(October 27, 2012)… The defending champion Rochester Knighthawks were back on the turf for the first time since they hoisted the Cup on May 19th. The Knighthawks hosted Day One of their annual Open Tryouts at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena Friday in Hagersville, Ontario.

“It does feel like a long time,” said Rochester Head Coach Mike Hasen about his last time on the floor with the Knighthawks. “I am have been chopping at the bit to get back.”

The Tryouts have produced Tyler Burton and Jamie Batson over the past two years. They are just two of the lacrosse players that used the Rochester Knighthawks Open Tryouts to launch their professional lacrosse careers. The defensemen went from undrafted free agents to members of the 2012 World Champions.

“Dreams do come true,” said Knighthawks Owner and General Manager Curt Styres to the 20 players. “It is what you make of the opportunity.”

The next crop of Knighthawk hopefuls began their workouts on Friday with fitness testing, shooting and passing drills, and four-on-four and three-on-three scrimmages. The three-hour session kicked off the first of two straight days of tryouts. The second day will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mike Hasen recaps Day One of Tryouts

The roster included four of the Knighthawks draft picks with Cody McLeod, Cody Hawkins, Matt Hummel and Chris Attwood getting their first action. National Lacrosse League veterans Chris Courtney and Ian Llord also worked out with the Knighthawks.

“I liked the pace,” said Rochester sixth-round pick Cody McLeod. “I can get better as a whole and work a little bit harder. I tried to prove myself.”

Click here for full Cody McLeod Interview

Rochester will begin its title defense on the road to open the 2013 season. The World Champions will open their 19th season against the Washington Stealth at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 5th. The Knighthawks will play their home opener on Saturday, January 19th against the rival Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. Season tickets are currently on sale at the Knighthawks Office and can be purchased by calling (585) 454-HAWK (4295).