Finn Thomson gave the Rochester Knighthawks an early look at what their No. 1 draft pick can do, scoring three goals and adding two assists Sunday in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bandits. Rochester lost the Nov. 8 exhibition 15-7 at Blue Cross Arena.
The former Syracuse forward arrived in Rochester after being selected first overall in the 2026 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft on Sept. 24. His resume already included scoring titles in junior box lacrosse and a productive college career.
“It was a lot of fun getting my feet wet out there and scoring a couple,” Thomson said after the game.
Finn Thomson Leads Rochester Against Buffalo
Rochester rested several established offensive players, including Connor Fields, Ryan Lanchbury, Zed Williams and Thomas McConvey. Thomson contributed to five of the Knighthawks’ seven goals, while Blaze Riorden scored twice in the first quarter.
Coach Troy Cordingley said the lineup was designed to give the staff a closer look at players competing in camp. The result came with that evaluation context, rather than a full-strength Rochester lineup. Rochester Knighthawks
The Knighthawks entered camp with 34 players and must reduce that group to 21 active players and four practice squad players before the regular season. For Thomson, the remaining exhibitions offer opportunities to build on his introduction and develop chemistry within the offense.
Why Rochester Selected Finn Thomson No. 1
Thomson brought extensive box lacrosse experience to the draft. He finished his Mimico Mountaineers career with a franchise-record 511 points across regular-season and playoff games, totaling 206 goals and 305 assists. He led the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in scoring in both 2022 and 2023. Rochester Knighthawks
He also earned Major Series Lacrosse Rookie of the Year honors with the Brampton Excelsiors in 2025 after recording 18 goals and 22 assists in nine games.
At Syracuse, Thomson was a four-year starter and a team captain in 2026. He completed his college career with 111 goals and 48 assists, including a team-leading 45 goals during his senior season. Syracuse University Athletics
“Finn is an incredible talent. He’s a versatile player who can play with and without the ball,” Knighthawks president and general manager Dan Carey said when Rochester drafted Thomson.
What Is Next For The Rochester Knighthawks?
Rochester visits the Oshawa FireWolves on Nov. 14 before completing its preseason against the San Diego Seals on Nov. 21. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Rochester Knighthawks
The Knighthawks open the 2026-27 regular season against the Halifax Thunderbirds on Nov. 28 at Blue Cross Arena, also at 7 p.m. ET. Thomson’s first regular-season opportunity remains ahead, but his opening exhibition supplied an encouraging starting point.
How To Watch The NLL In The 2026-27 NLL Season
Fans can watch the 2026-27 National Lacrosse League season on FloLacrosse and the FloSports app.
FloLacrosse is the streaming home of the NLL, providing coverage throughout the regular season and playoffs.
FloLacrosse Archived Footage
Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloLacrosse subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.
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