TORONTO GETS THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON 2/19/16
By: Michael King, Beat Writer Toronto Rock
The Toronto Rock (1-6) hosted their Eastern Division rivals the Buffalo Bandits (4-4) on Friday February 19 at Air Canada Centre. The 7,837 die hard Rock fans were hoping to see their team come out with the first victory of the season and they got to see it firsthand. Final Score: Toronto 14—Buffalo 12.
In goal for the Rock was back-up net minder Nick Rose; and for the Bandits it was David DiRuscio. It was a slow start in the first quarter for the Rock while the Bandits scored two goals, when Anthony Malcolm would score only 22 seconds in, followed up by Dhane Smith at 1:18 on a power play goal. For the remaining 13 minutes of play there would be no points put on the board from either team. Although the Rock had an abundance of chances to score they were unable to capitalize due to the phenomenal goal tending by DiRuscio. For the fans the quarter was as frustrating as it was for the players. Buffalo would lead 2-0 at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw more action with the Rock scoring four unanswered goals. Kasey Beirnes would score on a power play goal; followed by three more unanswered goals from Jesse Gamble; Stephan Leblanc and Rob Hellyer. Those goals were a great boost for the Rock’s energy at this point in the game. After the Rock’s run the Bandits decided it was time to mix it up, and went on a four goal run with two from Ryan Benesch; and two more from Dhane Smith giving him a hat trick in the first half. However, the second quarter wasn’t over for the Rock when Leblanc scored a last minute goal to end the first half. Buffalo would still lead by the score of 6-5.
Toronto came out in the second half with offensive fire power scoring the first goal of the period by Beirnes to tie the game 6-6. The next goal would come from Buffalo with Daryl Veltman hitting net off an amazing play at 6:49. The Rock immediately answered back with two straight from Dan Lintner. The Rock had the lead for less than 60 seconds when Benesch would score again giving him the hat trick; followed by Smith nine seconds later, giving him his fourth on the night for the Bandits. The Bandits two goal run was ended by Hellyer a little over 30 seconds later with the last goal of the quarter to tie the game at 9-9.
The fourth began with a power play goal by Bandits forward Mark Steenhuis giving them the lead again. But Toronto wasn’t going to give up, when Beirnes would get his third of the night and the hat trick. Malcolm would score his second of the night for Buffalo less than 20 seconds later. Toronto kicked it in gear and went on with four unanswered goals the first by Team Captain Colin Boyle; Hellyer with the hat trick; and Josh Sanderson with the power play. To cap off Toronto’s scoring streak even the Goalie Nick Rose scored an end to end empty netter at 13:43 which put the Rock up by two. The Bandits tried to for the comeback but only managed to score one coming from Alexander-Kedoh Hill with only eight seconds remaining. The Rock would hold on for their first win of the season. Final Toronto 14—Buffalo 12.
Next Saturday February 27, Toronto (1-6) will host the Rochester Knighthawks (3-3) at the Air Canada Centre. Will the cards be in favor of the Rock and they can come away with another win? Rock fans are keeping their fingers crossed.
Michael King, Beat Writer Toronto Rock
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