Despite high pre-season expectations, the Rochester Knighthawks currently post a winless record after losing their home opener to eastern conference rival Buffalo Bandits.
Shawn Williams led the Bandits to victory with an 8 point performance. The veteran has been solid since being acquired by Buffalo in the off-season and leads the team with 15 points in three games. Dhane Smith continued his stand out rookie campaign with a 4 point evening. The Kitchener native trails Williams in the Bandits scoring race with 10 points.
Aaron Wilson is another new Bandit who performed in the win, posting 2 goals and 2 assists against Rochester. While only registering one point on the evening, Tracey Kelusky’s behind the back goal with 11 seconds left in regulation proved the game winner for Buffalo.
For the Knighthawks, Casey Powell impressed in his season debut with a 6 point night. Syracuse alumni Stephen Keogh scored a hat trick en route to a 5 point night. Keogh and Corey Vitarelli lead the Knighthawks in the goals column with 4. Vitarelli had 1 goal and 2 assists versus the Bandits.
After being pulled in his first two starts of the 2013 season, Bandits goalie Anthony Cosmo denied 34 of 47 shots in the victory. Rochester tender Matt Vinc posted 37 saves in the loss.
Rochester will look to gain their first win of the season versus the Toronto Rock next week at Blue Cross Arena, while the Bandits host the undefeated Philadelphia Wings.
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