The Rochester Knighthawks look to go undefeated in exhibition play when they host the New York Riptide Saturday evening in their final tune-up at Segar & Sciortino Field at The Blue Cross Arena.
Rochester already owns wins over Buffalo (12-11) and Georgia (10-9), with both victories coming on the road. The Knighthawks host New York, who comes in with a 1-1 mark, having split a pair of preseason games against Albany.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
It’s a good thing that the Knighthawks enter camp looking like a stronger team than last year’s, but the caveat to that is the competition it creates within the dressing room.
“Guys have been competing for a month,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “The message here tonight is it still doesn’t stop. We need to compete here tonight against New York, but we also have to compete internally against ourselves because I think we are a bit deeper this time around. If you want to stay in this lineup, you have to perform.”
“It just makes you want to go harder,” said forward Ryan Smith. “That’s kind of the point of camp is to put it all out there. No one has a secure roster spot going into the season, so when you see guys battling and see how hard they work away from the field to come in and battle for a roster spot, it makes you want to compete that much harder.”
NEXT STEP FOR SMITH
Smith finished third on the Hawks in scoring with 75 points last season (33+42). The power forward is looking to take an even bigger step in year three.
“To me, it’s just going out and playing my game and just going hard every single shift no matter what. I thought my play-making took a step-up last year, but we have a ton of goals to replace with losing some guys. There’s a lot of shots and goals up for grabs, so there’s just a combined effort to make up those goals.”
“It’s been really good,” said Hasen when asked about Smith’s play. “Smitty (Smith) is a guy who earlier today in our meetings was vocal and communicating what he says, but at the same time he goes and backs it up on the floor. Smitty’s going to take that next step and that’s what we need him to do here in year three.”
HARTLEY COMING OUT OF HIS SHELL
Goaltender Rylan Hartley has seen his workload increase with each passing season. He went from 10 games and 453 minutes in goal in 2022, to appearing in all 18 regular season games and spending over 1,000 minutes in the crease last campaign. He’s joined by fellow returnee, Riley Hutchcraft, whom he credits for helping him grow on and off the floor.
“I’m coming out of my younger shell, I guess,” said Hartley. “I’m stuck in my ways and a pretty superstitious guy that likes to stick to things that I found have worked, but having Riley Hutchcraft come here has been a massive part of what’s helped me open up. He’s exposed me to things I’ve never seen before. He’s a really great X’s and O’s guy and I was more tunnel visioned when I play, so sitting down with him and showing me things on the iPad and explaining things about how systems are working. That has opened myself up to another level to the game.”
CAMP CHECK-IN
A 2-0 mark in scrimmage, coupled with the push to the playoffs last year, has Knighthawks players and staff alike feeling positive going into the new season. That feeling has been reassured as training camp has progressed.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” said Hasen. “Everybody understands what we’re about now. New guys have been here for about a month, so they’re no longer new. Guys are starting to buy in and realize what we want to do here.”
The vibes? Absolutely immaculate. pic.twitter.com/KgGrseEL6y
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) November 25, 2023
“I think we focus each week on getting better,” said last year’s leading scorer, Connor Fields. “I really feel like there’s a lot of excitement around the locker room and each day together is a step forward. I think everyone’s really happy with where we’re at. The sky’s the limit.”
“It’s been fun just getting to be back with all the guys,” said Smith. “Nothing beats being in that locker room.”
We’re SO back. pic.twitter.com/tPzjEKxiFl
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) November 25, 2023
“This team’s seen a lot of changes, but I think we’re coming along well,” said Hartley. “The guys in the room look great. What I see at our practices is a lot of promise. Everybody is on the same page. We’re talking to each other and we’re sticking to what we want to do. The guys are ready to go.”