ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Tuesday the Knighthawks released a statement committing to play next season in Rochester. Over the last few months, rumors of a move have spread across fan Facebook pages.

"Yeah, you hear rumors and the initial knee jerk reaction is maybe to flip out a little bit, 'oh no, are we going to lose our team?'" said Melanie Childers of Rochester.

"Not sure where the rumor started because we were always under the impression that we were going to be here anyway," said Knighthawks Vice President of Sales John Catalano.

The Rochester area has already lost one outdoor lacrosse team, the Rattlers, to Dallas. But at this time Knighthawks ownership still believes that Rochester is a lacrosse market.

"Lacrosse has always been big in this area, but we have seen a growth in lacrosse. We know it's become pretty much ingrained in the Rochester community, the Knighthawks, we're proud to still be here," said Catalano.

"It gives something for the little kids who play in the area, high school, something to look up to. It gives them a reason to want to be better because some day that could be them," said Renee Ast of Henrietta.

And there's no doubt that the fan base is glad to see the team stay for at least one more year.

"I just think the atmosphere is better than any home town team, in my opinion, with the music and the camaraderie between fans," said Garrett Eckl of Penfield.

"I support them every year, I can't imagine my life here without them," said Ast.