Rock Comeback Falls Short In 9-8 Loss To Rochester

Hickey Scores Four Times In Return To The Lineup

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Rock (2-1) battled back from an 8-4 second half deficit only to come up just short, losing 9-8 to the Rochester Knighthawks (2-2) on Saturday night at Air Canada Centre in front of over 10,000 fans.

Rochester jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on goals from Jarrett Davis, Josh Currier and Brad Gillies, but a pair of Rock goals from the returning Brett Hickey, including one on a power play, cut the lead by the end of the first quarter.

Tom Schreiber tied the game 1:01 into the second quarter on the man advantage but the Knighthawks jumped back into the game with four in a row from Ian Llord, Kyle Jackson and two from Joe Resetarits. Hickey completed his hat trick with another power play goal at 11:07.

The third quarter was quiet as each team only tallied once. Resetarits completed his hat trick while Schreiber, from his knees, beat Matt Vinc to bring the Rock back to 8-5. The Rock defence was solid in the quarter allowing only five shots on goal.

The Rock made it a game in the fourth quarter. Stephan Leblanc, with his first of the season, traded goals with Jackson before Kasey Beirnes and Hickey pulled the Rock to within a goal at 9-8. The Rock had a chance to tie the game in the late going with a too many men call to the Knighthawks but couldn’t beat Vinc.

Leblanc saw his first action of the season and in addition to his goal, had three assists. Hickey scored four goals after missing the Rock’s win over Saskatchewan two weeks ago.

Toronto was 3-for-5 on the power play while Rochester was 1-for-2 with the man advantage.

The Rock won’t have much time to regroup as they will host the Buffalo Bandits on Friday, February 3 at Air Canada Centre on Country Night. Tickets are on sale now at torontorock.com or by calling 416-596-3075.