Saturday night the Rochester Knighthawks hosted the Georgia Swarm in preseason lacrosse action. Once again, usually the talk will be about what players stood out, what rookie is excelling on the floor.
But on this night the buzz going around the arena was all about Army Sergeant Jesse Fuller. Sgt. Fuller has been away from his family since February when he was deployed to Kuwait with the Army National Guard. The surprise was for his three kids, Garrett, Keira and Ella. Sgt. Fuller’s wife Karen arranged the reunion with the Knighthawk office. While Jesse was away, Karen and the kids attended a playoff game and were hooked on the game.
The time has arrived for the ceremonial faceoff. The two captains come to the faceoff dot, only for the Knighthawks, it wasn’t a captain, it was a Sergeant Fuller dressed in full Knighthawk uniform. As the ball was placed on the floor, Sgt. Fuller turned to his three kids and said “Dad’s Home.” A roar came from the crowd as the 9,688 rose to their feet to give Sgt Fuller a standing ovation.
Oh, there was a game by the way. Unfortunately the fans weren’t cheering this outcome as the Georgia Swarm held on for a 12-11 preseason victory. Jesse King, Joe Maracle and Shayne Jackson scored two goals each to lead the attack. Zach Higgins, Brodie MacDonald and Grant Crawley shared the goaltending duties, with Crawley getting the victory. Crawley came in the game with about seven minutes anad made some crucial saves including one at the end to seal the victory. MacDonald and Higgins also played well, as all three made a viable bid to make the active roster.
For the Knighthawks, Jordan Hall finished with three goals, four assists, Cory Vitarelli with two goals, two assists and Joe Resetarits with one goal, three assists.
The crowd of 9,688 was admitted free to the game as owner Curt Styres has done this the past few years. Fans attending the game could sit anywhere they wanted. Seats that are available for season ticket purchase had signs on them so fans who wished to purchase the seat can see what the view was like.
The Knighthawks open the 2016 campaign on January 9 as the host the Colorado Mammoth 7:30 pm.
The Swarm open their season on January 1 as they visit Colorado 9:30 pm, then on January 9 they return for the home opener versus the Toronto Rock at 7:05 pm.
We all see the videos of our returning troops coming home to their loved ones. Tears of joy flow as they are reunited, and tears flow for the safe return. But Saturday night was a surreal moment as I was able to witness a soldier reunited with his wife and three children. Below is the link of the ceremonial faceoff and reunion.
Thank You Sgt. Jesse Fuller.
