When looking back at the Rochester Knighthawks’ 2021-22 campaign, there were some lows and a lot of highs. However, a bright spot for the team was most definitely the comeback of forward Thomas Hoggarth.
After missing the 2019-20 campaign with an injury, Hoggarth made a case as to why he’s so valuable to this Rochester and why he’s such an offensive threat. Here’s a closer look at Hoggarth’s top three moments from this past season.
THE CALM BEFORE THE COMEBACK
After a knee injury that kept him out of the 2019-20 campaign, Hoggarth hadn’t played in a game in the National Lacrosse League for over two years prior to the 2021-22 season. No matter the wait though, Hoggarth said that the ample time away from the game was better in the long run.
“I think being injured in 2019 and then having such a long break was kind of good for me because I was able to sit back, relax and work on my knee and was able to come into camp comfortable instead of trying to push myself into an awkward position in my first year in Rochester.”
Hoggarth proved just how good the time off served him as he was one of the Knighthawks most consistent point-getters throughout the course of the year.
WATCH: THOMAS HOGGARTH YEAR-END INTERVIEW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ3bQ6wYft0
CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Over 16 games, Hoggarth went on to register 40 points on 25 goals and 15 assists. Hoggarth’s 40 points were good for sixth on the team as the season came to an end, and his 25 goals were good enough for third on the team.
Hoggarth admitted that confidence was a key factor in the offensive success he saw this season.
“I think off the start is just more about confidence. It was just the plays we had in place and it was just more that everyone was doing their role. I ended up playing my role as well, which was kind of the dirty areas, and I just felt the ball fell for me this year.”
FIVE-GOAL AFFAIR
On March 12 against the New York Riptide, Hoggarth had himself a five-goal night.
Hoggarth’s career-high, five-goal effort tied a single-game franchise record originally set by fellow Knighthawks forward Holden Cattoni during the team’s inaugural campaign in 2019-20. Four of Hoggarth’s five goals came within the second quarter, while Hoggarth picked up his fourth multi-goal effort of the season. Additionally, his third goal of the night in the 15-12 loss to the Riptide served as his 100th pro point in the NLL.
Remember that time when Thomas Hoggarth scored FIVE GOALS in a single game?
Which goal was your favorite?! pic.twitter.com/5PHKnUowCW
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) June 17, 2022