Rock Ground Knighthawks With 14-11 Win

ROCK WIN SECOND STRAIGHT ROAD GAME

Toronto Defeats Rochester 14-11

Rochester, NY – The Toronto Rock (2-1) won their second straight road game by defeating the Rochester Knighthawks (0-3) by a score of 14-11on Saturday night at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY.  Toronto started well and cruised to victory after building a six-goal lead in the third quarter.

“It was a good result,” said Rock Head Coach Matt Sawyer.  “I thought the number on the board was a little unflattering for the way our defence and goaltending played, but that’s the game of lacrosse.  We’ve cranked it up a notch back there with our pressure and getting on hands and playing more physical.”

The Rock built an early 2-0 lead that they carried for the bulk of the quarter before Rochester got on the board.  Rob Hellyer’s second of the quarter gave the visitors a 3-1 lead but the Knighthawks rallied for a goal in the final minute of the opening frame, making the score 3-2 Toronto after one.

Rochester tied the game early in the second quarter, but it was all Rock from there.  Zach Manns connected off a rebound, Hellyer ripped a low shot for his third of the game and Tom Schreiber rifled home a long-range shot to give the Rock a 6-3 lead at the half.

The Rock came out firing, pushing their lead to 9-3 before the third quarter was four minutes old.  When the Knighthawks finally got on the scoresheet again, Rose had held the home team without a goal for 16:35.  The Knighthawks tallied again right away to make it 9-5, but the Rock would go on another three-goal run to lead 12-5.  Rochester scored twice more before the end of the quarter, making the score 12-7 through 45 minutes.

On the Rock’s tenth goal, Rochester goalie Steve Fryer appeared to injure his leg and left the game.  Craig Wende replaced him in the Knighthawks’ goal, only to allow two goals on the first two shots he faced.

The Knighthawks narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter to 13-10 in the late going, but Rock Captain Challen Rogers scored into an empty net to seal the win with 1:19 to play.  Rochester scored one more in the final minute.

Dan Dawson led the point-parade with a goal and six assists for a seven-point night.  Hellyer and Dan Craig each scored four goals, Manns and Schreiber each chipped in a pair.  Rogers tallied once.

“I don’t think it was one of our cleanest wins, but the guys were working hard, and it was a gritty win, from the offence and the defence.  It was a good win for us,” said Rock defender Brad Kri who had a big game with five caused turnovers and 12 loose balls.

The Rock will now have another bye week before returning to the floor to face the same Rochester Knighthawks, this time at home, on Sat., Jan. 11 at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET.

For more information on Toronto Rock tickets, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive at 416-596-3075 or visit torontorock.com.