The Rochester Knighthawks have found comfort this season within the cozy confines of Segar & Sciortino Field at The Blue Cross Arena, going a perfect 4-0 through their first four games on home turf.
“I think, the comfort of being at home, you’re in your own locker room, the mindset that they have coming in is definitely important,” explained Knighthawks general manager Dan Carey when asked why his team was seeing success at home this season.
Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen echoed Carey.
“We like being here, especially this year we’re getting some success playing in this building and we want to continue that,” said Hasen. “Having that same routine and that same normalcy when we come back home is good for our group.”
ROCHESTER, New York, USA – FEBRUARY 11: Rochester Knighthawks v Halifax Thunderbirds February 11, 2023 in Rochester, New York, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/ Rochester Knighthawks)
The comfort at home is evident for Rochester.
So far at home this season, the Knighthawks, who are one of just two teams to remain unbeaten at home, have taken on three Eastern Conference opponents and the Panther City Lacrosse Club from the West. In those four games, the Knighthawks have scored 59 of their 117 goals on the season on 210 shots while giving up just 42 goals-against at The Blue Cross Arena.
Additionally, the Knighthawks are 7-for-15 on the power-play at home, while successfully killing off 12-of-17 penalties they’ve faced.
And at the end of the day, it doesn’t hurt that the Knighthawks have one of the best and most devoted fanbases in the league.
ROCHESTER, New York, USA – FEBRUARY 11: Rochester Knighthawks v Halifax Thunderbirds February 11, 2023 in Rochester, New York, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/ Rochester Knighthawks)
“Our fans give us a big boost. We have such a great fan base here that’s committed to us and gives that extra kind of jolt that you need. It’s a fun place to play and our guys just feel comfortable and at home here.”
It’ll be nice for the team to return home after a bye week last week to kick off its second half of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Knighthawks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. against the New York Riptide at Segar & Sciortino Field at The Blue Cross Arena. The matchup will be the second and final meeting between the intrastate rivals this season and will be carried live on Big 107.3 FM as well as ESPN+.
