Rochester Knighthawks (1995–2019)

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.

For the current lacrosse team, see Rochester Knighthawks. For the relocated team, see Halifax Thunderbirds.
Rochester Knighthawks
Founded1995
Folded2019
LeagueNational Lacrosse League
DivisionEastern
Based inRochester, New York
ArenaBlue Cross Arena
ColorsPurple, Teal, White
     
League titles5 (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Division titles10 (1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018)
LaterHalifax Thunderbirds

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
See also: Halifax Thunderbirds

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
1997Steve DietrichChampionship Cup MVP
2000John Grant, Jr.Rookie of the Year
2003Pat O'TooleGoaltender of the Year
2004Paul DayLes Bartley Award
2005Andrew TurnerDefensive Player of the Year
2007John Grant, Jr.Most Valuable Player[14]
Ed ComeauLes Bartley Award[6]
Steve TollTransition Player of the Year[15]
John Grant, Jr.Champion's Cup MVP[16]
2010Shawn WilliamsSportsmanship Award[17]
2011Matt VincGoaltender of the Year[18]
Pat McCreadyDefensive Player of the Year[18]
Jordan HallSportsmanship Award[19]
Curt StyresGM of the Year[20]
Mike HasenLes Bartley Award[20]
Curt StyresExecutive of the Year Award[21]
2012Johnny PowlessSportsmanship Award[22]
Cody JamiesonChampion's Cup MVP
2013Matt VincGoaltender of the Year
Cody JamiesonChampion's Cup MVP
2014Dan DawsonChampion's Cup MVP
2015Matt VincGoaltender of the Year

NLL Hall of Fame members

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

{{{Head Coach}}}

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

Roster updated 2019-01-18
NLL Transactions

All-time record
Season Division W–L Finish Home Road GF GA Coach Playoffs
19954–43rd3–11–39794Barry Powlesslost final
19966–44th4–12–3148137Barry Powlesslost semi-final
19975–54th2–33–2156135Barry PowlessChampions
19986–63rd3–33–3168156Paul Daylost semi-final
19998–43rd4–24–2169160Paul Daylost final
20008–43rd5–13–3187149Paul Daylost final
200110–43rd6–14–3198159Paul Daylost semi-final
2002Central13–32nd8–05–3261202Paul Daylost division final
2003Central12–41st6–26–2214173Paul Daylost final
2004Eastern8–82nd6–22–6173186Paul Daylost division semi-final
2005Eastern10–63rd5–35–3193179Paul Daylost division final
2006Eastern9–72nd6–23–5196180Ed Comeaulost division final
2007Eastern14–21st8–06–2249194Ed ComeauChampions
2008Eastern8–85th4–44–4197171Ed Comeaudid not qualify
2009Eastern7–94th6–21–7169197Paul Gaitlost division semi-final
2010Eastern7–95th4–43–5155181Paul Gaitdid not qualify
2011Eastern10–63rd4–46–2176159Mike Hasenlost division semi-final
2012Eastern7–92nd5–32–6191197Mike HasenChampions
2013Eastern8–82nd3–55–3179165Mike HasenChampions
2014Eastern14–41st8–16–3210167Mike HasenChampions
2015Eastern12–62nd7–25–4205173Mike Hasenlost division final
2016Eastern7–114th3–64–5200215Mike Hasendid not qualify
2017Eastern7–114th4–53–6175209Mike Hasendid not qualify
2018Eastern10-82nd5–45–4236210Mike Hasenlost final
2019Eastern6-125th4-52-7212226Mike Hasendid not qualify
Total24 seasons208–144 118–5890–864,4024,048  
Playoff Totals20 Appearances27–19 17–310–16499492 5 championships

Playoff results
SeasonGameVisitingHome
1995SemifinalsBuffalo 8Rochester 10
ChampionshipRochester 14Philadelphia 15 (OT)
1996SemifinalsRochester 10Buffalo 18
1997SemifinalsRochester 15Philadelphia 13
ChampionshipRochester 15Buffalo 12
1998SemifinalsRochester 14Baltimore 15
1999SemifinalsRochester 14Baltimore 12
ChampionshipRochester 10Toronto 13
2000SemifinalsRochester 15Buffalo 11
ChampionshipRochester 13Toronto 14
2001SemifinalsRochester 11Philadelphia 12
2002QuarterfinalsVancouver 10Rochester 11
SemifinalsRochester 10Albany 14
2003SemifinalsBuffalo 13Rochester 16
ChampionshipToronto 8Rochester 6
2004Division SemifinalsBuffalo 13Rochester 9
2005Division SemifinalsRochester 17Buffalo 16
Division FinalsRochester 10Toronto 12
2006Division SemifinalsRochester 16Toronto 8
Division FinalsBuffalo 15Rochester 10
2007Division SemifinalsToronto 6Rochester 10
Division FinalsBuffalo 13Rochester 14 (OT)
Championship*Rochester 13Arizona 11
2008missed playoffs
2009Division SemifinalsRochester 10New York 11 (OT)
2010missed playoffs
2011Division SemifinalsRochester 6Toronto 13
2012Division SemifinalsPhiladelphia 13Rochester 14
Division FinalsRochester 17Toronto 13
ChampionshipEdmonton 6Rochester 9
2013Division SemifinalsPhiladelphia 8Rochester 10
Division FinalsMinnesota 10Rochester 12
ChampionshipRochester 11Washington 10
2014 Division Finals Rochester 8Buffalo 12
Buffalo 8Rochester 13
Buffalo 1Rochester 2 (OT)
Championship Rochester 7Calgary 10
Calgary 10Rochester 16
Calgary 2Rochester 3
2015Division SemifinalsRochester 14Buffalo 11
Division Finals Toronto (2)Rochester (1)
2016missed playoffs
2017missed playoffs
2018Division SemifinalsNew England 11Rochester 15
Division FinalsRochester 9Georgia 8
Championship Rochester 9Saskatchewan 16
Saskatchewan 8Rochester 13
Rochester 10Saskatchewan 15
2019missed 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
# Name Term Regular Season Playoffs
GC W L W% GC W L W%
 1 Barry Powless1995—1997281513.536532.600
2Paul Day1998—20051147539.6581358.385
3Ed Comeau2006—2008483117.646541.800
4Paul Suggate2009Resigned prior to season
5Paul Gait2009—20101679.438101.000
6Mike Hasen2011—20191206555.55217125.706

Draft history

NLL Entry Draft

First Round Selections

NLL Dispersal Draft

NLL Expansion Draft

See also
  • Rochester Knighthawks seasons

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. "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. "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. "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.
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