By CRAIG POTTER
The Bandits hold on for a 16-14 victory as the Hawks drop their 5th straight game.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Knighthawks lost their fifth consecutive game Saturday night, 16-14, against the Buffalo Bandits on the Connors & Ferris Field before 9,425 spectators at the Blue Cross Arena on Military Appreciation Night.
Fans were able to bid on game-worn, military-themed jerseys worn by both teams. Each Knighthawks jersey also sported a special patch, representing a specific member of the military who was deployed overseas.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us,” said Knighthawks forward Cory Vitarelli. “It’s a privilege and honor because people sacrifice their lives and put their lives on the line for their country and the good life we live. For us to have the opportunity to wear them is awesome and special, and to have the patch that’s more specific is something you enjoy wearing. It brings a lot of pride.”
The game was tight through three quarters with 6 ties and 5 lead changes.
Former Rochester Rattler Dhane Smith scored twice within 52 seconds, the first on a power play that put the Bandits ahead to stay at 11-10. Smith finished with 3 goals and 7 assists to pace Buffalo with 10 points.
The Knighthawks struggled offensively as both Cody Jamieson and Dan Dawson were held without a goal. Jamieson had 4 assists and Dawson 2 assists.
Vitarelli led the offense with 4 goals as Joe Resetarits contributed 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points. Graeme Hossack and and Kyle Jackson each collected 2 goals and 1 assist.
“We believe in ourselves and we know we’re right there, so we’ve just got to continue to work toward it,” said Vitarelli. “It’s a fine line between winning and losing, and we’ve just got to find that line.”
“We’ve got to get back to work,” Jamieson added. “Everybody is working hard, but we’re just not getting the result that we’re looking for. We’ve just got to win.”
Other goal scorers for the Knighthawks were Brad Gillies, Austin Shanks, Jake Withers, and Luc Magnan.
Josh Byrne tallied 6 points for the Bandits with 5 goals and 1 assist. Callum Crawford chipped in 2 goals and 5 assists for the visitors from the Queen City.
Rochester dropped to 2-5 and is in last place in the NLL Eastern Conference. Buffalo improved to 4-3, tied with the Toronto Rock as both teams are a half-game behind leader New England Black Wolves (4-2).
*NOTES – The Knighthawks will be home again on Saturday, Feb. 10 when they take on the Toronto Rock at 8 pm at the BCA…The Knighthawks then travel to Georgia to take on the Swarm at 5:05 pm Sunday, Feb. 11…With his 4 goals, Cory Vitarelli passed Tim Soudan, who was in attendance, for sixth place on the team’s all-time scoring list. Soudan also was the final coach of the MLL Rochester Rattlers, who relocated to Dallas following last season. He resigned as coach to spend more time with his family.
Links
Rochester Knighthawks – knighthawks.com
Videos
Cory Vitarelli pp goal – https://youtu.be/XFltvGXfoXQ
Kyle Jackson pp goal – https://youtu.be/YwCMo3mIwHs
Matt Vinc save – https://youtu.be/_ZVk8-Fsh9A
National Anthem – https://youtu.be/sNNDQ7AnI5k