied around one another.

“Matt’s always had the support of his brothers because he’s the youngest,” JoAnne said. “I think Eric stepped into that mentoring role naturally. We all tried to make sure everything would work when Matt started to play Junior “A.” His schedule came first, and Eric stepped into that role, and even became part of the coaching staff.”

Under Eric’s tutelage, Vno would put together an historic junior career, backstopping the St. Catharines Athletics to two Minto Cup championships and three OLA Junior “A” titles, along the way earning an impressive list of accolades.

Vno came into his own as one of Canada’s top netminders, also winning two Ontario field lacrosse gold medals at Holy Cross Secondary School. His development, he says, should be credited in large part to his brother Eric.

When Matt Vinc takes the floor at The Blue Cross Arena, he knows exactly where to find his brother Eric. Even sometimes when he’s on the road, the four-time NLL Goaltender of the Year can scan the arena and easily locate his brother posted up in his usual position along the glass.

“Every game he plays, I go too and I stand in the same spot,” says Eric, the second oldest of the three Vinc brothers. If Eric is going to be late to a game, his mother, JoAnne, will literally run to his preferred corner and hold his place for him until he’s there. But, as Eric points out, “I barely ever miss a game.”

According to Matt and his mother, Joanne, Eric has been there for the youngest Vinc brother since they were children. Like their oldest brother, Jason, both Eric and Matt grew up playing hockey in St. Catharines. All three of the brothers were goalies; Eric and Matt also played goalie in box lacrosse.

Though he’s five years younger than Eric and seven years younger than Jason, “Vno” — as Matt’s become known in the professional lacrosse world — tried to go head-tohead with his brothers as a young child, even using a fishing net to play goalie and stop flying tennis balls in the Vinc family’s basement.

Never backing down, his brothers eventually started to treat him like he was one of their peers, and they didn’t go easy on him.

“That makes you tougher, and it makes you stronger,” said Vno, who helped guide the Rochester Knighthawks to an NLL record third consecutive Champion’s Cup in 2014.

“As a younger brother, you want to be included, and I did everything I could to be included. As hard as they were on me, it was the best thing for me. And the best analogy I have for them is that I was the best toy they ever had. When I was little, I would have gone up against Hulk Hogan.”

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“Growing up, there weren’t a lot of goalie coaches,” Vno said. “But because we all played goalie in hockey, Eric really understands the position. He knows how much momentum impacts what happens in the game, and he understands the preparation that is needed to go into it.”

Confidence also plays a crucial role in goaltending, and Eric said that he always had faith when coaching his brother that he could put his team in position to win, even in tough situations.

“When I was coaching Matt, all the guys knew it, everyone on the team knew it,” Eric said. “If we were down by a few goals, we could still come back and win the game because he could just shut the door on them.”

His relentless drive led Vno to explore opportunities to attend college in the United States, with an eye toward obtaining a hockey scholarship as the vehicle.

Instead, he found himself joining Randy Mearns’ Division I program at Canisius in Buffalo. Joining the roster later than most, he knew he would be in a backup role.

Bored one day at practice, Vno picked up a long stick. Four years later, he had started every game at close defense and was fifth on the school’s ground ball career leader’s list.

Though not recognized for his field lacrosse skills, Vinc went on to help Team Canada win the FIL World Lacrosse Championship gold medal in 2006 and 2014.

Matt’s success all comes down to hard work.

“Once the coaches gave him a chance, he worked hard to become good at it,” he said.

“He studies and he works hard.”

In helping his brother in all areas of his indoor game, Eric recalls Vno practicing his outlet passes, devoting hours upon hours into dialing-in his long-range toss.

“I remember he must have thrown me 100 to 150 passes one day until he’d perfected it,” Eric said. “He worked on it until he mastered the throw.”

Vno’s dynamic lacrosse experience and his dedication, especially in the weight room, helped him become a top draft pick in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft, when he was taken by the San Jose Stealth.

Acquired the next year by the New York Titans in the expansion draft, Vno would become a starter in just his second year. All the while, he and Eric would spend three or four days each week in the weight room, along with their close friend and now-retired Knighthawks veteran Mike Accursi.

Though their schedules are busy as they’re both schoolteachers, Eric and Matt still continue that routine. Eric says Vno’s drive to be the best is just as strong as ever. When his brother or Accursi accomplish something in the gym, Vno tries to one-up them, showing his competitive attitude.

“He’s always wanted to be the best at whatever he was doing,” Eric said. “If someone does something better than he does, he works harder until he’s the best at it. He never wanted to settle for being a backup. He always wanted to make sure people knew he was the best. And he’s worked harder than everyone else.”

Eric says Vno’s work ethic has led him to his unprecedented success in the pro box lacrosse ranks, now standing as the only four-time NLL Goaltender of the Year. And though he’s not officially part of the Rochester coaching staff, Eric still watches hours of game film each week with his younger brother, breaking down each goal and identifying areas for improvement in Vno’s game.

“Matt wants to go down as the greatest goalie of all time, and I think he’s worked hard enough to deserve that,” Eric said. “He prepares more than anyone else. I know lacrosse is a part-time job for a lot of guys. But he makes it a full-time job.”

While Vno has committed himself to lacrosse and to his job as a teacher at Denis Morris Catholic High School, Eric remains pledged to look after his younger brother, to make sure he continues to be the best he can be in all aspects of his life.

Though all three of the Vinc brothers are as close today as they were as young boys — Jason still paints Vno’s goalie mask before each NLL season and joins his brothers in the weight room when he can — their mother says Eric has a special relationship with Matt, one that has been forged by overcoming tremendous loss together and through a lifelong connection in lacrosse.

“Lacrosse helped us get through that whole time because we threw ourselves into the sport,” said JoAnne, who travels with Eric and Jason and their families to as many games as possible, and like Eric, exercises superstition by sitting in the same seat wherever she goes.

“The people we met through lacrosse, they helped us get through it all, and through that, they became our friends. Lacrosse became our family,” she said.

Now both grown men with their own careers and their own ambitions, Eric and Matt remain tied through their experiences and their love for lacrosse. While many brothers are close, the Vinc brothers’ relationship transcends brotherhood.

“I treat Matt as if he was my own kid,” Eric said. “I’m still always coaching him and helping out with his team. We really are best friends.”

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FOR VITARELLI, LACROSSE ALL ABOUT FAMILY

By Andrea Chevalier

Forward Cory Vitarelli played a vital part in the Rochester Knighthawks accomplishing their goal of winning three straight Champion’s Cups.

Not only did the fourth-year pro score the overtime game winner in the East Division Finals, but he stood out as one of the key offensive players during the regular season. In 2014, he finished sixth on the team in points and fourth in goals. Vitarelli capped off the 2014 regular season with 23 goals and 17 assists in 14 games, while adding a career-high 10 playoff points (7+3).

Winning three straight National Lacrosse League championships is a feat that doesn’t happen very often in sports, but Vitarelli has been with the team long enough to see the progress that led the team to the top of the standings. The bond is more like a brotherhood, which is evident every time the team hits the turf.

“For me, the growth I’ve seen is in the maturity and relationships that have been built,” said Vitarelli, who signed a three-year extension in November of 2013. “The team itself has really come together and we’re a pretty close-knit group. It’s just a lot of fun to be around the guys. The way we play on the floor shows how we relate and get along off the floor.”

It was his overtime goal in the mini-game of the East Division Semifinals against the Buffalo Bandits that sent the Knighthawks to their third-straight Championship Game.

The Knighthawks defeated their thruway rivals in Game Two of the Division Semifinals, 13-8, sending the teams into the decisive mini-game to determine who would move onto the NLL Championship Series.

After the most exciting 10 minutes of lacrosse the NLL had ever seen, the score was tied at one apiece, forcing the teams into a nerve-racking sudden-death overtime. It was during OT that Vitarelli put one past Buffalo goaltender Anthony Cosmo, sending the Knighthawks back to the Finals.

The humble Vitarelli didn’t dwell on his clutch goal and how it shaped the rest of the season, passing it off as something that “kind of just happened”.

“I saw a lane to the net and knew I had a step on my guy and no one really came (to me),” Vitarelli said. “I just tried to throw it to the far side of the net and luckily it went in.

With shooting, you’re never really sure it’s going to hit the right spot, but luckily in that case it did.”

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The energy from the East Division Finals carried into Game Two of the NLL Finals, where Vitarelli posted a three-point night (2+1) en route to the Knighthawks’ 16-10 victory over the Calgary Roughnecks. His first goal came 11:25 into the second quarter of the game to tie it up at six. From there, the Knighthawks took control of the game and never looked back, leading them to a record night that no one on the team will forget.

Vitarelli’s key play in Game Two of the Championship Series happened early in the night, on his second goal of the game. He scored off a behind-the-back shot 2:23 into the third quarter of Game Two, giving the Knighthawks an 8-6 lead against the Roughnecks.

That goal not only made SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays, but also began a three-goal run in the third quarter for the defending champions.

“The championship win was the most important, but it was great to get recognition for the team to have a goal show up there,” said Vitarelli.

Teammates Brad and Scott Self are well aware of Vitarelli’s abilities on the field, never doubting his skills when it comes to the game of lacrosse. So, it was no surprise to them that their friend showed up on national television. Along with playing for the Knighthawks, the three play together for the Peterborough Lakers of Major Series Lacrosse.

“Cory is a great competitor and teammate,” said Scott. “I’ve gotten to know him pretty well from playing with him in Peterborough over the years, but I’ve gotten to know him even better over the past two seasons in Rochester.

“He’s very gifted. He uses his head and body and knows how to get the ball in there,” said Knighthawks transition player Brad Self. “He’s got a knack for what he does on the field.”

Traveling together to games and practices has brought the Self brothers and Vitarelli closer over the years. Vitarelli is known by them and the team as someone who can put a smile on your face, always having a humorous comment to lighten the mood. The long car trips spent together are the perfect time for Vitarelli to amuse the people around him.

His teammates especially get a laugh out of his attempts to convince them that aliens are indeed real.

“We spend a lot of time together driving to and from Rochester and the ILA (for practice), and he’s got a great sense of humor that keeps Brad and me entertained,” said Scott.

“Cory has taught me a lot about aliens and UFOs. He is always telling us stories and trying to convince us that they exist.”

Vitarelli’s family has always been there to support the 28-year-old in his athletic career. His parents and brother, Kyle, along with the rest of his family have been there to support the Knighthawks star since he began playing lacrosse when he was a child. He credits them with giving him the strength to fight for the team’s most recent championship.

“Cory also has a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins that follow and support him,” said Cory’s father, Mark. “I know he plays hard to make them proud.”

Vitarelli’s family history has lacrosse engraved in it. His father had the opportunity to coach his son when he was younger, helping to shape him into the talented player he is today. He recalled Cory having a knack for both hockey and lacrosse, but always dreamed about joining the NLL. “I was very fortunate to have coached Cory throughout his minor lacrosse years, and we were always together as a family on weekends, traveling together to games and tournaments,” said Mark. “He comes from a family history of lacrosse in Peterborough and has always had the desire to play.”

The days of Mark coaching his son may be over, but he is still there for Vitarelli to look to for advice and suggestions on how to be a better player.

“I think I was always offering advice to him. As his coach, I likely pushed him harder than I should have. I don’t think I told him enough how hard he worked during the games and how well he had played, but I continue today to give him a little bit of advice.”

Vitarelli’s mother, Joanne, has also played a huge role in his career. She has constantly been one of his biggest supporters and has always there to cheer him on. She has taken great pride in watching him grow not only a player, but as a person, as well.

“He has built so many relationships and created so many friendships thoughout his career,” said Joanne. “Being part of a family like the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team has only strengthened his love of the game.”

Keeping the Champion’s Cup in Rochester was the goal for the 2014 season and with each player’s eyes on the prize, it will continue to be their goal in the seasons to come.

With the never-ending support of his family and friends, Vitarelli is confident that he can overcome any challenges he may face, while continuing the championship run.

“It’s been a long journey. It’s been a long road through the regular season, lots of ups and downs, and with the playoff set-up being so different it was a challenge,” he said. “It was a good feeling to win and finish off the long journey on top.”

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WALTERS SHARING HIS SUCCESS

By Craig Rybczynski

Very few players ever get to experience the thrill of winning a championship. The chance of doing that with your hometown team is practically unheard of. To accomplish that feat for three straight seasons is unprecedented. But that is exactly what Rochester native Joe Walters has done with the Knighthawks.

“It’s starting to be routine, but that just means you’re doing something right,” said Walters at the team’s third straight Fan Celebration. “This is just so special to share the win and the Cup with our fans, and show how grateful we are to them.”

Walters certainly had a hand in helping the Knighthawks achieve their historic threepeat. The former Irondequoit High School star set up two goals, including Craig Point’s game winner, and scored the game-tying goal in the Champion’s Cup mini-game victory over the Calgary Roughnecks.

“He played huge. Every time he got the ball you could tell he was a threat. He scored a huge goal and set up another one. He was clutch,” said Knighthawks forward Cory Vitarelli.

Walters’ career has experienced a recent resurgence, and he has been especially clutch during the team’s three playoff runs. In 2014, the Rochester forward recorded career highs in goals (15), assists (26) and points (41). During the NLL Playoffs, he finished second on the team in points with 18 (4+14). He has notched points in a team-high 12 straight playoff games, scoring 11 goals and dishing out 32 assists. His streak began in 2012, as he finished fifth in the NLL in playoff points (13) en route to his first NLL Championship. The following season, it was Walters who netted the game-winning goal to help Rochester win back-to-back titles for the first time in team history. One year later, he had a hand in all three goals in the 3-2 win over Calgary in the decisive third game of the Championship Series. Walters once again raised the Cup as a result of another successful postseason.

“To be down 2-0 with under three minutes left and to come back and win, I still have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real,” he said. “That just shows the heart of this team.”

Knighthawks’ Assistant Captain Mike Kirk has witnessed the evolution of Walters’ box game. The two were teammates in Brampton and won the 2011 Mann Cup together, playing for current Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen. Walters often points to that summer as the turning point in his career. Kirk echoed that statement as he described the new maturity Walters has on the floor. “‘JW’ plays with swagger and you can certainly tell when he is feeling it. Since his time with Brampton, he’s taken his indoor game to a new level. He’s a strong player in the twoman game, and has quick speed and a deadly shot,” said Kirk. “Winning a Mann Cup isn’t easy. He took a lot away from that experience and it shows how he has performed for the Knighthawks the past few seasons.”

Stephen Keogh agreed with Kirk, having worked with Walters on and off the floor since the 2012 season. During his rookie season, he joined Walters as an account executive in the Knighthawks front office. That year, the two offensive stars became good friends as they put in countless hours on the turf and in the community.

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“Joe’s a great teammate because he’s such a good leader on and off the floor. He continues to work on his game and is an unselfish and smart player,” said Keogh. “He wants to make everyone around him better and was a big part of our offense. He’s so quick and shifty and really came into his own this season.”

Walters credited his success to his father, Joe, who has supported him since he first picked up a stick when was 8 years old. The father-son team has been inseparable, which dates back to his first season playing lacrosse in Pittsford as a third grader.

“He never played the sport, but learned the sport with me. He took me to camps and tournaments all over the country to learn and play lacrosse,” said the younger Walters.

“He taught me to work hard and make sacrifices. Without him, I would never have had the experiences in lacrosse I have had.”

His parents have enjoyed seeing their youngest son experience success at every level of lacrosse, which is evident by the posters of Joe that hang on the front counter of the family’s restaurant, Mamasan’s, in Brighton. Joe shared the past three championships with his mom and dad, but the last one was extra special. Seeing Joe raise the Champion’s Cup for the third straight season was something they will never forget.

This year, Joe’s mother, Be, would have to wait for the evening news to see him celebrate the three-peat. The atmosphere in the mini-game was so tense, Be left the game with the Knighthawks trailing 2-0. On her way home, she pulled over for a moment of reflection.

“My wife couldn’t stand watching it, so she and her brother left early. She drove quickly from The Blue Cross Arena and stopped and said a prayer that the Knighthawks would win,” said Joe’s father. “While she was doing that, the Knighthawks tied the game and scored the winning goal.”

The elder Joe braved the emotional roller coaster of the mini-game and was glad he stayed, as his son helped engineer one of the greatest comebacks in team history to win the Champion’s Cup. “It was one of the most spectacular comebacks I have seen in any sport,” he said. “We were just talking about a couple of minutes! They turned it around. It was amazing.”

Yet, championships aside, it is his son’s perseverance that has impressed him the most.

He admitted it would have been easy for an established field lacrosse player to walk away from the indoor game, which is dominated by Canadians.

“I am most proud of the fact that he didn’t give up on himself and thankful the Knighthawks didn’t give up on him,” said Walters. “For whatever reason they didn’t give up on him and thought that he would eventually develop into a player. I am proud of the way it’s worked out so far.”

After six seasons and three Champion’s Cups, Walters has not only developed his game, but has established quite a following off the turf. It’s at the anti-bullying events and at lacrosse camps where he passes along the values his father taught him at a young age. His dad had some fatherly advice recently for his 29-year-old son.

“I told him the things you are learning between games and practices will be with you longer than your memories of playing lacrosse,” said the father to the son. “They will have more of a positive effect than anything you do on the playing field.”

Walters is living every Rochester lacrosse fans’ dream of playing for the five-time World Champion Knighthawks. His biggest fan is his fiancée, Danielle, who he started dating when he was in his second year with the team. She has seen him develop his game and excel under the pressures of playoff lacrosse, especially in 2014.

“It was incredible to do it a third time. Everyone hoped that they would do it, but knew it was going to be tough to get there. It was so amazing to watch,” she said. “I think the format of the game made it really exciting. It was a little more stressful than I would have liked, but it was incredible. The playoffs kept you on the edge of your seat.”

It was not that long ago that Joe was sitting in The Blue Cross Arena cheering for his lacrosse idols. Now, he is one of the fan favorites. The popularity of one of Rochester’s playoff heroes was apparent at the Knighthawks’ summer lacrosse camp as over 100 kids vied for a chance to get a high-five or an autograph from their hometown Knighthawk. It was also another opportunity for Walters to share his lacrosse skills and the Champion’s Cup with the next crop of local lacrosse superstars.

“It’s just a sense of pride. I feel like you can walk with your chest out a little bit,” said Walters. “For me, being born and raised here, it’s special (to win a championship). Lacrosse means a lot to this community and it’s nice to have the Cup here for a third year in a row.”

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FOR WHITE, CHAMPIONSHIP CAPS OFF ROOKIE SEASON

By Brian Antonio

“They have always been very supportive and gave me every opportuniy to get to the next level,” said Mark.

White’s next step was professional lacrosse and he had his heart set on playing alongside one of his best friends, Dan Dawson. In the third round, he heard his name announced as the 27th overall pick of the two-time defending champion Knighthawks.

It was a family affair as White was selected at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre where his mother works as the general manager.

“It was pretty surreal. Having my parents both there to see me accomplish my dream of getting to the next level and playing in the National Lacrosse League was pretty special because they knew how bad I wanted it. I was happy that they were there,” said Mark.

“It was fulfilling on a number of levels. No. 1, he had set that goal. One thing I can say about my son is that when he has something in his head he plans to achieve, he puts everything into achieving it. I was just thrilled for him,” said Susan. “Then for it to happen in a place where I work was wonderful too. That it was the Rochester Knighthawks – who are such an amazing team – (was great) because they have such great leadership on the bench and with the players. And to see him receive the shirt from Danny Dawson was something else because we have known him forever.”

Susan said they are more like brothers than friends or teammates. It was fitting then for Dawson to hand White his first Knighthawks’ jersey when the NLL Commissioner announced his name. Dan, Mark’s longtime friend and roommate, said some kind words about the newest Knighthawk.

“He loves lacrosse. He eats, sleeps and breathes it,” Dawson said. “I’ve seen him grow from a little kid to a young adult, and now he’s a man. He’s one of those guys who does everything in his power to make the most of his opportunities.”

Ask any professional athlete, and they’ll tell you winning championships is the reason you play sports. Mark White is no exception. His path to the Rochester Knighthawks and the 2014 Champion’s Cup began even before he started attending school.

White gained his love for lacrosse at an early age after his father, Mike, signed him up to play in their hometown of Oakville, Ontario. The middle kid in a family of three, Mark played hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the summer. He was the type of lacrosse player who went everywhere with his stick.

“We introduced it to him when he was about 4 years old because he was a very active child. We wanted to get him into something to get rid of that energy,” said Mike.

White exceled in lacrosse as he played Junior “A” lacrosse for Mississauga (2008) and Burlington (2009 and 2010), and Junior “B” lacrosse for Oakville (2008 and 2009). What began as an activity to keep him active turned into his passion. In 2010, he took his game to the University of Southern Maine. He was the first Canadian player to join the new Division III program, and was an instant hit with the Huskies. It was in college that he decided to solely focus on lacrosse, setting aside his hockey aspirations.

“He helped grow their program. We can’t say enough about the school he went to,” said Mark’s mom, Susan. “The University of Southern Maine was fanatastic in developing him as student and eventually into a business person in the communications field.”

White graduated as one of the best players in program history, ranking first in points (146) and assists (60), and second in career goals (87) in 62 games. The two-time captain was also honored as a 2013 First-Team All Little East Conference selection as a midfielder.

Mark thanked his parents, who made the 620-mile trip from their home in Oakville to his campus in Portland, Maine, to watch him play in several big games throughout his college lacrosse career.

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The 5-11, 187-pound transition man arrived in Rochester after a stellar four-year career at the University of Southern Maine. White also showcased his indoor abilities, while playing for Knighthawks Head Coach Mike Hasen with the Brampton Excelsiors in 2012.

“He’s a gritty guy and he’ll go in the dirty areas,” said Hasen. “He’s not afraid to get his nose dirty and get that loose ball, and he pushes the ball up the floor very well.”

Joining the back-to-back NLL Champions and their veteran roster was an exciting challenge for the 25-year-old White. That meant a lot of time in the gym with two of his best friends and mentors, Dan and Paul Dawson. Paul, who once worked as a personal trainer, said he saw White improve his fitness and his game during the course of the season.

“He’s taken leaps and bounds,” said Paul. “He started off on the practice roster and toward the end he was really knocking on the door to get some playing time so he’s been working hard and we’ve really seen him develop from a boy to a man in a short time.”

“Growing up I always had the dream to one day play in the NLL,” said White. “As I got older, I started to realize that by putting in the extra work in the gym and on the floor I could make that dream become a reality.”

Mark’s mom also pointed out that playing in Rochester was the perfect fit. As a rookie, he was learning from some of the top players in the NLL. “I think he was very fortunate to play for a team with so many players who were willing to help him develop as a player,” said Susan.

White also earned playoff experience in his inaugural season, as the Knighthawks edged the Buffalo Bandits in the East Division Finals to return to the Champion’s Cup Finals for the third consecutive season. His season ended in thrilling fashion, as he raised the Cup after the Knighthawks defeated the Calgary Roughnecks 3-2 in the 10-minute mini-game. The Knighthawks scored three unanswered goals in the final three minutes to become the first team in National Lacrosse League history to win three straight Champion’s Cups.

“It’s a pretty indescribable feeling,” said White. “The way the game ended was pretty amazing. Our No. 1 goal going into the season was to win a championship and it was great to be able to get it done.”

His parents were at The Blue Cross Arena to see Mark conclude his first season in the NLL with a championship with the Rochester Knighthawks.

“I just can’t believe the way that game ended. It just spoke to what the Rochester Knighthawks have been all about. To be able to tie that game and score the winning goal was unbelievable,” said Susan. “It’s an experience I will never forget. With the confetti shooting everywhere, and the fans going crazy, it was just electric. I don’t think I have ever experienced something that exciting.”

“For him to be able to be a part of that Rochester team and win a championship in the first year was not only a dream come true, but certainly the pinnacle of his career so far,” said Mike.

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KNIGHTHAWKS’ STAFF CELEBRATES HISTORIC NIGHT

By Craig Rybczynski

Long before the players and coaches hit the turf, the Rochester Knighthawks front office staff is hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. During the hot days of summer when people are thinking about vacations and trips to the beach, the staff is engaging the fans through their community programs, brainstorming ideas and creating ticket plans to entice fans to watch one of the most exciting teams in Rochester sports history.

Over the past three seasons, the front office employees have experienced the greatest period of success in the 20 seasons of Knighthawks lacrosse. The 2014 season was filled with individual and team accomplishments as the Knighthawks captured the East Division and defeated the Buffalo Bandits in the East Division Finals to advance to the NLL Championship Series.

Trailing 1-0 in the series, like they had against Buffalo, Rochester evened the series to force the 10-minute mini-game. What occurred in the final three minutes of the minigame could not have been more perfectly scripted. The Knighthawks erased a two-goal deficit with three goals in a 1:15 span to stun the Calgary Roughnecks and win a leaguerecord third straight title.

The win on May 31st, and the previous two championships, has made the front office a busy and exciting place to work. With the Champion’s Cup on display and photographs and memorabilia filling offices and desks, you can tell that the staff members take great pride in the team’s accomplishments.

The staff has also reached milestones of their own, increasing ticket sales each season and smashing group sales projections in 2014. The Knighthawks have also ingrained themselves into the community by reaching nearly 10,000 kids through their anti-bullying campaign. “Healthy Hawks,” which was launched this summer, has also been very popular with school teachers and students. The team also received weekly coverage on several local television stations, who kept the public apprised of the home and road results with interviews and highlights.

From first-year employees to 15 and 20-year veterans, the front office personnel truly had a season to remember in 2014. Here are the memories of the Knighthawks’ monumental run to three straight Champion’s Cups:

Lewis Staats, President “I’m sure, like everyone else in the Knighthawks family, I felt a sense of pride to be a part of a team who made history. When I think back on my time in Rochester and what we have accomplished in a short period of time, and I think of all the hard work and dedication everyone in our front office has put into the organization, there is a sense of satisfaction at a job well done. When Curt asked my wife, Wendy, and I to move to Rochester in 2008, I had no experience in the professional sports business. We grew up playing hockey and lacrosse back home at Six Nations, but running a professional sports team is a whole different world. So six years later to be able say we made NLL history by winning three world championships in a row is an accomplishment that no one can take away from us. Thinking about it will always bring back fond memories.”

Dr. Bob Hathaway, Senior Vice President of Operations “I’m delighted to have been a part of such a historic event. The entire Knighthawks’ organization worked hard for these victories. It’s a world-class achievement for a worldclass team.”

John Catalano, Vice President of Sales “I have been through a lot of ups and downs as an employee of the Knighthawks’ organization over the past 14 years. To be a part of this historic run with this franchise is something my family and I will never forget. Being born and raised in Rochester, I take great pride in knowing that the Knighthawks family has done something no other team in the storied tradition of Rochester sports have ever done. Curt has brought a family atmosphere to this organization and has always made every staff member feel like an important part of this team’s success.”

Jody Gage, VP of Player Personnel “The ultimate goal as a player is to win a championship. The next best thing is working for a franchise that wins a championship. It has been an honor to work with a staff that’s so committed and has such a love for the organization and lacrosse. To see the joy and pride on their faces the last three years is similar to what the players go through. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such a great staff.”

Tracy Johnson, VP of Operations “Working for the Knighthawks over the last four years has been great. Obviously, winning championships in three out of four seasons is icing on the cake. Curt had a vision, and it has been an amazing journey helping him bring that to reality. He truly values ‘family’ and has showed us all firsthand that he means it. The Knighthawks are a big family and take pride in making sure the players’ families are made to feel welcome and a part of the journey. I love that part of my job. I get to meet a lot of great people. Looking after the players and families, and making sure things run smoothly, hopefully makes their experience with the Knighthawks all that much better. We have a great team of players and staff, on the floor and off. I thank all of our support staff for caring about the Knighthawks and committing to their success. Everyone is a key part to the team’s success.”

Craig Rybczynski, Director of Communications/Broadcaster “I cannot thank my family enough for all of their love and support over my career, especially the past three seasons. Sharing the three straight Champion’s Cups with my wife, Amy, and sons Jacob and Carter has made the run even more special. It has been incredible to see everyone’s hard work rewarded at the end of the season.”

Ben Cerow, Ticket Operations Manager “It’s great to be part of a winning organization. I’d like to thank Curt Styres and Lewis Staats for their continued support and providing a great environment for the staff.”

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Wendy Staats, Special Projects Coordinator “I consider myself to be ‘one of the gang’ here in the Rochester Knighthawks’ front office and I truly enjoy coming to work every day. We work hard but we have a lot of fun too, doing what needs to get done to make sure the team’s needs are taken care of and both the players and our fans enjoy the atmosphere of a home game at The Blue Cross Arena. So when the Knighthawks made history by winning our third NLL championship in a row, it made me feel proud and satisfied that all the hard work and dedication we put into the Knighthawks was all worth it. And on a more personal note, the fact that Lew and I are good friends with Curt and Trish, and have known them for years, makes what we accomplished here in Rochester a little more special.”

Derek Anderson, Senior Account Executive “I am honored to be part of this historic run over the past three seasons. I know our entire front office staff was very grateful to receive the championship game ball from Head Coach Mike Hasen after the most recent title.”

Suzanne Hathaway, Director of Merchandise/Financial Oversight “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work behind the scenes with such a talented group of athletes.”

Joe Walters, Community Relations Liaison “I am in a unique situation that I get to see both sides (of the organization). It’s almost as gratifying seeing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and the efforts of everyone here in the office. We have the same goal as the team does. That’s to win every year. To do that three times in a row, and do something that hasn’t been done in league history, was special and something that everyone here is very proud of.

Suzanne Marr, Finance and Administration “As I head into my 10th year with the organization, this is by far, the most exciting time to be a member of the office team.”

Charlie Ragusa, Account Executive “I’m honored to be part of an organization that takes such pride in excellence on and off the floor. I am truly thankful to be able to work for the Rochester Knighthawks.”

Colton Seeberg, Account Executive “I am so honored to be part of this historic Knighthawks championship team. The joy I experienced was overwhelming.”

Pedro Ugalde, Graphic Designer “It makes me very proud to belong to an organization that brings joy and excitement to Rochester. It has allowed my family to develop a love for the game. It has been amazing.”

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KNIGHTHAWKS SUPPORTED BY CHAMPIONSHIP STAFF

By Craig Rybczynski

Just before 1:00 a.m., the back hallway of The Blue Cross – which was once busy with the chatter of lacrosse players and coaches – contains few remnants of the evening’s lacrosse game. It’s in the stillness of the arena that Christian Shognosh, Dave Sowden and Stephen Lobsinger remain hard at work, doing everything from laundry to postgame treatments to injury reports.

“Our training and equipment staff takes great pride in our work,” said Sowden, who serves as the team’s assistant trainer. “We are part of a professional league for lacrosse.

Although we are not the NHL, NBA, MLB or the NFL, it doesn’t mean we can’t make our players feel as important as the other players in other pro leagues.”

The trio of Rochester Knighthawks employees are among the team of support staff who form the backbone of the three-time defending National Lacrosse League champions.

“We have the best staff in the league. They do all the dirty work that no one ever sees, but they do it so well. We are always prepared because of the equipment and training staff we have,” said Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. “Whether it’s staying up late to make sure we are all ready for the next game or getting up early to get our room prepped, it’s always done. I can’t say it enough how hard our staff works day in and day out. I think all the players know how lucky we are to have them on our side.”

One of the men behind the scenes is Shognosh. During games, win or lose, he hustles from the team bench to the equipment room, fixing everything from sticks to helmets to shoulder pads. Each game and practice Shognosh completes his job with efficiency and diligence.

“I just do my job,” he said. “Either way, I go about my business the same way.”

Shognosh has been working as the team’s equipment manager since the 2010 season.

It was that very season that Sowden was brought onboard as the assistant trainer. The following season, Lobsinger was hired as the team’s athletic trainer. The trio has been with the team every step of the way during the past three championship runs.

On May 31st, it was a historic night for everyone involved as the Knighthawks became the first team in league history to win three straight Champion’s Cups. The 2014 title was especially thrilling as Rochester defeated the Calgary Roughnecks 3-2 in the decisive 10-minute mini-game to win the NLL Championship Series.

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The title was the first of three in 2014 for Lobsinger, who served as the athletic trainer for Team Canada at the FIL World Lacrosse Championships and worked in the same capacity for the Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs. Now a three-time NLL Champion, a two-time gold medalist and a two-time Mann Cup champ, Lobsinger said he was given the strength to win the 2014 Champion’s Cup by his late grandfather, Ronald (Ron) Hoy. “Ron has been a great influence in my life,” said Lobsinger. “He taught me many valuable lessons. The first of which was never to give up on my dreams. The second was to stand by your word and be a man of principle. He was hugely family oriented. Having seven children and 16 grandchildren, family get-togethers were always a blast. He was a man of integrity. He will forever be missed, but I know that he and my grandmother are watching over me.”

Winning the 2014 NLL Championship was a new experience for Assistant Equipment Manager Wade Thompson and Assistant Fitness Instructor Kyle Struyk. The duo was beyond thrilled with the way their inaugural seasons ended.

“It was an amazing feeling to be able to win the Cup the way we did,” said Thompson.

“Being my first year with the team, it truly is surreal.”

Struyk was hired by the Knighthawks at the start of the season to oversee, administer and monitor the fitness levels of the 24 players on the Knighthawks’ roster. It was an incredible season working with one of the premier teams in the National Lacrosse League.

“I was a new addition to the Knighthawks’ staff last year and had big shoes to fill. Matt Green had helped the team win back-to-back championships,” he said. “My motivation was to not let the team down and do everything in my power to bring them to another championship win. I am extremely blessed and honored to be working with these professional athletes. They deserve all their success.”

Last season, the Knighthawks support staff also included massage therapists Jennifer Maher and Meaghan Abelein, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Green.

The medical team featured Chiropractor Dr. Donald Dudley, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ilya Voloshin and General Practitioner Dr. Mark Mirabelli.

“We have been with the Knighthawks since 2006 and taking care of this team has been an incredible experience for us. It has been an honor to work with everyone in the organization,” noted Dr. Voloshin and Dr. Mirabelli. “We have had some injuries, but these guys are as tough off the field as they are on the field. They know what it takes to achieve something great and they have the will and perseverance to recover when they are down and injured. It was an incredible moment to be part of winning the third championship in a row. These guys deserve it all, and Mark and I feel very privileged to be able to help them in this incredible achievement.”

Dr. Dudley has had the privilege of working with the team since the 2004 season. He won his first NLL title in 2007 with the Knighthawks, and has since added three straight Cups during the latest stretch of success. He has worked with some of the greatest players to ever play in the NLL. “It’s been an interesting ride and a whole lot of fun,” said Dr. Dudley. “It has been an awesome honor to be a part of it. What I do is very, very small behind the scenes, but I really enjoy being part of anybody’s overall performance. If I can do anything to help somebody perform better or work through an injury, that’s a personal honor for me.”

While Dudley and the team of doctors work in the training room, Green handles the players on the floor. Green, who has trained the Knighthawks since 2009, prepared the team for the 2014 season by conducting the annual fitness testing, which kicks off Training Camp with a series of workouts that test a player’s agility, strength and endurance. It’s on the turf at Total Sports Experience that the players have an opportunity to show the coaches the benefits of their offseason training.

“The results that the Knighthawks have had over the past six years, leading up to the three-peat, are based on hard work and sticking to core values and principles,” said Green.

“Guys are doing what they have to do day in and day out and the result has been winning every year.”

Like the players, the staff spends Wednesday nights at practices and weekends in Rochester or on the road. It’s a seven-month stretch that can become pretty hectic while trying to manage a family back home. For some it’s a chance to involve their kids in their lacrosse jobs. That is the case for Director of Player Relations Tom Cincebox and Sowden.

Cincebox’s son, Thomas, joined the equipment team this season and was always among the last to leave the arena during home games. He also assisted the team on the road during playoff games in Buffalo and Calgary. It was an opportunity of a lifetime for the high school lacrosse standout.

“I just loved being around the players and the staff and everything, and I just wanted to celebrate it with them because I was really excited after winning,” he said. “They’re just great people to be around and work with.”

Like Cincebox, Sowden’s son, Lleyton, was at every home game and attended every practice at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. Lleyton, who plays lacrosse in Six Nations, often has time to play catch with his dad and shoot alongside some of the greatest players in the world. Spending time at the rink with his 10-year-old boy has really been the motivation Dave has needed to win the past three championships.

“I appreciate the fact that so many of our guys take the time to talk and share tips with my son, who tags along at home games and a few of the away games,” said Dave. “A little game of pass and catch goes a long way. I know that our players do it because we are one big family. Even after my five years with the team, it’s just as exciting for my son to interact with the players.”

The massage therapist played a big role during the playoffs, traveling to road games, keeping the players limber and loose for the newly expanded East Division Finals and NLL Championship Series. On both occasions, the Knighthawks needed a win in Game Two and a victory later that evening in the decisive 10-minute mini-game to win the series.

“I take a lot of pride in it and I love my job,” said Maher, who has been with the team since the 2008 season. “I love that the fact that what I do actually helps them to play a better game, and keep them in the game and healthy.”

The North Chili, NY native said her mom, Paula Clark, has been a huge influence in her life.

“My mom plays a very big role in my life in supporting everything that I do,” she said.

“Although I am not a player, she is at every game to support the team and support me.”

Jenn has been part of a winning team off the floor the past three seasons. Prior to the 2012 campaign, Abelein joined Maher as one of the team’s two massage therapists. The Greece, NY native won three championships in three years with the Knighthawks.

“After being in Langley last year, to bring it back home and be able to win it in the city of Rochester was pretty awesome,” she said. “Jenn and I have worked together for the past three seasons with the team. So all the seasons we have been together, we have experienced championships. Knowing that we’re behind the scenes with the players, working together as a team is pretty special.”

Like the team on the field assembled by Owner and General Manager Curt Styres, the personnel off the field play a major role in the team’s overall success. Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc commented on the role the trainers, doctors and equipment staff have on the team’s overall success.

“The training staff is the best in the league,” said the four-time NLL Goalie of the Year.

“I don’t think we would have had the success we have had without them. The things they do behind the scenes makes a huge difference over the course of the year.”

Ted Nolan, who serves as an advisor to Knighthawks President Lewis Staats, compared the organization to one big family. It’s that bond that has brought Rochester its latest string of championships.

“The staff he’s put together, from the front office staff, to the coaching staff, to the marketing people and everybody in the organization, it seems like one large family here,” Nolan said. “When a family plays together, sticks together and works together, great success happens. I wouldn’t see anything other than them winning with this combination.”

It’s that cohesiveness that has allowed the Knighthawks to become one of the most successful franchises in NLL history.

“Curt and ‘Haser’ (Mike Hasen) have done such a great job of creating a family environment within the organization that every time you come out to practices and games you want to give your best,” said Lobsinger. “They preach that everyone has a role to play so that we can be successful as a group. It’s the equipment/medical staffs’ responsibility to make sure that the guys are well prepared to perform at their physical best. With the successes we’ve had recently, it only pushes you harder to continue to build what is already one of the best organizations to work for.”

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