Rochester Knighthawks
Encyclopedia
The Rochester Knighthawks (sometimes abbreviated as the K-Hawks) are a professional lacrosse
team in the National Lacrosse League
. They play in Rochester, New York
at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995
to 1997
. They have been members of the NLL since the league's inaugural 1998
season.
The Knighthawks reached the playoffs in each of their first 13 seasons, from 1995 to 2007. This is a league record (going back to the league's original creation, the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League). The previous record was 11 straight years, held by the Philadelphia Wings
.
The Knighthawks are owned by Curt Styres, formerly the owner of the Rochester Americans
.
season despite playing in the leagues oldest arena and smallest market. Even with these limitations the Knighthawks have been consistently near the top of the league standings every season.
In their inaugural season they finished 3rd during the regular season and dispatched the Boston Blazers in the playoff semifinals to get to the finals as an expansion team. As they would do three times later on, they found themselves coming up just short in the championship game, falling in overtime to the Philadelphia Wings
.
Just two seasons later, the Knighthawks would find their way to the top of the MILL heap, claiming the final North American Cup before the merger with the National Lacrosse League
prior to the 1998 season
. It would be ten years before the Knighthawks claimed their second title.
2007 season
After starting the season a pedestrian 2-2, the Knighthawks beat Toronto
19-15 in Toronto, where they had only won twice before in team history. The Knighthawks followed this victory up with 11 more, finishing the season with a franchise-record 12 regular-season-game winning streak and a 14-2 record. The Knighthawks were a perfect 8-0 at home, becoming the first team since the 2003
Bandits
to post a perfect record at home. The winning streak was extended to 13 games after they defeated the Rock 10-6 in the division semi-finals; and to 14 after beating the Bandits in overtime
, 14-13, for the East Division title. After the season, head coach Ed Comeau
was named the 2007 Les Bartley Award
winner.
Despite having the best overall record, they could not host the championship game due to a scheduling conflict with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
at the Blue Cross Arena. Playing the game instead in Arizona, the Knighthawks defeated the Arizona Sting 13-11 on May 12, 2007, to win their first NLL championship. John Grant, Jr., regular-season league MVP, was named MVP of the game.
The winning streak continued during the 2008 season
, as the Knighthawks defeated the Buffalo Bandits
in the opening game on January 11, 2008. However, the next night in Rochester, the streak was halted at 16 games as they were defeated by the Bandits 14-9.
of the American Hockey League
had lost over $500,000 the previous two seasons, and without concession revenue sharing, he would be unable to continue to operate the teams in Rochester. An agreement was reached between the Amerks/Knighthawks SMG, and the City of Rochester on a one-year lease extension on May 11, 2007 that will allow for long-term negotiations to continue through both teams' 2008 season. Under the extension, the Amerks/Knighthawks have agreed to an independent audit of their finances and the city agreed to forgo additional luxury suite revenue from the arena and to loan the Amerks an additional $100,000, added on to a $500,000 loan that is now past-due. All parties involved will now work diligently to reach a long-term agreement by the start of the 2007–08 AHL season
in October 2007. However on June 16 2008 the Knighthawks and Americans announced a new five year lease with the Blue Cross Arena.
to purchase the Americans.
In June 2011, the Americans and Knighthawks were split up when Terrence Pegula
purchased the Americans; because Pegula also owns the rival Buffalo Bandits
, he is ineligible to purchase the Knighthawks, which leaves the team in Styres's hands.
, Knighthawks fans shout, "Sucks," after each of the opposing teams' players are announced via loudspeakers. Before his retirement as goaltender, when Pat O'Toole made a good save, the announcer (or a fan, if away) called out, "What time is it?" The fans will chorus, "'Toole time!" (a reference to the TV series Home Improvement). Currently, when Matt Vinc makes a save, the announcer calls out, "What Is HE?" and the Crowd responds, "In-VINC-able!!!". this has worked much better than the original Vinc chant.
* The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena
.
NLL Dispersal Draft
NLL Expansion Draft
Box lacrosse
Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse and sometimes shortened to boxla, LAX or simply box, is an indoor version of lacrosse played mostly in North America. The game originated in Canada, where it is the most popular version of the game played in contrast to the traditional field lacrosse game...
team in the National Lacrosse League
National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League is a men's professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. It currently has nine teams; three in Canada and six in the United States. Unlike other lacrosse leagues which play in the summer, the NLL plays its games in the winter and spring. Each year, the playoff...
. They play in Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
Blue Cross Arena
The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is a multi-purpose indoor arena, located in Rochester, New York. Its maximum seating capacity is 13,000...
. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995
1995 MILL season
The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995.-Team Movement:1995 featured the debut of the Rochester Knighthawks to the MILL, replacing the Detroit Turbos.-Regular season:...
to 1997
1997 MILL season
-Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester...
. They have been members of the NLL since the league's inaugural 1998
1998 NLL season
Before the 1998 season, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League, in the process increasing the length of the regular season from ten to twelve games. The first season as the NLL began on January 3, 1998 and concluded with the second championship game on April...
season.
The Knighthawks reached the playoffs in each of their first 13 seasons, from 1995 to 2007. This is a league record (going back to the league's original creation, the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League). The previous record was 11 straight years, held by the Philadelphia Wings
Philadelphia Wings
The Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league in North America. They play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
.
The Knighthawks are owned by Curt Styres, formerly the owner of the Rochester Americans
Rochester Americans
The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...
.
History
The Rochester Knighthawks have been one of the league's most successful franchise since its formation in the 19951995 MILL season
The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995.-Team Movement:1995 featured the debut of the Rochester Knighthawks to the MILL, replacing the Detroit Turbos.-Regular season:...
season despite playing in the leagues oldest arena and smallest market. Even with these limitations the Knighthawks have been consistently near the top of the league standings every season.
In their inaugural season they finished 3rd during the regular season and dispatched the Boston Blazers in the playoff semifinals to get to the finals as an expansion team. As they would do three times later on, they found themselves coming up just short in the championship game, falling in overtime to the Philadelphia Wings
Philadelphia Wings
The Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league in North America. They play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
.
Just two seasons later, the Knighthawks would find their way to the top of the MILL heap, claiming the final North American Cup before the merger with the National Lacrosse League
National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League is a men's professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. It currently has nine teams; three in Canada and six in the United States. Unlike other lacrosse leagues which play in the summer, the NLL plays its games in the winter and spring. Each year, the playoff...
prior to the 1998 season
1998 NLL season
Before the 1998 season, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League, in the process increasing the length of the regular season from ten to twelve games. The first season as the NLL began on January 3, 1998 and concluded with the second championship game on April...
. It would be ten years before the Knighthawks claimed their second title.
2007 season2007 NLL seasonThe Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:...
After starting the season a pedestrian 2-2, the Knighthawks beat TorontoToronto Rock
The Toronto Rock is a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Rock of the late 1990s / early 2000s has been called a dynasty, having won five NLL championships in seven years. From 1999 to 2003, the Rock appeared in an NLL-record...
19-15 in Toronto, where they had only won twice before in team history. The Knighthawks followed this victory up with 11 more, finishing the season with a franchise-record 12 regular-season-game winning streak and a 14-2 record. The Knighthawks were a perfect 8-0 at home, becoming the first team since the 2003
2003 NLL season
-Awards:-Weekly Awards:The NLL gives out awards weekly for the best overall player, best offensive player, best defensive player, and best rookie.- Monthly Awards :Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie....
Bandits
Buffalo Bandits
The Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
to post a perfect record at home. The winning streak was extended to 13 games after they defeated the Rock 10-6 in the division semi-finals; and to 14 after beating the Bandits in overtime
Overtime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
, 14-13, for the East Division title. After the season, head coach Ed Comeau
Ed Comeau
Ed Comeau is the former head coach of the Orlando Titans, until they folded in 2010, of the National Lacrosse League.Comeau began his NLL coaching career with the Toronto Rock, as an assistant coach under the legendary Les Bartley...
was named the 2007 Les Bartley Award
Les Bartley Award
The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year. The award was simply called the Head Coach of the Year award until 2004, when the award was renamed in honour of Les Bartley, the winningest coach in NLL history....
winner.
Despite having the best overall record, they could not host the championship game due to a scheduling conflict with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is an American circus company. The company was started when the circus created by James Anthony Bailey and P. T. Barnum was merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907, but ran the circuses...
at the Blue Cross Arena. Playing the game instead in Arizona, the Knighthawks defeated the Arizona Sting 13-11 on May 12, 2007, to win their first NLL championship. John Grant, Jr., regular-season league MVP, was named MVP of the game.
The winning streak continued during the 2008 season
2008 NLL season
The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008....
, as the Knighthawks defeated the Buffalo Bandits
Buffalo Bandits
The Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
in the opening game on January 11, 2008. However, the next night in Rochester, the streak was halted at 16 games as they were defeated by the Bandits 14-9.
Lease issue
During the 2007 season, a dispute over concession revenues between owner Steve Donner and the Sports Management Group, operators of the Blue Cross Arena, jeopardized the continued play of the Knighthawks in Rochester. Donner claimed that the Knighthawks and the Rochester AmericansRochester Americans
The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...
of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
had lost over $500,000 the previous two seasons, and without concession revenue sharing, he would be unable to continue to operate the teams in Rochester. An agreement was reached between the Amerks/Knighthawks SMG, and the City of Rochester on a one-year lease extension on May 11, 2007 that will allow for long-term negotiations to continue through both teams' 2008 season. Under the extension, the Amerks/Knighthawks have agreed to an independent audit of their finances and the city agreed to forgo additional luxury suite revenue from the arena and to loan the Amerks an additional $100,000, added on to a $500,000 loan that is now past-due. All parties involved will now work diligently to reach a long-term agreement by the start of the 2007–08 AHL season
2007–08 AHL season
The 2007–08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Chicago Wolves won their second Calder Cup, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final.-Team changes:...
in October 2007. However on June 16 2008 the Knighthawks and Americans announced a new five year lease with the Blue Cross Arena.
Sale of team
On May 28, 2008 the National Lacrosse League's Board of Governors approved the sale of a majority stake of the Knighthawks to the President of Arrow Express Sports Curt Styres at a price of $5,575,000, the highest price paid for a team in league history. The league's approval is conditional upon whether or not the Knighthawks and Sports Management Group can secure a new lease for play at the Blue Cross Arena. Styres had also recently been approved by the American Hockey LeagueAmerican Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
to purchase the Americans.
In June 2011, the Americans and Knighthawks were split up when Terrence Pegula
Terrence Pegula
Terrence M. "Terry" Pegula is an American businessman. Pegula founded East Resources, a natural gas drilling company, before selling the company to Royal Dutch Shell for approximately $4.7 billion....
purchased the Americans; because Pegula also owns the rival Buffalo Bandits
Buffalo Bandits
The Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
, he is ineligible to purchase the Knighthawks, which leaves the team in Styres's hands.
Fan traditions
Throughout the Knighthawks tenure at the Blue Cross Arena, several traditions amongs the fans have developed. These tend to be led by the fans sitting in the, "Hawks' Nest", an area of elevated seating behind the Court Street goal. Several times during a quarter where the Knighthawks are defending the opposite goal, it is common for the fans sitting there to chant the visiting team's goaltender's name three times, followed by a very loud, "You Suck!". Much like the fans of the Philadelphia WingsPhiladelphia Wings
The Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league in North America. They play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
, Knighthawks fans shout, "Sucks," after each of the opposing teams' players are announced via loudspeakers. Before his retirement as goaltender, when Pat O'Toole made a good save, the announcer (or a fan, if away) called out, "What time is it?" The fans will chorus, "'Toole time!" (a reference to the TV series Home Improvement). Currently, when Matt Vinc makes a save, the announcer calls out, "What Is HE?" and the Crowd responds, "In-VINC-able!!!". this has worked much better than the original Vinc chant.
Awards and honors
| Year | Player | Award |
| 1997 1997 MILL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester... |
Steve Dietrich Steve Dietrich Steve "Chugger" Dietrich is a former goaltender in the National Lacrosse League. Dietrich has played with the Edmonton Rush, Calgary Roughnecks, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Knighthawks, Detroit Turbos, Baltimore Thunder, and Toronto Rock.-Professional career:Dietrich played six seasons with each... |
Championship Cup MVP |
| 2000 2000 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
John Grant, Jr. | Rookie of the Year |
| 2003 2003 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:The NLL gives out awards weekly for the best overall player, best offensive player, best defensive player, and best rookie.- Monthly Awards :Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.... |
Pat O'Toole Pat O'Toole Patrick "Toole Time" O'Toole is the goaltending coach for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League and a retired goaltender... |
Goaltender of the Year National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award The National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award is given annually to the best NLL goaltender of the year.In the 2008 season, the award was sponsored by the US Navy and was known as the "US Navy Goaltender of the Year award". In the 2007 season, it was the "Progressive National Lacrosse... |
| 2004 2004 NLL season -All Star Game:The 2004 All-Star Game was held at the Pepsi Center in Denver on February 22, 2004. The East division defeated the West 19-15, and Buffalo's Mark Steenhuis was named game MVP.-All-Star teams:-Awards:-Weekly Awards:... |
Paul Day | Les Bartley Award Les Bartley Award The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year. The award was simply called the Head Coach of the Year award until 2004, when the award was renamed in honour of Les Bartley, the winningest coach in NLL history.... |
| 2005 2005 NLL season The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The Toronto Rock won their fifth NLL championship, defeating the Arizona Sting 19-13 in Toronto.... |
Andrew Turner Andrew Turner (lacrosse) Andrew Turner is a lacrosse player for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League.He plays for the Victoria Shamrocks in the Western Lacrosse Association during the summer. He has been named Best Defensive Player three times in 2001, 2003, and in 2005... |
Defensive Player of the Year |
| 2007 2007 NLL season The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:... |
John Grant, Jr. | Most Valuable Player National Lacrosse League MVP Award The Reebok National Lacrosse League Most Valuable Player Award is given annually to the NLL player who is considered to have contributed most to his team's success... |
| Ed Comeau Ed Comeau Ed Comeau is the former head coach of the Orlando Titans, until they folded in 2010, of the National Lacrosse League.Comeau began his NLL coaching career with the Toronto Rock, as an assistant coach under the legendary Les Bartley... |
Les Bartley Award Les Bartley Award The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year. The award was simply called the Head Coach of the Year award until 2004, when the award was renamed in honour of Les Bartley, the winningest coach in NLL history.... |
|
| Steve Toll Steve Toll Steve Toll is a lacrosse player for the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. Toll has won four NLL Championships with the Toronto Rock, as well as one NLL Championship with the Rochester Knighthawks.... |
Transition Player of the Year National Lacrosse League Transition Player of the Year Award The Transition Player of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League player who is chosen as the best transition player. This award debuted after the 2007 NLL season.-Past winners:... |
|
| John Grant, Jr. | Champion's Cup MVP | |
| 2010 2010 NLL season The 2010 National Lacrosse League season, the 24th in the history of the NLL, began on January 8, 2010 and ended with the Championship game on May 15.-Team movement:... |
Shawn Williams | Sportsmanship Award National Lacrosse League Sportsmanship Award The National Lacrosse League Sportsmanship Award is given annually to a NLL player. It "honors the combination of character and performance" shown by a player.-Past winners:... |
| 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... |
Matt Vinc Matt Vinc Matt Vinc , is a lacrosse goaltender in the National Lacrosse League, currently playing for the Rochester Knighthawks, the Six Nations Chiefs of the MSL, and the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.... |
Goaltender of the Year National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award The National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award is given annually to the best NLL goaltender of the year.In the 2008 season, the award was sponsored by the US Navy and was known as the "US Navy Goaltender of the Year award". In the 2007 season, it was the "Progressive National Lacrosse... |
| Pat McCready Pat McCready Pat McCready is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League.-NLL career:McCready made his professional lacrosse debut in 1996 with the Charlotte Cobras... |
Defensive Player of the Year | |
| Jordan Hall Jordan Hall (lacrosse) Jordan Rhys Hall is a Canadian lacrosse player from Surrey, British Columbia who plays for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League and the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.-College career:... |
Sportsmanship Award National Lacrosse League Sportsmanship Award The National Lacrosse League Sportsmanship Award is given annually to a NLL player. It "honors the combination of character and performance" shown by a player.-Past winners:... |
|
| Curt Styres | GM of the Year National Lacrosse League GM of the Year Award The General Manager of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League general manager who has done the best job of ensuring his team's success.-Past winners:... |
|
| Mike Hasen | Les Bartley Award Les Bartley Award The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year. The award was simply called the Head Coach of the Year award until 2004, when the award was renamed in honour of Les Bartley, the winningest coach in NLL history.... |
|
| Curt Styres | Executive of the Year Award National Lacrosse League Executive of the Year Award The Executive of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League executive who is chosen as having the most positive impact on his or her team.-Past winners:... |
All-time record
| Season | Division | W-L | Finish | Home | Road | GF | GA | Head Coach | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 1995 MILL season The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995.-Team Movement:1995 featured the debut of the Rochester Knighthawks to the MILL, replacing the Detroit Turbos.-Regular season:... |
4-4 | 3rd | 3-1 | 1-3 | 97 | 94 | Barry Powless | Lost Championship | |
| 1996 1996 MILL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester... |
6-4 | 4th | 4-1 | 2-3 | 148 | 137 | Barry Powless | Lost in semifinals | |
| 1997 1997 MILL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester... |
5-5 | 4th | 2-3 | 3-2 | 156 | 136 | Barry Powless | Won Championship | |
| 1998 1998 NLL season Before the 1998 season, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League, in the process increasing the length of the regular season from ten to twelve games. The first season as the NLL began on January 3, 1998 and concluded with the second championship game on April... |
6-6 | 3rd | 3-3 | 3-3 | 168 | 159 | Paul Day | Lost in semifinals | |
| 1999 1999 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
8-4 | 3rd | 4-2 | 4-2 | 169 | 160 | Paul Day | Lost Championship | |
| 2000 2000 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
8-4 | 3rd | 5-1 | 3-3 | 187 | 149 | Paul Day | Lost Championship | |
| 2001 2001 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
10-4 | 3rd | 6-1 | 4-3 | 198 | 159 | Paul Day | Lost in semifinals | |
| 2002 2002 NLL season -All Star Game:The 2002 All-Star Game was held on April 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, where the North team beat the South 14-10. The MVP was Toronto's Steve Toll, who scored three goals. At the time, this also marked Paul Gait's final professional lacrosse game, as he... |
Central | 13-3 | 2nd | 8-0 | 5-3 | 261 | 202 | Paul Day | Lost in semifinals |
| 2003 2003 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:The NLL gives out awards weekly for the best overall player, best offensive player, best defensive player, and best rookie.- Monthly Awards :Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.... |
Central | 12-4 | 1st | 6-2 | 6-2 | 214 | 173 | Paul Day | Lost Championship |
| 2004 2004 NLL season -All Star Game:The 2004 All-Star Game was held at the Pepsi Center in Denver on February 22, 2004. The East division defeated the West 19-15, and Buffalo's Mark Steenhuis was named game MVP.-All-Star teams:-Awards:-Weekly Awards:... |
Eastern | 8-8 | 2nd | 6-2 | 2-6 | 173 | 186 | Paul Day | Lost in Division semifinals |
| 2005 2005 NLL season The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The Toronto Rock won their fifth NLL championship, defeating the Arizona Sting 19-13 in Toronto.... |
Eastern | 10-6 | 3rd | 5-3 | 5-3 | 193 | 179 | Paul Day | Lost in Division finals |
| 2006 2006 NLL season -All-Star game:The 2006 All-Star Game was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on February 25, 2006. The West Division defeated the East Division 14-13. The MVP of the game was Lewis Ratcliff of the Calgary Roughnecks, who scored 4 goals, including the game winner... |
Eastern | 9-7 | 2nd | 6-2 | 3-5 | 196 | 180 | Ed Comeau Ed Comeau Ed Comeau is the former head coach of the Orlando Titans, until they folded in 2010, of the National Lacrosse League.Comeau began his NLL coaching career with the Toronto Rock, as an assistant coach under the legendary Les Bartley... |
Lost in Division finals |
| 2007 2007 NLL season The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:... |
Eastern | 14-2 | 1st | 8-0 | 6-2 | 249 | 194 | Ed Comeau | Won Championship |
| 2008 2008 NLL season The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008.... |
Eastern | 8-8 | 5th | 4-4 | 4-4 | 197 | 171 | Ed Comeau | Missed playoffs |
| 2009 2009 NLL season -Pre-season:* August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota Swarm would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven.... |
Eastern | 7-9 | 4th | 6-2 | 1-7 | 169 | 197 | Paul Gait | Lost in Division semifinals |
| 2010 2010 NLL season The 2010 National Lacrosse League season, the 24th in the history of the NLL, began on January 8, 2010 and ended with the Championship game on May 15.-Team movement:... |
Eastern | 7-9 | 5th | 4-4 | 3-5 | 155 | 181 | Paul Gait | Missed playoffs |
| 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... |
Eastern | 10-6 | 3rd | 4-4 | 6-2 | 176 | 159 | Mike Hasen | Lost in Division semifinals |
| Total | 17 seasons | 145-93 | 84-35 | 61-57 | 3,106 | 2,816 | |||
| Playoff Totals | 12-13 | 5-3 | 7-10 | 300 | 306 |
Playoff results
| Season | Game | Visiting | Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 1995 MILL season The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995.-Team Movement:1995 featured the debut of the Rochester Knighthawks to the MILL, replacing the Detroit Turbos.-Regular season:... |
Semifinals | Buffalo 8 | Rochester 10 |
| Championship | Rochester 14 | Philadelphia 15 (OT) | |
| 1996 1996 MILL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester... |
Semifinals | Rochester 10 | Buffalo 18 |
| 1997 1997 MILL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester... |
Semifinals | Rochester 15 | Philadelphia 13 |
| Championship | Rochester 15 | Buffalo 12 | |
| 1998 1998 NLL season Before the 1998 season, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League, in the process increasing the length of the regular season from ten to twelve games. The first season as the NLL began on January 3, 1998 and concluded with the second championship game on April... |
Semifinals | Rochester 14 | Baltimore 15 |
| 1999 1999 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
Semifinals | Rochester 14 | Baltimore 12 |
| Championship | Rochester 10 | Toronto 13 | |
| 2000 2000 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
Semifinals | Rochester 15 | Buffalo 11 |
| Championship | Rochester 13 | Toronto 14 | |
| 2001 2001 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.-Statistics Leaders:... |
Semifinals | Rochester 11 | Philadelphia 12 |
| 2002 2002 NLL season -All Star Game:The 2002 All-Star Game was held on April 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, where the North team beat the South 14-10. The MVP was Toronto's Steve Toll, who scored three goals. At the time, this also marked Paul Gait's final professional lacrosse game, as he... |
Quarterfinals | Vancouver 10 | Rochester 11 |
| Semifinals | Rochester 10 | Albany 14 | |
| 2003 2003 NLL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:The NLL gives out awards weekly for the best overall player, best offensive player, best defensive player, and best rookie.- Monthly Awards :Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie.... |
Semifinals | Buffalo 13 | Rochester 16 |
| Championship | Toronto 8 | Rochester 6 | |
| 2004 2004 NLL season -All Star Game:The 2004 All-Star Game was held at the Pepsi Center in Denver on February 22, 2004. The East division defeated the West 19-15, and Buffalo's Mark Steenhuis was named game MVP.-All-Star teams:-Awards:-Weekly Awards:... |
Division Semifinals | Buffalo 13 | Rochester 9 |
| 2005 2005 NLL season The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The Toronto Rock won their fifth NLL championship, defeating the Arizona Sting 19-13 in Toronto.... |
Division Semifinals | Rochester 17 | Buffalo 16 |
| Division Finals | Rochester 10 | Toronto 12 | |
| 2006 2006 NLL season -All-Star game:The 2006 All-Star Game was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on February 25, 2006. The West Division defeated the East Division 14-13. The MVP of the game was Lewis Ratcliff of the Calgary Roughnecks, who scored 4 goals, including the game winner... |
Division Semifinals | Rochester 16 | Toronto 8 |
| Division Finals | Buffalo 15 | Rochester 10 | |
| 2007 2007 NLL season The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:... |
Division Semifinals | Toronto 6 | Rochester 10 |
| Division Finals | Buffalo 13 | Rochester 14 (OT) | |
| Championship* | Rochester 13 | Arizona 11 | |
| 2008 2008 NLL season The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008.... |
missed playoffs | ||
| 2009 2009 NLL season -Pre-season:* August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota Swarm would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven.... |
Division Semifinals | Rochester 10 | New York 11 (OT) |
| 2010 2010 NLL season The 2010 National Lacrosse League season, the 24th in the history of the NLL, began on January 8, 2010 and ended with the Championship game on May 15.-Team movement:... |
missed playoffs | ||
| 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... |
Division Semifinals | Rochester 6 | Toronto 13 |
Blue Cross Arena
The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is a multi-purpose indoor arena, located in Rochester, New York. Its maximum seating capacity is 13,000...
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Head coaching history
| # | Name | Term | Regular Season | Playoffs | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GC | W | L | W% | GC | W | L | W% | |||
| 1 | Barry Powless | 1995 1995 MILL season The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995.-Team Movement:1995 featured the debut of the Rochester Knighthawks to the MILL, replacing the Detroit Turbos.-Regular season:... —1997 1997 MILL season -Awards:-Weekly Awards:Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.-Monthly Awards:An award is also given out monthly for the best overall player.-All-Pro Teams:First Team:*Gary Gait, Philadelphia*Paul Gait, Rochester... |
28 | 15 | 13 | .536 | 5 | 3 | 2 | .600 |
| 2 | Paul Day | 1998 1998 NLL season Before the 1998 season, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League, in the process increasing the length of the regular season from ten to twelve games. The first season as the NLL began on January 3, 1998 and concluded with the second championship game on April... —2005 2005 NLL season The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The Toronto Rock won their fifth NLL championship, defeating the Arizona Sting 19-13 in Toronto.... |
114 | 75 | 39 | .658 | 13 | 5 | 8 | .385 |
| 3 | Ed Comeau Ed Comeau Ed Comeau is the former head coach of the Orlando Titans, until they folded in 2010, of the National Lacrosse League.Comeau began his NLL coaching career with the Toronto Rock, as an assistant coach under the legendary Les Bartley... |
2006 2006 NLL season -All-Star game:The 2006 All-Star Game was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on February 25, 2006. The West Division defeated the East Division 14-13. The MVP of the game was Lewis Ratcliff of the Calgary Roughnecks, who scored 4 goals, including the game winner... —2008 2008 NLL season The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008.... |
48 | 31 | 17 | .646 | 5 | 4 | 1 | .800 |
| 4 | Paul Suggate | 2009 2009 NLL season -Pre-season:* August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota Swarm would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven.... |
Resigned prior to season | |||||||
| 5 | Paul Gait Paul Gait Paul Gait is widely regarded as one of the best lacrosse players of all time and is the current Vice President of the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League... |
2009 2009 NLL season -Pre-season:* August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota Swarm would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven.... —2010 2010 NLL season The 2010 National Lacrosse League season, the 24th in the history of the NLL, began on January 8, 2010 and ended with the Championship game on May 15.-Team movement:... |
16 | 7 | 9 | .438 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 |
| 6 | Mike Hasen | 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... —present |
16 | 10 | 6 | .625 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 |
NLL Dispersal DraftNational Lacrosse League dispersal draftThe National Lacrosse League dispersal draft is a meeting where the general managers of National Lacrosse League teams choose players from teams that are ceasing operations. The NLL has seen a lot of team changes over the years , so dispersal drafts have been commonplace...
- 2002 from Montreal ExpressMontreal ExpressThe Montreal Express was a member of the National Lacrosse League during the 2002 season. They played at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. They were inactive during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The team remained inactive and the franchise was returned to the NLL after the 2004 season...
: Steve Penny (10th overall); Declined to pick (22nd overall) - 2003 from Ottawa RebelOttawa RebelThe Ottawa Rebel was a team in the National Lacrosse League based in Ottawa, Ontario from 2001 until 2003. They played at the Corel Centre in nearby Kanata originally, but then part-way through the 2002 season, the Rebel moved to the Ottawa Civic Centre, which is a smaller arena, but more...
: Mat Giles (10th overall); Shawn Zettel (21st overall); Declined to pick (32nd overall) - 2004 from Vancouver RavensVancouver RavensThe Vancouver Ravens were a member of the National Lacrosse League , from 2002 to 2004. They played their three seasons at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...
: Chris McKay (5th overall); Peter Morgan (14th overall) - 2005 from Anaheim StormAnaheim StormThe Anaheim Storm was a member of the National Lacrosse League. They played at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. They were the New Jersey Storm from the 2002 season to 2003. Starting for the 2004 season the team relocated to Anaheim, California...
: Cam Bergman (8th overall) - 2007 from Arizona StingArizona StingThe Arizona Sting was a member of the National Lacrosse League from 2004 to 2007. They played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, from 2001 to 2003 as the Columbus Landsharks. On August 28, 2003, it was announced that the team was relocating to Glendale, Arizona...
& Boston BlazersBoston BlazersThe Boston Blazers were a member of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1989 to 1997. They were called the New England Blazers from 1989 to 1991 while based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and were renamed the Boston Blazers in 1992 when they moved to Boston. While in Worcester, the Blazers played...
: Jack Reid, Boston (12th overall); Matt Lyons, Arizona (13th overall); Alex SmithAlex Smith (lacrosse)Alexander Frederick Smith, was born in the city of Timonium, Maryland, August 8, 1984, to Dr. Frederick G. Smith and Dr. Vanessa K. Smith, and is the oldest of three sons. He most notably known for his skills on the lacrosse field, as a faceoff specialist, at the University of Delaware, and now...
, Arizona (36th overall) - 2008 from Arizona StingArizona StingThe Arizona Sting was a member of the National Lacrosse League from 2004 to 2007. They played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, from 2001 to 2003 as the Columbus Landsharks. On August 28, 2003, it was announced that the team was relocating to Glendale, Arizona...
: Lindsay Plunkett (5th overall); Matt Brown (18th overall) - 2008 from Chicago ShamroxChicago ShamroxThe Chicago Shamrox were a professional lacrosse team that played in the National Lacrosse League in the 2007 and 2008 NLL seasons. Home matches were played at the Sears Centre in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The team's ownership group was headed by Kevin Loughery Jr., the son of...
: Mike Kirk (4th overall); Bobby McBride (16th overall); Craig Robertson (24th overall); Pat Saunders (25th overall); Brock BoyleBrock BoyleBrock Boyle is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League. He has also played for the Minnesoata Swarm, Rochester Knighthawks, Chicago Shamrox, and Albany Attack during his career.-NLL:-References:...
(26th overall) - 2009 from Arizona StingArizona StingThe Arizona Sting was a member of the National Lacrosse League from 2004 to 2007. They played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, from 2001 to 2003 as the Columbus Landsharks. On August 28, 2003, it was announced that the team was relocating to Glendale, Arizona...
: Dan Stroup (17th overall) - 2010 from Orlando TitansOrlando TitansThe Orlando Titans were a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League that played in the 2010 season. The Titans began as the New York Titans, and played for three seasons in New York before announcing the move to Orlando on August 10, 2009....
: Jordan Hall (3rd overall); Dan Hardy (13th overall); Kenny Nims (23rd overall); Mike Evans (33rd overall); Bobby Horsey (40th overall) - 2011 from Boston BlazersBoston BlazersThe Boston Blazers were a member of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1989 to 1997. They were called the New England Blazers from 1989 to 1991 while based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and were renamed the Boston Blazers in 1992 when they moved to Boston. While in Worcester, the Blazers played...
: Mike Kirk (5th overall), Casey PowellCasey PowellCasey Powell is a lacrosse player in the United States. He was the captain of the US national team in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship. He currently plays indoor lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League for the Rochester Knighthawks. He also plays Major League Lacrosse for the Hamilton...
(14th overall), Jack Reid (23rd overall)
NLL Expansion DraftNational Lacrosse League expansion draftThe National Lacrosse League expansion draft is a meeting where the general managers of expansion National Lacrosse League teams begin to fill their teams with unprotected players from the rosters of existing NLL teams. Such a draft occurs whenever an expansion NLL franchise is awarded...
- 1999 to Albany AttackAlbany AttackThe Albany Attack was the name of a franchise which played in the National Lacrosse League from the 2000 season through the 2003 season. The Attack played in the former Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York...
: Josh Sanderson (2nd overall) - 2001 to Calgary RoughnecksCalgary RoughnecksThe Calgary Roughnecks are a professional box lacrosse team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Western Division of the National Lacrosse League and play their home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The team name is derived from the roughnecks who work drilling rigs in...
, New Jersey StormNew Jersey StormThe New Jersey Storm were a member of the National Lacrosse League, based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They played from 2002 to 2003. After the 2003, due to low attendance in New Jersey, the team relocated to Anaheim, California, becoming the Anaheim Storm. After the 2005 season, the Anaheim...
, Vancouver RavensVancouver RavensThe Vancouver Ravens were a member of the National Lacrosse League , from 2002 to 2004. They played their three seasons at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...
& Columbus LandsharksColumbus LandsharksThe Columbus Landsharks were a member of the National Lacrosse League from 2001 until 2003. They were based in Columbus, Ohio. After the 2003 season, the franchise moved to Phoenix, Arizona, becoming the Arizona Sting. This move was based on poor attendance....
: Randy Mearns, Calgary (8th overall); Marc Landriault, Calgary (14th overall); Lindsay Plunkett, Vancouver (16th overall); Kevin Howard, Calgary (30th overall) - 2004 to Minnesota SwarmMinnesota SwarmMinnesota Swarm is a box lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. The team plays on Treasure Island Field at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota....
: Jon Harasym (N/A overall) - 2005 to Portland LumberjaxPortland LumberjaxThe Portland LumberJax were a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League , which started playing in the 2006 season and ended operations after the 2009 season. Announced by the NLL on May 11, 2005, the LumberJax played their home games at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon...
& Edmonton RushEdmonton RushThe Edmonton Rush is a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League that started playing in the 2006 NLL season.The NLL announced that Edmonton, Alberta, Canada would receive an NLL franchise on May 5, 2005. They play their home games at Rexall Place...
: Pat Campbell, Edmonton (8th overall); Mat Giles, Portland (9th overall) - 2006 to Chicago ShamroxChicago ShamroxThe Chicago Shamrox were a professional lacrosse team that played in the National Lacrosse League in the 2007 and 2008 NLL seasons. Home matches were played at the Sears Centre in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The team's ownership group was headed by Kevin Loughery Jr., the son of...
& New York Titans: Carter Livingstone, Chicago (17th overall); Ryan O'Connor, Chicago (19th overall) - 2007 to Boston BlazersBoston BlazersThe Boston Blazers were a member of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1989 to 1997. They were called the New England Blazers from 1989 to 1991 while based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and were renamed the Boston Blazers in 1992 when they moved to Boston. While in Worcester, the Blazers played...
: Brian Croswell (13th overall) - 2008 to Boston BlazersBoston BlazersThe Boston Blazers were a member of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1989 to 1997. They were called the New England Blazers from 1989 to 1991 while based in Worcester, Massachusetts, and were renamed the Boston Blazers in 1992 when they moved to Boston. While in Worcester, the Blazers played...
: Matt Lyons (3rd overall)