Knighthawks Host Swarm For Dec. 12 Exhibition

October 19, 2015

For the fifth-straight season, the Rochester Knighthawks will host the Georgia Swarm for a preseason game at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena with this year’s exhibition set for Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

Each fan will need to reserve a free ticket to attend the game, which can be done online by clicking here.

The game has become a holiday tradition for the fans, players and coaches.

“Spending time with family and playing the sport we love is something special,” said Knighthawks forward Dan Dawson.

Rochester enters the preseason with an influx of young talent after making six picks in the 2015 National Lacrosse League Draft. Four of those selections were in the Top 16. The Knighthawks used the second overall pick to take highly-touted defenseman Graeme Hossack and then selected RIT star Brad Gillies ninth overall. In the second round, Rochester added defensemen Derek Searle (14th overall) and Adam Bomberry (16thoverall). They also picked up forward John St. John (26th) and defenseman Greg Longboat (38th).

This year, the Knighthawks will have half a dozen draft picks and several free agents vying for roster spots. The preseason game will give the newcomers a chance to prove their mettle in front of the home crowd.

“It gives them a chance in game situations to prove what they are able to do against the big boys,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “It’s the first step where we get to evaluate a bunch of guys in real-life situations. You can only practice so much, so getting into a game benefits everybody.”

The Knighthawks will usher in their 22nd season on Sat., Jan. 9th at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena against the Colorado Mammoth. Rochester is attempting to win its sixth Champion’s Cup and its fourth in the past five seasons.

The preseason tilt against Georgia will be the final tune up before the home and season opener.

“Any time you get the chance to throw the pads on and battle with the boys is always a great opportunity,” said Knighthawks defenseman Mike Kirk. “It’s great for the coaches to take a look at all the new talent, but at the same time it’s great for all the veterans to work out the last-minute kinks before we get going on Jan. 9th.”