(December 29, 2016)… The Rochester Knighthawks dropped their opener tonight, 12-5, against the rival Toronto Rock. The contest opened the 31st season for the National Lacrosse League.
Quinn Powless (2+0) and rookie Josh Currier (1+1) led the Knighthawks with two points each. Currier, though he wished for a better outcome at the end of the game, was happy to make an impact in his first game in the teal and purple.
“It was an adjustment and I would have liked a different outcome but it was good to get out there and get the first game under our belts,” Currier said. “We’ve got to put it behind us and learn from our mistakes. We’ve got to cut off that transition and play five-on-five. Our defense and goalies are really good, so we should be fine (if we make little changes).”
Currier scored Rochester’s second goal of the game, which pulled the Knighthawks with one at 3-2. Joel Matthews, who scored in transition, then tied the game at three. Wayne Van Every also tallied in the first quarter as he connected at 8:46.
“He was shooting the ball well and he was moving his feet well,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen of Currier. “He’s quick. He’s got quick feet and quick hands so it was good to see. There were a lot of firsts here tonight for us – both positive things and things we know we’ve got to fix. But there were also a lot of good things out there for us as well.”
Matt Vinc was solid in goal for the Knighthawks, making 43 saves. Angus Goodleaf also chipped in one save in his 1:32 of work.
With the first game behind them, Hasen is confident that over the next week the team will work to smooth out their game and walk into the next game ready to fight for the first win of the season.
“It was the first time we played at home so there may have been some jitters there,” Hasen said. “Game one is done now. It’s lessons we take away from this game. It is what it is tonight and we will just move forward. I thought they were good, they were strong. So we take it and we’ll be better next week.”
The Knighthawks are back in action on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. when they take on the New England Black Wolves at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online or by calling the Knighthawks office.
