A packed house saw a thrilling final as the Rochester Knighthawks held off the Washington Stealth 11-10 to capture the National Lacrosse League's Champion's Cup.
The NLL title game was played at the 91原创 Events Centre in front of a capacity crowd of 5,200 on Saturday afternoon.
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The title was the second consecutive championship for the Knighthawks, while the Stealth were in the championship game for the third time in four years and were looking for their second title.
"It was worth the ticket," said Rochester head coach Mike Hasen.
"It was a great game back and forth, offensive in the first half, defensive in the second half.
"It's great to be a part of."
"You couldn't ask for a more exciting game," added Stealth head coach Chris Hall.
"It was a great game to watch and was played by two awfully good teams.
"Both teams have known since the beginning of this week that it was likely going to be a one-goal game today."
The Knighthawks led 5-2 after one quarter before the Stealth cut the lead to 10-7 at the half.
Both teams tightened up defensively in the second half and by the end of the third quarter, Washington trailed by just a goal, 10-9.
"Three goals behind; we've made some great comebacks this year but our luck just ran out," said Stealth goaltender Tyler Richardson, who raced 49 Rochester shots.
"We got away from what we are successful at, which is our defence."
Rochester was led by Cody Jamieson, who had three goals and five points, while Dan Dawson had a goal and four assists.
Jamieson earned game MVP honours, despite battling an injured ankle.
"At the start of the game in warm-ups it was hurting," he said.
"(But) once you get in the game, adrenaline just takes and you forget about it."
Goaltender Matt Vinc made 39 saves for the Knighthawks, including denying a Stealth chance with less than 20 seconds remaining.
"That final minute (goaltending coach Pat O'Toole) just said for me to stay relaxed," Vinc said.
"You (try) to stay relaxed, but it's almost a blur; you're kind of just reacting out there.
"You're bouncing, your adrenalin is pumping, and you're ready to go.
"There is no other feeling, that last minute of the game in the championship."
Washington was led by Brett Bucktooth (one goal, four assists) and Rhys Duch (three goals, one assist).
It was the tale of two great goaltenders," Hall said.
"Two great defences and two great lacrosse teams, and in the end we had our chances to tie and get ahead and we didn't."
鈥� with files from www.nll.com.
