(Rochester, NY)… The first-place Rochester Knighthawks (2-0) battle the Colorado Mammoth (1-2) tonight at 9 p.m. EST at Ball Arena. The new Knighthawks are looking for their first-ever win against Colorado after losing the previous three meetings. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ and NLL+.
The Mammoth made a huge trade this week, sending a bundle of picks to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs for Jack Hannah. The young right-handed forward is a star in both the NLL and field lacrosse.
Last Time Out: The Knighthawks topped the Philadelphia Wings 15-11 in their home opener. Connor Fields got into a groove at Segar & Sciortino Field as he notched five goals and six assists for the highest single-game output of any player this season. Ryan Lanchbury had a regular day in the office, tallying seven assists to lead the team on the night. Rochester’s transition game was powered by Jake Piseno with a hat trick. Rylan Hartley played the first 56:45, while Riley Hutchcraft made four saves in the 3:15 of relief.
First Stars: Despite only playing in two games through the first five weeks of the NLL season, the Knighthawks have done their best to bring eyes to the Flower City. After the season-opener against San Diego, it was Rylan Hartley and his 59-save night, who was the NLL’s first star of Week 3. Following the Knighthawks’ win over the Philadelphia Wings, Connor Fields (11 points) was named the first star of Week 4.
Zed Goes Back West: On Saturday, Zed Williams will make his return to Ball Arena. It will be his first time taking to that turf since Feb. 21, against Las Vegas, when he went out with an injury. In four seasons with the Mammoth, Williams was 19-10 at Ball Arena in the regular season and 3-2 in the playoffs. Williams has been finding his footing both with a new team and after his Achilles injury. In Rochester’s home opener, he scored the first goal of the game and was key in the three-goal run that sealed the win in the third quarter.
Piseno Royale: Jake Piseno played the best game of his young NLL career in the team’s home opener against the Philadelphia Wings. He posted his first career hat trick and an assist while leading the Knighthawks’ transition game. He also led the team and the game in loose-ball recoveries with nine, which is double his average from last season.
Scouting the Mammoth: Colorado is riding a two-game losing streak after suffering a 12-3 loss to the Georgia Swarm on Dec. 27. The dynamic duo of Will Malcolm and Ryan Lee has led the way offensively for Colorado. Malcolm has notched a team-leading 15 points (8+7) in three games, while Lee has collected 13 points (2+11). The Mammoth, who are averaging just over six goals per game, bolstered their offense by acquiring forward Jack Hannah from the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. As part of the deal, Colorado sent Las Vegas a 2026 first-round compensatory pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and a future second-round pick.
Knighthawks Milestone Watch:
• Matt Gilray needs three games to reach 100, and six points to reach the century mark.
• Dan Coates needs 10 assists for 100 in his career.
• Connor Fields needs 13 points for 500 in his career.
• Brad Gillies needs 10 loose-ball recoveries for 500.
• Zed Williams needs 10 points to reach the 300 mark.
Next Game: The Knighthawks wrap up their current two-game road swing in Philadelphia against the Wings on Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m.
Next Home Game: The Knighthawks will battle the rival Buffalo Bandits on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at Segar & Sciortino Field at The Blue Cross Arena. Single-game tickets can be purchased at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office, online at www.rochesterknighthawks.com, or by phone at 585-400-HAWK (4295).