Rochester, NY – In their second game in two days, the Albany FireWolves (10-3) fell to the Rochester Knighthawks (5-6) at Blue Cross Arena by a score of 18-12 as they finished their double header 1-1. The game was close as it went into halftime tied at 9-9, but the Knighthawks would go on several scoring runs to pull away in the second half as the FireWolves ran out of gas.
Albany was led by Tye Kurtz (5 pts – 3g, 2a), Alex Simmons (5 pts – 2g, 3a), and Ethan Walker (5 pts – 1g, 4a) as the offense clicked early on. Scoring was rounded out by Sam Firth (4pts – 3g, 1a), Travis Longboat (4 pts – 1g, 3a), Marshall Powless (4pts – 1g, 3a), and Jackson Nishimura (2pts – 1g, 1a). Joe Nardella had another big game with 26 faceoff wins. Justin Geddie started the game in net but would be replaced by Doug Jamieson in the second quarter as the two finished the game with a combined 33 saves.
The game started with the Knighthawks scoring the first two goals, but Kurtz would answer with the FireWolves first goal off a rebound to make it 2-1. Rochester used their fresh legs to then go on a three-goal run to extend their lead to 5-1. Albany would start to get back into their groove as they got goals from Longboat and Powless to make it 5-3. The Knighthawks would score again, but Firth would fire a shot in for the FireWolves as the first quarter ended with a score of 6-4.
The second quarter saw back and forth action from both teams as they pushed the ball in transition and found gaps in the defenses. Rochester would score to start the quarter then Kurtz would score again, but it was immediately followed by another Knighthawks goal to bring the score to 8-5. The FireWolves would make a big push in the middle of the quarter with a four-goal run. Nishimura capitalized on a breakaway, Kurtz dunked from behind the net, Walker fired in a low shot, and Firth finished on the power play to give Albany the lead at 9-8. The Knighthawks would sneak a goal in with one minute left to bring to a 9-9 stalemate at halftime.
The second half saw fatigue begin to set in for the FireWolves despite them getting great scoring chances and the defense holding their ground for big stretches of the game. The Knighthawks started the third quarter scoring with a goal four minutes in and Albany would then find itself on the penalty kill. Simmons was able to find space and tuck in a shorthanded goal to tie the game back up at 10-10. Penalties continued to be an issue for the FireWolves as Rochester capitalized on their opportunities and scored two power play goals and another at even strength to take their lead back at 13-10 to end the third quarter.
With their backs against the wall, the FireWolves needed to empty their gas tanks to try and pull out their second game in 24 hours. They would get a spark as Mike Byrne blocked a shot, picked up the loose ball, and fired a pass to Firth who buried the shot to bring the score close at 13-11. However, Rochester started to click on offense as they went on a deflating five-goal run as the FireWolves were not able to find an answer for the dynamic Knighthawks shooters. Simmons would score again with two seconds left, but the game would end 18-12 as Albany’s recent winning streak came to an end.
Next up for the 10-3 Albany FireWolves is a rematch with the Rochester Knighthawks back at MVP Arena for the completion of this home and home series and a chance for revenge.
Join the Albany FireWolves at MVP Arena on Saturday, March 16 for a St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration and $3 beers! Get your tickets now at www.AlbanyFireWolves.com or call/text the FireWolves front office at 518-362-4900.
About Albany FireWolves
The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League out of the MVP Arena in downtown Albany, NY. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or visit AlbanyFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbFireWolves, Twitter @AlbFireWolves, and Instagram @AlbFireWolves.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About MVP Arena
MVP Arena is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, MVP Arena opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League, the Albany Empire of the National Arena League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/
