Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Featured Image Photo Credit: David Pickering
It was Super Hero Night in Oshawa on Saturday March 28, 2026, and the Rochester Knighthawks (6-8) headed into Tribute Communities Center, broke open a tight contest in the second half, pulling away for an 18–11 victory over the Oshawa FireWolves (4-11).
Rochester came out strong early, getting on the board first when Taylor Jensen (1g) found the back of the net just over two minutes into the game. Oshawa quickly answered. Ryan Benesch (2g) and Dawson Theede (2g, 2a) capitalized on early offensive chances to take a 2–1 lead. The Knighthawks would respond late in the opening quarter when Connor Fields (2g, 9a) tied things up at 2–2 and set the tone for what would become a standout performance.
The second quarter saw both teams trade blows in a fast-paced stretch. Taggart Clark (2g, 1a) and Benesch helped Oshawa edge ahead, but Rochester continued to answer every push. Goals from Zed Williams (1g, 1a), Fields, and Chad Tutton (1g, 1a) kept the Knighthawks within reach before a late power-play strike from McConvey with 5 seconds on the ticker gave Rochester a narrow 6–5 lead heading into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the game reached its turning point. Oshawa briefly tied the contest at 6–6, but Rochester’s offense exploded midway through the third quarter. Ryan Smith (5g, 3a) took over, scoring three straight in a dominant stretch, while Ryan Lanchbury (1g, 10) added another to cap off a five-goal run that gave the Knighthawks an 11–9 advantage entering the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Rochester left no doubt in the FireWolves fans’ minds that they would continue to dominate on the floor. McConvey led the charge with a scoring surge, finishing multiple key chances, with Smith and Kyle Waters (1g, 1a) adding to the tally. Despite a late effort from Oshawa, including a final goal from Theede with 5:25 remaining, the FireWolves couldn’t keep pace with Rochester’s relentless offense. Final Score: Knighthawks 18—FireWolves 11.
Fields and Lanchbury were instrumental in the win, consistently setting up plays and contributing across the scoresheet, while Smith and McConvey provided the finishing touch with multi-goal performances. Rochester’s efficiency showed in the stats as well, outshooting Oshawa 60–51 and converting on one of two power-play opportunities.
With the win, Rochester improves to 6–8, while Oshawa’s playoff hopes are in the rearview.
STARS OF THE GAME:
Thomas McConvey—Rochester Knighthawks: 6g, 2a
Connor Fields—Rochester Knighthawks: 2g, 9a
Ryan Lanchbury—Rochester Knighthawks: 1g, 10a
Ryan Smith—Rochester Knighthawks: 5g, 3a
GAME STATS:
Rochester Knighthawks—SOG 60; Saves 40; Sv% .784; FO 18-34; PP 1-2; PIM 2
Oshawa FireWolves—SOG 51; Saves 42; Sv% .700; FO 16-34; PP 0-1; PIM 4
NEXT UP:
The Rochester Knighthawks (6-8) will head to Nova Scotia on Saturday April 4, 2026, to face off against the Halifax Thunderbirds (6-9), game time 6:00 p.m. EST. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+, while fans in Canada get to catch the action on TSN+. The game will also be televised on NLL+.
The Oshawa FireWolves (4-11) will head to Scotiabank Saddledome to face the Calgary Roughnecks (4-11) also on Saturday April 4, 2026, game time 9:00 p.m. EST. As neither team has a chance to make the playoffs, they’ll be playing for bragging rights, because the two have a home and home series with Calgary heading east on Saturday April 11, 2026, and each team will want to win the series. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+, while fans in Canada get to catch the action on TSN+. The game will also be televised on NLL+.
Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
