Rochester Knighthawks (1995–2019)

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Rochester Knighthawks
Rochester Nighthawks.png
Founded 1995
Folded 2019
League National Lacrosse League
DivisionEastern
Based in Rochester, New York
Arena Blue Cross Arena
ColorsPurple, Teal, White
   
League titles5 (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Division titles10 (1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018)

The Rochester Knighthawks (also known as the K-Hawks) were a professional box lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They played 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 were members of the NLL since the league's inaugural 1998 season.

Contents

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. They were also the first NLL team to win three consecutive championships (2012–14).

The new Knighthawks are owned by Pegula Sports and Entertainment who purchased the intellectual property of the team from former owner Curt Styres who moved the previous version of the team to Halifax, Nova Scotia as the Halifax Thunderbirds at the end of the 2018–2019 season. As an expansion team they are not a continuation of the previous Knighthawks. [1] All records and championships were transferred to Halifax. [2]

History

The Rochester Knighthawks found success throughout their history despite playing in a small market.

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. They beat the Arizona Sting in the 2007 Championship by a score of 13–11. In 2012, the Knighthawks defeated the Edmonton Rush for the Championship by a score of 9–6. In 2013, the Knighthawks became the first team in the league to clinch back-to-back championship titles since the Toronto Rock in 2002 and 2003 by defeating the Washington Stealth 11–10. In 2014, the Knighthawks set a new league record by winning their third straight championship title.

2007 season

After starting the season with a record of 2-2, the Knighthawks beat the Toronto Rock 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. [3] The winning streak was extended to 13 games after they defeated the Rock 10–6 in the division semi-finals; [4] and to 14 after beating the Bandits in overtime, 14–13, for the East Division title. [5] After the season, head coach Ed Comeau was named the 2007 Les Bartley Award winner. [6]

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. [7] 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. [8] However, the next night in Rochester, the streak was halted at 16 games as they were defeated by the Bandits 14–9. [9]

Lease issue

During the 2007 season, a dispute over concession revenues between owner Steve Donner and the Sports Management Group, then operators of the Blue Cross Arena, jeopardized the continued play of the Knighthawks in Rochester. Donner claimed that the Knighthawks and the Rochester Americans 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 would allow for long-term negotiations to continue through both teams' 2008 season. Under the extension, the Amerks/Knighthawks 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. On June 16, 2008, the Knighthawks and Americans announced a new five-year lease with the Blue Cross Arena.

Curt Styres era

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 was conditional upon whether or not the Knighthawks and Sports Management Group could secure a new lease for play at the Blue Cross Arena. [10] Styres had also recently been approved by the American Hockey League to purchase the Americans. On June 16, 2008, the Knighthawks and Americans announced a new five-year lease with the Blue Cross Arena. [11]

In June 2011, the Americans and Knighthawks were split up when Terrence Pegula purchased the Americans. The split was necessary at the time due to Pegula owning the Buffalo Bandits. This is a rule that would later be changed.

Original team relocation and replacement

On September 13, 2018, Styres announced that he would be accepting a new team in Halifax, Nova Scotia and would be relocating the Knighthawks to the city for the winter 2019–2020 season. The Knighthawks intellectual property was sold to Terry and Kim Pegula (the latter of whom was raised in the Rochester suburbs) along with an expansion franchise to ensure Rochester's uninterrupted presence in the league. [12] The original name was used, but the color scheme and logo changed. The team logo, colors, and other officials were announced on May 29, 2019, in an event at Blue Cross Arena. [13] The new franchise does not count as a continuation of the previous franchise. All championships and records were transferred to Halifax.

Awards and honors

YearPlayerAward
1997 Steve Dietrich Championship Cup MVP
2000 John Grant, Jr. Rookie of the Year
2003 Pat O'Toole Goaltender of the Year
2004 Paul Day Les Bartley Award
2005 Andrew Turner Defensive Player of the Year
2007 John Grant, Jr. Most Valuable Player [14]
Ed Comeau Les Bartley Award [6]
Steve Toll Transition Player of the Year [15]
John Grant, Jr. Champion's Cup MVP [16]
2010 Shawn Williams Sportsmanship Award [17]
2011 Matt Vinc Goaltender of the Year [18]
Pat McCready Defensive Player of the Year [18]
Jordan Hall Sportsmanship Award [19]
Curt Styres GM of the Year [20]
Mike Hasen Les Bartley Award [20]
Curt Styres Executive of the Year Award [21]
2012 Johnny Powless Sportsmanship Award [22]
Cody Jamieson Champion's Cup MVP
2013 Matt Vinc Goaltender of the Year
Cody Jamieson Champion's Cup MVP
2014 Dan Dawson Champion's Cup MVP
2015 Matt VincGoaltender of the Year

NLL Hall of Fame members

Final roster

Rochester Knighthawks roster
Active (21-man) rosterInactive rosterCoaches
Goaltenders
  • 76 Flag of the Iroquois Confederacy.svg Warren Hill
  • 55 Flag of the Iroquois Confederacy.svg Angus Goodleaf
Defensemen
  • 25 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg James Barclay
  • 37 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Scott Campbell(C)
  •  2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Dawson (A)
  • 12 Flag of the Iroquois Confederacy.svg Oran Horn
  •  4 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Graeme Hossack (A)
  • 29 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Ian Llord
  • 45 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Luc Magnan
  • 73 Flag of the Iroquois Confederacy.svg Leland Powless
  •  9 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Darryl Robertson
  • 20 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Luke Van Schepen
  • 21 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Eric Shewell
  • 18 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jake Withers
Forwards
Transition
  • 10 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Brad Gillies
Practice Squad
  •  7 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Cam Milligan
Injured Reserve
Unable to play
  • 13 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Brandon Robinson
Head Coach

{{{Head Coach}}}

Legend
  • * Suspended list
  • (C) Captain
  • (A) Alternate captain

Roster updated 2019-01-18
NLL Transactions

All-time record

SeasonDivisionW–LFinishHomeRoadGFGACoachPlayoffs
1995 4–43rd3–11–39794Barry Powlesslost final
1996 6–44th4–12–3148137Barry Powlesslost semi-final
1997 5–54th2–33–2156135Barry PowlessChampions
1998 6–63rd3–33–3168156Paul Daylost semi-final
1999 8–43rd4–24–2169160Paul Daylost final
2000 8–43rd5–13–3187149Paul Daylost final
2001 10–43rd6–14–3198159Paul Daylost semi-final
2002 Central13–32nd8–05–3261202Paul Daylost division final
2003 Central12–41st6–26–2214173Paul Daylost final
2004 Eastern8–82nd6–22–6173186Paul Daylost division semi-final
2005 Eastern10–63rd5–35–3193179Paul Daylost division final
2006 Eastern9–72nd6–23–5196180Ed Comeaulost division final
2007 Eastern14–21st8–06–2249194Ed ComeauChampions
2008 Eastern8–85th4–44–4197171Ed Comeaudid not qualify
2009 Eastern7–94th6–21–7169197Paul Gaitlost division semi-final
2010 Eastern7–95th4–43–5155181Paul Gaitdid not qualify
2011 Eastern10–63rd4–46–2176159Mike Hasenlost division semi-final
2012 Eastern7–92nd5–32–6191197Mike HasenChampions
2013 Eastern8–82nd3–55–3179165Mike HasenChampions
2014 Eastern14–41st8–16–3210167Mike HasenChampions
2015 Eastern12–62nd7–25–4205173Mike Hasenlost division final
2016 Eastern7–114th3–64–5200215Mike Hasendid not qualify
2017 Eastern7–114th4–53–6175209Mike Hasendid not qualify
2018 Eastern10-82nd5–45–4236210Mike Hasenlost final
2019 Eastern6-125th4-52-7212226Mike Hasendid not qualify
Total24 seasons208–144 118–5890–864,4024,048  
Playoff Totals20 Appearances27–19 17–310–16499492 5 championships

Playoff results

SeasonGameVisitingHome
1995 SemifinalsBuffalo 8Rochester 10
ChampionshipRochester 14Philadelphia 15 (OT)
1996 SemifinalsRochester 10Buffalo 18
1997 SemifinalsRochester 15Philadelphia 13
ChampionshipRochester 15Buffalo 12
1998 SemifinalsRochester 14Baltimore 15
1999 SemifinalsRochester 14Baltimore 12
ChampionshipRochester 10Toronto 13
2000 SemifinalsRochester 15Buffalo 11
ChampionshipRochester 13Toronto 14
2001 SemifinalsRochester 11Philadelphia 12
2002 QuarterfinalsVancouver 10Rochester 11
SemifinalsRochester 10Albany 14
2003 SemifinalsBuffalo 13Rochester 16
ChampionshipToronto 8Rochester 6
2004 Division SemifinalsBuffalo 13Rochester 9
2005 Division SemifinalsRochester 17Buffalo 16
Division FinalsRochester 10Toronto 12
2006 Division SemifinalsRochester 16Toronto 8
Division FinalsBuffalo 15Rochester 10
2007 Division SemifinalsToronto 6Rochester 10
Division FinalsBuffalo 13Rochester 14 (OT)
Championship*Rochester 13Arizona 11
2008 missed playoffs
2009 Division SemifinalsRochester 10New York 11 (OT)
2010 missed playoffs
2011 Division SemifinalsRochester 6Toronto 13
2012 Division SemifinalsPhiladelphia 13Rochester 14
Division FinalsRochester 17Toronto 13
ChampionshipEdmonton 6Rochester 9
2013 Division SemifinalsPhiladelphia 8Rochester 10
Division FinalsMinnesota 10Rochester 12
ChampionshipRochester 11Washington 10
2014 Division FinalsRochester 8Buffalo 12
Buffalo 8Rochester 13
Buffalo 1Rochester 2 (OT)
ChampionshipRochester 7Calgary 10
Calgary 10Rochester 16
Calgary 2Rochester 3
2015 Division SemifinalsRochester 14Buffalo 11
Division FinalsToronto (2)Rochester (1)
2016 missed playoffs
2017 missed playoffs
2018 Division SemifinalsNew England 11Rochester 15
Division FinalsRochester 9Georgia 8
ChampionshipRochester 9Saskatchewan 16
Saskatchewan 8Rochester 13
Rochester 10Saskatchewan 15
2019 missed playoffs

*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.

Head coaching history

#NameTermRegular SeasonPlayoffs
GCWLW%GCWLW%
 1 Barry Powless 1995—1997 281513.536532.600
2Paul Day 1998—2005 1147539.6581358.385
3 Ed Comeau 2006—2008 483117.646541.800
4Paul Suggate 2009 Resigned prior to season
5 Paul Gait 2009—2010 1679.438101.000
6Mike Hasen 2011—2019 1206555.55217125.706

Draft history

NLL Entry Draft

First Round Selections

NLL Dispersal Draft

NLL Expansion Draft

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Knighthawks Unveil New Logo Ahead of Expansion Season". Spectrum Local News. May 30, 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  2. ↑ Zimmaro, Mark (May 30, 2019). "Knighthawks are set to begin a new era in Rochester". National Lacrosse League. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  3. ↑ "Week 16 News and Notes". NLL.com. April 16, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
  4. ↑ "Knighthawks Edge Rock 10-6". NLL.com. April 20, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
  5. ↑ "Knighthawks Advance to Championship Game". NLL.com. April 26, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
  6. 1 2 "Ed Comeau Wins Les Bartley Award". NLL.com. May 3, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-03.
  7. ↑ "Arizona To Host Championship Game". NLL.com. April 30, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  8. ↑ "K-Hawks Top Bandits in Friday's Opener, 12-9". NLL.com. January 11, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
  9. ↑ "Bandits end K-Hawks Streak with 14-9 Win". NLL.com. January 12, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
  10. ↑ Knighthawks sold for nearly $6 million, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle 28 May 2008
  11. ↑ ARROW EXPRESS SPORTS ANNOUNCES MAJORITY OWNERSHIP OF AMERKS, Amerks.com
  12. ↑ "NLL Approves Rochester expansion team using Knighthawks brand". 13 September 2018.
  13. ↑ "NLL's Rochester Knighthawks Announce Logo & Staff". 30 May 2019.
  14. ↑ "John Grant Wins Dodge Nitro MVP Award". NLL.com. May 10, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-10.
  15. ↑ "Toll named Transition Player of the Year". NLL.com. May 1, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-01.
  16. ↑ "John Grant Named Championship Game MVP". NLL.com. May 12, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-13.
  17. ↑ "Stealth's Takata Named Executive of the Year". NLL.com. May 10, 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-11.
  18. 1 2 "Shattler, McCready, & Vinc Honored". NLL.com. 2011-05-09. Retrieved 2011-05-09.
  19. ↑ "Hall, Bailey Win First Two Awards of 2011". NLL.com. 2011-05-03. Retrieved 2011-05-03.
  20. 1 2 "Rochester Sweeps GM & Head Coach Awards". NLL.com. 2011-05-05. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
  21. ↑ "Curt Styres Named Executive of the Year". NLL.com. 2011-05-04. Retrieved 2011-05-04.
  22. ↑ "Knighthawks rookie Powless wins Sportsmanship Award". NLL.com. May 7, 2012. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
Preceded by Major Indoor Lacrosse League Champions
1997		Succeeded by
Preceded by National Lacrosse League Champions
2007		Succeeded by
Preceded by National Lacrosse League Champions
2012, 2013, 2014		Succeeded by
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