The Rochester Knighthawks defensive core was outstanding this season and that’s all thanks to players like defenseman Tyler Biles who appeared in every game for the Knighthawks this year. While Biles was known as more of an agitator to other teams, he really began to find his stride by the end of the season on the other side of the floor as well.
From first goals to five-minute majors, let’s take a look at Biles’ top three moments from the 2021-22 campaign.
BECOMING THE GUY THAT TEAMS LOVE TO HATE
Over the course of 18 games, Biles managed to rack up 61 penalty minutes, which was good for second on the team in that category. It seemed that Biles came into the 2021-22 season ready to earn a starting spot with the edge that he could bring on the floor.
“Well, I think I played the game with an edge and, you know, I crossed a line here and there. So sometimes you have to answer the bell for that and, I mean, I don’t mind doing that,” said Biles when asked why he played the game a little feisty this season. “I think it’s just part of my game and something I don’t mind doing.”
Tyler Biles brought the energy and grit to the lineup this season. pic.twitter.com/TFMnQpn0Gw
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) June 21, 2022
This has always been the way that Biles knows how to play. With an edge, getting into fights and he doesn’t mind being known as the agitator on the squad.
Rochester Knighthawks v Buffalo Bandits :: 12.11.21 :: Photo By Micheline V
OUT FROM THE START
Speaking of playing physical, there was one game in particular that Biles was noticeably ramped up from the get-go.
On March 26 against the Philadelphia Wings, Biles wasted no time turning it up a notch. Literally 18 seconds into the contest and Biles was immediately removed from the game for his confrontation with Wings forward Ben McIntosh.
We simply do not recommend making Tyler Biles angry. pic.twitter.com/JB75wsDXDE
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) June 21, 2022
The altercation took place right after opening face-off, presumably stemming from an incident in the previous meeting between the two teams back in January. McIntosh chose not to engage Biles, resulting in the latter receiving a five-minute major as well as a game misconduct for being the aggressor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39pX6h862tQ
THAT FIRST GOAL FEELING
Being a defenseman in the NLL, goals are pretty few and far between for players like Biles. However, that offensive drought ended when Biles netted that elusive first pro goal on April 22 against the Calgary Roughnecks.
“Just like Paul Dawson will tell you, he created a nice turnover and, you know, the ball was right there for me,” stated Biles when asked how his first goal in the NLL came to fruition. “It’s kind of funny. That’s not really something I’m known for scoring goals, right? So, it’s kind of in the back of your head always like, you know, when’s it going to come? Is it going to come? So yeah, it was definitely nice to kind of get that one out of the way kind of early in my career.”
The goal 🤩 pic.twitter.com/L2WIbaNikJ
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) June 21, 2022
Lucky for Biles, he’s still got a lot of career left to tally a couple more markers in this league.
