Rock Finalize Fifth
Published on May 14, 2005 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release
TORONTO, ON- The Toronto Rock looked to make franchise history as they took on the Arizona Sting in their drive for five Championships Saturday afternoon. Pride and glory were on the line as both teams flooded into a sea of 19,432 fans at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. The packed house showed their truly northern passion for the game of lacrosse, and the Rock were eager to represent.
The Rock had several early chances, including two breakaways, but it was Arizona that stung first at just 2:28 as Craig Conn slipped one past Toronto goaltender Bob Watson. The Air Canada Centre lit up as Aaron Wilson put the Rock on the board just moments later. Toronto took full advantage of a five- minute power play as the Sting's Jonas Derks received a major penalty for a high stick after the play. Matt "The Sniper" Shearer lived up to his nickname as he fired two blasts just one minute apart past a stunned Mike Miron. Time wound down in the first quarter as the Rock led the Sting 4-3.
The second quarter again saw Arizona scoring first, but this time the Rock weren't going to be playing catch-up. Josh Sanderson, Colin Doyle, and Aaron Wilson followed suit to Shearer's two-goal first quarter, as all three members of the Rock's historic offensive unit each put two away. This time, Arizona was on the chase as the avalanche of goals were too much to catch. The offensive power was quick to be noted, but the defensive wall on the other end kept the fans on the edge of their seats. At the end of the first half, the Rock held a commanding lead over their bewildered guests, 10-6.
The story of the third quarter can be summarized by power-plays and the results from them. In spite of both championship contenders trading quick goals early on, Arizona drew to as close as one, due in-part to capitalizing on each one of three weak Rock penalties. Third quarter goals were scored by Arizona's Derks with 3, and one apiece for Bomberry and Seller. Rock goals were scored by Manning, Josh Sanderson and Colin Doyle all with one apiece, highlighted by stellar goaltending from the âWhipper' Watson. The Rock knew that if they were going to retain their 13-11 lead for the duration of the game, it was certain they must keep out of the penalty box.
And stay out of the box they did. Exploding out of the gate with 4 unanswered goals from Manning (2), Doyle and Chapman, the Rock seemed on fire. This series of events seemed to discourage the visitors, and adversely, deliver the confidence to Canada's Champions that they were counting on. Crediting the Sting with a presence in the fourth would be not entirely true. Captain Jim Veltman added two empty netters to secure Toronto's drive for five. Player of the game honours went to stand out Colin Doyle who had 8 points on this glorious afternoon.
The Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club would like to thank all of the fans, as well as all of the employees and volunteers with the club. Without the support from all sides that this club receives, the road to this championship would have been much more difficult. Well done, and we look forward to seeing you all for another great season in 2006.
National Lacrosse League Stories from May 14, 2005
- Rock Shuts Down Sting 19-13 to Win NLL Crown - Toronto Rock
- Rock Finalize Fifth - Toronto Rock
- Toronto Rock Win 2005 Edge NLL Championship Game - NLL
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