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KNIGHTHAWKS INTRODUCE NEW OWNERSHIP

Team signs new lease at Blue Cross Arena

06/19/2008

The Rochester Knighthawks today introduced new majority owner Curt Styres, and announced they have signed a new lease with the City of Rochester to play at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.

"I'm anxious for the opportunity to work with the fans of Rochester and the Rochester Knighthawks," said Styres, CEO and Owner of Arrow Express Sports.

"This is the outcome we have worked so diligently on for the past year and a half," said Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy. "Curt Styres has the passion and drive to move these franchises to the next level of greatness."

Arrow Express Sports and Styres received unanimous approval by the NLL Board of Governors to assume majority ownership of the Knighthawks.

"We are excited to be here today as the new majority owners of the Knighthawks" said Lewis Staats of Arrow Express Sports. "We look forward to bringing a renewed winning attitude to the teams and we are confident that the great fans of Rochester will be here to cheer us on."

Rochester has played its home games at The Blue Cross Arena since joining the league as an expansion franchise in 1995. The Knighthawks completed their 14th season in the National Lacrosse League in 2008.

"Today's announcement ensures the future of the Knighthawks franchise here in Rochester," said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings, who was on hand for today's press conference. "We are pleased to welcome Curt Styres as the newest team owner in the National Lacrosse League, and it gives us great pride to have the first Native North American as an owner of a major pro sports franchise here in the NLL."

In 2002, Curt Styres set his sights on his first love, lacrosse. He began his commitment with the groundbreaking on the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena and his partnership with the Six Nations Arrow Express. The $4 million state-of-the art facility opened in 2004 and has transformed the Six Nations program. The 2,600-seat arena serves as the focal point for the community.

Styres has also brought world-class lacrosse players and health and fitness experts to the Arrows Lacrosse team. In 2004, he introduced a sports camp to the ILA, which taught kids about proper nutrition, running, weight training and team building. National Lacrosse League stars such as Regy Thorpe, Shawn Williams, Marshall Abrams, Scott Ditzell, Colin Doyle, Craig Point, Bob Watson and Roger Vyse have instructed. In addition, the arena hosts a summer lacrosse camp and serves as the training site for the NLL’s Rochester Knighthawks, Minnesota Swarm and Toronto Rock.