The roster includes 7 new faces.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks have announced their 21-man roster and two of their four practice squad members for the 2018-19 season. The Knighthawks enter their 25th Anniversary season with a solid returning corps of players from last year’s National Lacrosse League (NLL) finalist team.
Rochester completed training camp on Sunday, as it played its second of two preseason games in two days. After splitting their weekend schedule, the Knighthawks lacrosse staff has been busy combing over video and statistics to select the members for this year’s club. It has been a short and challenging process because of all the talented players in camp.
“This was one of the most competitive camps in years,” said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres. “The players made it tough on us by coming to camp ready to work. Now that we have named our roster, I believe that we have the talent to compete for a championship again this season.”
This year’s team features 7 new faces, including 3 players who were taken in this past September’s NLL Entry Draft. The addition of James Barclay and Luke Van Schepen will help strengthen the Knighthawks’ defense and transition game. Fifth-round pick Dylan Riley, who was the surprise of training camp, scored 3 goals and added 1 assist in two halves of action to lock up one of the spots on the right side of the offense.
Rochester also went the free-agent route to find quality scorers in Pat Saunders and Cam Milligan. Saunders, who has played 7 seasons in the NLL, finished the preseason tied for the team lead with six points (3+3). In his pro career, the Arthur, Ontario, native has played in 84 games and posted 149 goals and 116 assists. Milligan notched four points (1+3) in his two preseason games to earn one of the four practice roster spots. Milligan, who was the first overall pick in the 2017 Arena Lacrosse League (ALL) Draft, finished second in the league in points (79) and assists (49), and fifth in goals (30). He chipped in nine points in one playoff game as the Whitby Steelhawks captured the 2018 ALL Championship.
On defense, the Knighthawks signed free agent Darryl Robertson. The former Toronto Rock draft pick won the Junior “A” Minto Cup with the Whitby Warriors in 2013. He has also played Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) for Brampton and Cobourg.
In goal, the Knighthawks scooped up a talented stopper in Warren Hill. The former Syracuse University standout spent the majority of his first two seasons on the Georgia Swarm’s practice roster. Last season, he appeared in his first two games and made 30 saves.
The new additions will complement a group of 16 players who return from the 2018-19 campaign. The defense welcomes back Scott Campbell, Paul Dawson, Graeme Hossack, Ian Llord, Luc Magnan, Eric Shewell and 2018 Rookie of the Year Jake Withers. Fourth-year pro Brad Gillies also returns to play both defense and transition. Veteran Sid Smith, however, enters the season on the injured reserve list.
In goal, longtime backup Angus Goodleaf enters his first season as the team’s starting netminder. In his six seasons with the Teal and Purple, he has won two NLL championships (2013-14) and back-to-back Teammate of the Year honors (2016-17). Last season, Goodleaf appeared in three games and posted a .798 save percentage, which was tied for fifth all-time in single-season team history. The 31-year-old currently ranks fourth in franchise history in saves.
On offense, Rochester returns its top six point producers from last season. The Knighthawks’ arsenal of forwards includes Kyle Jackson, Cody Jamieson, Quinn Powless, Joe Resetarits, Brandon Robinson, Austin Shanks, and Cory Vitarelli. Leading the way is Resetarits, who is coming off career highs in goals (37), assists (63) and points (100). Jamieson is back for his ninth season after notching the second-most points (20) in the 2018 Playoffs. Jackson, who recently re-signed for five years, was third on the Knighthawks last year in points (73).
“I am excited,” said Jackson after learning the team’s new roster. “We are fortunate enough that we don’t play next weekend. We have two weeks of practice, so it will be great to get everybody in sync before we hit the floor on Dec. 29.”
Rochester opens the 2018-19 season on Saturday, Dec. 29 when it hosts Philadelphia at 7:30 pm at Connors & Ferris Field at the Blue Cross Arena. Fans can purchase individual and season tickets online at www.knighthawks.com, or by calling the Knighthawks Office at (585) 454-4295.
The roster breakdown is below:
Forwards (8): Kyle Jackson, Cody Jamieson, Joe Resetarits, Quinn Powless, Dylan Riley, Pat Saunders, Austin Shanks, Cory Vitarelli
Defensemen (10): James Barclay, Scott Campbell, Paul Dawson, Graeme Hossack, Ian Llord, Luc Magnan, Darryl Robertson, Eric Shewell, Luke Van Schepen, Jake Withers
Transition (1): Brad Gillies
Goalies (2): Angus Goodleaf, Warren Hill
Practice Squad (2): Cam Milligan, Brandon Robinson
Physically Unable to Perform List (1): Eric Fannell
Injured Reserve List (1): Sid Smith
*EDITOR’S NOTE — The face who is noticeable missing is goalie Matt Vinc. He was an unrestricted free agent in the off-season and signed with the Buffalo Bandits on Nov. 27.