| Rochester Knighthawks | |
| Division | Eastern |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Home arena | Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial |
| Based in | Rochester, New York |
| Colors | Black, Teal, Purple |
| Head coach | |
| General manager | |
| Local media | CW-WHAM, Time Warner Sports 26, WHAM, WROC, WHTK |
| Championships | 1997, 2007 |
| Division Championships | 2003, 2007 |
| Website | www.knighthawks.net |
| PLPA representative | |
The Rochester Knighthawks (sometimes abbreviated as the K-Hawks) are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995. The Blue Cross Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Rochester New York. Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York State, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Ed Comeau is the current head coach of the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. Jody Gage (born November 29, 1959 in Toronto, Ontario) is a former professional Ice hockey right winger. CW-WHAM is the branding of a digital television station operating out of Rochester New York. WHAM is a Clear channel Talk radio station in Rochester New York, owned by Clear Channel Communications. The 1997 season the last as the MILL began on January 4, 1997 and concluded with the championship game on April 12. The 2007 National Lacrosse League season the 21st in the history of the NLL (including the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and Major Indoor Lacrosse League years The 2003 National Lacrosse League season began on December 27, 2002 and concluded with the championship game on May 3, 2003. The 2007 National Lacrosse League season the 21st in the history of the NLL (including the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and Major Indoor Lacrosse League years The Professional Lacrosse Players' Association ( PLPA) (formerly the Major Indoor Lacrosse League Players' Association or MILLPA) is the Trade Pat "Toole Time" O'Toole (b December 24, 1971 in Toronto, Ontario is a goaltender for the Rochester Knighthawks in the Box lacrosse ( boxla, boxcrosse, or indoor lacrosse) is an indoor version of Lacrosse played in Canada and the United States The National Lacrosse League (NLL is the league of men's indoor lacrosse in North America. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York State, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. The Blue Cross Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Rochester New York. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997. The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995. The 1997 season the last as the MILL began on January 4, 1997 and concluded with the championship game on April 12. They have been members of the NLL since the league's inaugural 1998 season. Before the 1998 season the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League.
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 Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional Box lacrosse league in North America
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In many ways, the Knighthawks have been the league's most successful franchise since its formation in the 1995 season. The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995. They finished 3rd in their inaugural season, dispatching the Boston Blazers in the semifinals to get to the finals as an expansion team. The Boston Blazers were a member of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1989 to 1997. 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. The Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional Box lacrosse league in North America
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. The National Lacrosse League (NLL is the league of men's indoor lacrosse in North America. Before the 1998 season the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League. It would be ten years before the Knighthawks claimed their second title.
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 2007 National Lacrosse League season the 21st in the history of the NLL (including the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and Major Indoor Lacrosse League years The Toronto Rock are a Lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL 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 2003 National Lacrosse League season began on December 27, 2002 and concluded with the championship game on May 3, 2003. The Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL [1] The winning streak was extended to 13 games after they defeated the Rock 10-6 in the division semi-finals;[2] and to 14 after beating the Bandits in overtime, 14-13, for the East Division title. Overtime is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a Sport in order to bring the game to a decision and avoid declaring the contest a tie or draw [3] After the season, head coach Ed Comeau was named the 2007 Les Bartley Award winner. Ed Comeau is the current head coach of the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year [4]
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. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus was started when the Circus created by James Anthony Bailey and P [5] Playing the game instead in Arizona, the Knighthawks defeated the Arizona Sting 13-11 on May 12, 2007, to win their first NLL championship. Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. John Grant, Jr., regular-season league MVP, was named MVP of the game. John Christopher Grant Jr (b November 7, 1974 in Peterborough Ontario)is a professional Lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks
The winning streak continued during the 2008 season, as the Knighthawks defeated the Buffalo Bandits in the opening game on January 11, 2008. 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 The Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League (NLL Events 1055 - Theodora is crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common [6] However, the next night in Rochester, the streak was halted at 16 games as they were defeated by the Bandits 14-9. [7]
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 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. The Rochester Americans are an Ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. American Hockey Association (1926–1942The American Hockey League (AHL is a Professional Ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary 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. Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 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. The 2007-08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. October events and holidays Children's Book Week ( England) - First Week of October National Day ( China People's Republic Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
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. Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling News by date January 1: Motorcycling - Robbie Maddison 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. [8] Styres had also recently been approved by the American Hockey League to purchase the Americans. American Hockey Association (1926–1942The American Hockey League (AHL is a Professional Ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary [9]
Throughout the Knighthawks tenure at the Blue Cross Arena, several traditions amongs the fans have developed. These tend to be lead 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 Wings, Knighthawks fans shout, "Sucks," after each of the opposing teams' players are announced via loudspeakers. The Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional Box lacrosse league in North America Whenever Pat O'Toole makes a good save, the announcer or a fan shouts, "What time is it?" The fans will chorus, "'Toole time!"
| Year | Player | Award |
| 1997 | Steve Dietrich | Championship Game 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. The 1997 season the last as the MILL began on January 4, 1997 and concluded with the championship game on April 12. Steve "Chugger" Dietrich (b February 18, 1970 in Kitchener Ontario) is a goaltender for the Edmonton Rush in the National The 2000 National Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 2000 and concluded with the championship game on May 6, 2000. John Christopher Grant Jr (b November 7, 1974 in Peterborough Ontario)is a professional Lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks The National Lacrosse League Rookie of the Year Award is given annually to the top rookie in the National Lacrosse League. The 2003 National Lacrosse League season began on December 27, 2002 and concluded with the championship game on May 3, 2003. Pat "Toole Time" O'Toole (b December 24, 1971 in Toronto, Ontario is a goaltender for the Rochester Knighthawks in the The National Lacrosse League Goaltender of the Year Award is given annually to the best NLL goaltender of the year The 2004 National Lacrosse League season began on December 26, 2003 and concluded with the championship game on May 7, 2004. The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. Andrew Turner (b January 11, 1978 in Beamsville Ontario) is a lacrosse player for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League The Defensive Player of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League player (not goaltenders who is chosen as the best defensive player The 2007 National Lacrosse League season the 21st in the history of the NLL (including the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and Major Indoor Lacrosse League years | Most Valuable Player[10] |
| Ed Comeau | Les Bartley Award[11] | |
| Steve Toll | Transition Player of the Year[12] | |
| John Grant, Jr. The Dodge Nitro National Lacrosse League Most Valuable Player Award is given annually to the NLL player who is considered to have contributed most to his Ed Comeau is the current head coach of the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. The Les Bartley Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League head coach of the year Steve Toll (b June 16, 1974 in St Catharines Ontario) is a lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National The Transition Player of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League player who is chosen as the best transition player | Championship Game MVP[13] |
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For the all-time roster, go here
| Season | Division | W-L | Finish | Home | Road | GF | GA | Head Coach | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 4-4 | 3rd | 3-1 | 1-3 | 97 | 94 | Barry Powless | Lost Championship | |
| 1996 | 6-4 | 4th | 4-1 | 2-3 | 148 | 137 | Barry Powless | Lost in semifinals | |
| 1997 | 5-5 | 4th | 2-3 | 3-2 | 156 | 136 | Barry Powless | Won Championship | |
| 1998 | 6-6 | 3rd | 3-3 | 3-3 | 168 | 159 | Paul Day | Lost in semifinals | |
| 1999 | 8-4 | 3rd | 4-2 | 4-2 | 169 | 160 | Paul Day | Lost Championship | |
| 2000 | 8-4 | 3rd | 5-1 | 3-3 | 187 | 149 | Paul Day | Lost Championship | |
| 2001 | 10-4 | 3rd | 6-1 | 4-3 | 198 | 159 | Paul Day | Lost in semifinals | |
| 2002 | Central | 13-3 | 2nd | 8-0 | 5-3 | 261 | 202 | Paul Day | Lost in semifinals |
| 2003 | Central | 12-4 | 1st | 6-2 | 6-2 | 214 | 173 | Paul Day | Lost Championship |
| 2004 | Eastern | 8-8 | 2nd | 6-2 | 2-6 | 173 | 186 | Paul Day | Lost in Division semifinals |
| 2005 | Eastern | 10-6 | 3rd | 5-3 | 5-3 | 193 | 179 | Paul Day | Lost in Division finals |
| 2006 | Eastern | 9-7 | 2nd | 6-2 | 3-5 | 196 | 180 | Ed Comeau | Lost in Division finals |
| 2007 | Eastern | 14-2 | 1st | 8-0 | 6-2 | 249 | 194 | Ed Comeau | Won Championship |
| 2008 | Eastern | 8-8 | 5th | 4-4 | 4-4 | 197 | 171 | Ed Comeau | Missed playoffs |
| Total | 14 seasons | 121-69 | 70-25 | 51-44 | 2,606 | 2,279 | |||
| Playoff Totals | 12-11 | 5-3 | 7-8 | 284 | 282 |
| Season | Game | Visiting | Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Semifinals | Buffalo 8 | Rochester 10 |
| Championship | Rochester 14 | Philadelphia 15 (OT) | |
| 1996 | Semifinals | Rochester 10 | Buffalo 18 |
| 1997 | Semifinals | Rochester 15 | Philadelphia 13 |
| Championship | Rochester 15 | Buffalo 12 | |
| 1998 | Semifinals | Rochester 14 | Baltimore 15 |
| 1999 | Semifinals | Rochester 14 | Baltimore 12 |
| Championship | Rochester 10 | Toronto 13 | |
| 2000 | Semifinals | Rochester 15 | Buffalo 11 |
| Championship | Rochester 13 | Toronto 14 | |
| 2001 | Semifinals | Rochester 11 | Philadelphia 12 |
| 2002 | Quarterfinals | Vancouver 10 | Rochester 11 |
| Semifinals | Rochester 10 | Albany 14 | |
| 2003 | Semifinals | Buffalo 13 | Rochester 16 |
| Championship | Toronto 8 | Rochester 6 | |
| 2004 | Division Semifinals | Buffalo 13 | Rochester 9 |
| 2005 | Division Semifinals | Rochester 17 | Buffalo 16 |
| Division Finals | Rochester 10 | Toronto 12 | |
| 2006 | Division Semifinals | Rochester 16 | Toronto 8 |
| Division Finals | Buffalo 15 | Rochester 10 | |
| 2007 | Division Semifinals | Toronto 6 | Rochester 10 |
| Division Finals | Buffalo 13 | Rochester 14 (OT) | |
| Championship* | Rochester 13 | Arizona 11 |
*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. Here is the roster of everyone who has played on the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League, or who was placed just on the practice squad including the player's The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995. The 1996 season began on December 30, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 12, 1996. The 1997 season the last as the MILL began on January 4, 1997 and concluded with the championship game on April 12. Before the 1998 season the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League. The 1999 National Lacrosse League season began on December 26, 1998 and concluded with the championship game on April 23, 1999. The 2000 National Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 2000 and concluded with the championship game on May 6, 2000. The 2001 National Lacrosse League season began on December 21, 2000 and concluded with the championship game on April 27, 2001. The 2002 National Lacrosse League season began on November 16, 2001 and concluded with the championship game on April 13, 2002. The 2003 National Lacrosse League season began on December 27, 2002 and concluded with the championship game on May 3, 2003. The 2004 National Lacrosse League season began on December 26, 2003 and concluded with the championship game on May 7, 2004. The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The 2006 National Lacrosse League season was the 20th season in the history of the league which began as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1987 Ed Comeau is the current head coach of the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. The 2007 National Lacrosse League season the 21st in the history of the NLL (including the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and Major Indoor Lacrosse League years 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 The 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 8, 1995. The 1996 season began on December 30, 1995 and concluded with the championship game on April 12, 1996. The 1997 season the last as the MILL began on January 4, 1997 and concluded with the championship game on April 12. Before the 1998 season the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League. The 1999 National Lacrosse League season began on December 26, 1998 and concluded with the championship game on April 23, 1999. The 2000 National Lacrosse League season began on January 7, 2000 and concluded with the championship game on May 6, 2000. The 2001 National Lacrosse League season began on December 21, 2000 and concluded with the championship game on April 27, 2001. The 2002 National Lacrosse League season began on November 16, 2001 and concluded with the championship game on April 13, 2002. The 2003 National Lacrosse League season began on December 27, 2002 and concluded with the championship game on May 3, 2003. The 2004 National Lacrosse League season began on December 26, 2003 and concluded with the championship game on May 7, 2004. The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The 2006 National Lacrosse League season was the 20th season in the history of the league which began as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1987 The 2007 National Lacrosse League season the 21st in the history of the NLL (including the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and Major Indoor Lacrosse League years The Blue Cross Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Rochester New York.
| Preceded by Buffalo Bandits | Major Indoor Lacrosse League Champions 1997 | Succeeded by Philadelphia Wings (NLL) |
| Preceded by Colorado Mammoth | National Lacrosse League Champions 2007 | Succeeded by Buffalo Bandits |