ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Knighthawks were defeated by the Buffalo Bandits by a score of 12-8 at Blue Cross Arena Saturday night. It was Rochester's first home game of the season, in addition to being the first home game since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Both teams came into this Week 2 matchup with a record of 1-0.
Both teams had plenty of chances in the first quarter, with the shots being about even. Buffalo goaltender Matt Vinc stood tall, turning away all Rochester shots in the quarter, while his team put three past Knighthawks goaltender Evan Kirk. In the second quarter, Rochester roared back, led by a natural hat trick from Chris Knight. With the game even at three goals apiece, the Knighthawks would break the tie with just four seconds left in the quarter on a goal from Holden Cattoni. Cattoni would end up finishing the game joining Knight in the hat trick column. Rochester led 4-3 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Rochester goals bookend a three-goal run by Buffalo, leading to the score being tied at 6-6. The Knighthawks struck to take a one goal lead on the power play off the stick of Cattoni once again. The Bandits would respond with an explosion of offense, scoring six unanswered goals and putting the game beyond Rochester's reach. Connor Fields completed a dominant night, scoring four goals and two assists for a total of six points. Buffalo claimed the victory 12-8, improving to 2-0 on the season, while Rochester falls to 1-1. The Knighthawks take to the field next on December 18th as they take on the Albany Firewolves on the road.
PHOTO CREDIT - Micheline V/ Rochester Knighthawks