The excitement of the 2012 National Lacrosse League Championship Game revealed itself in many forms the night Rochester won its third Champion’s Cup. Some danced, while others gave high-fives; some cried, and others rang the bell pole.

Affee Einbinder and her husband, Andrew, were among the rowdy fans who rang the bell pole, a make-shift noise maker constructed by duct-taping bells to a broomstick.

“By the end of the first quarter, we were all hugging, high-fiving and taking turns shaking the bell pole with each great Knighthawks’ play or goal. The fans really made an exciting game that much more fun and exciting,” said Affee. “Being part of sports history in The Blue Cross Arena, when the Knighthawks won the 2012 NLL World Championship, is a thrill I will not forget. But the memory of cheering on the Knighthawks, and shaking the bell pole with those crazy fans, is really my best ‘Championship Moment’.”

Einbinder will have the opportunity to watch all the games this season as the winner of the Rochester Knighthawks’ “Championship Moment” Contest. She will receive a pair of season tickets to watch the Knighthawks defend their 2012 National Lacrosse League Championship, as well as a Championship hat.
“I am so happy. You made my day,” she said. “I love our Knighthawks and have always supported them.”

Einbinder has been a supporter of local lacrosse for over 20 years. In 1988-89, she would drive to Syracuse University to watch Paul and Gary Gait play in the Carrier Dome. In 1995, professional indoor lacrosse arrived in her hometown with the founding of the Rochester Knighthawks.

“I was thrilled when the Knighthawks came to town (in 1995),” she said. “I use to watch Paul and Gary, and then I got to see them play in Rochester.”
The Knighthawks launched their “Championship Moment” Contest in mid-August to select the top fan story from the 2012 title game. Fans were asked to submit an inspiring story from the Knighthawks’ 9-6 win over the Edmonton Rush. Einbinder, who attends three to four games per season, knew she had to come to the Championship Game.

“History! Sports History in my hometown,” she said was her motivation to come to the arena that night. “Plus, I love the Knighthawks!”

The team will also post other fan stories throughout the offseason, as Rochester prepares for the 2013 National Lacrosse League season. Season tickets are available by calling (585) 454-4295 (HAWK).