NLL Toronto Rock

Rock Game Notes

Published on February 13, 2003 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release


ROCK ON FIVE GAME STREAK

The Toronto Rock ended a five game winning streak after losing to the Buffalo Bandits on February 8th in Buffalo. The Rock's record dropped to 6-3 while the Bandits advanced to 6-1. The Rock split the season series 1-1 with the Bandits. The Bandits held the Rock to their lowest half point total in team history, 2 in the first half.

TONIGHT'S MATCH-UP

The Ravens host the Rock for the second time in team history, last year the Ravens dropped the Rock 13-12 during the Vancouver home opener. After the Rock defeated the Ravens at home 16-11 at the ACC. The Rock were 1-1 after the 2001-2002 season start against the Ravens

ROCK END STREAK

The Toronto Rock ended their five game winning streak on February 8th against the Buffalo Bandits. After defeating the Rebel the night before, the Rock could not get it going as Buffalo kept the opportunities to a minimum, the Rock fell 13-9 to the Bandits. This was the second match-up of the season, the Rock defeated the Bandits 16-13 at home. The first game ended ugly with rough play coming from both sides, the anticipation that this game could get ugly was true but wasn't the case once the game started. Both teams were focused on winning realizing the importance of a 16-game schedule.

REBEL DEFEATED FOR 6th STRAIGHT TIME

The Rock and Rebel have met twice every season since the Rebel's inaugural season; yet have still to come away with a win against Toronto. The Rock defeated the Rebel 13-10 in front of 16, 059 fans at the ACC. From the opening whistle the Rock never lost control of the game. Kevin Finneran scored four-goals to lead the Rock, while Blaine Manning chipped in 3.

ROCK CLIP WINGS

The Toronto Rock improved their record to 5-2 after defeating the Wings 13-9. More then 13,000 fans turned out to cheer the Wings on, but the Rock spoiled their game plan in the fourth quarter. Both teams were tied at 9-goals aside heading into the last quarter of play. Bob Watson stood on his head, shutting the door on the Wings and allowing Doyle, Toll, Wilson and Gibson to chip in with one-goal apiece. Tom Marechek led the Wings with 2-goals and 2-assists.

IAN RUBEL SET TO RETURN

An injury that occurred during the summer months to Rubel's right hand, but wasn't discovered until Rock physicals, sidelined Rubel for over 4-months. Rubel has constantly worked on his conditioning hoping to jump into the line-up as soon as he received clearance. Les Bartley removed Rubel from the Injury Reserve on Wednesday, signing a contract and activating him for the season (Matt Skinner was dropped from the roster)

WATSON STILL NUMBER ONE

In the last 9 games, Bob Watson has started 6 times and back-up Anthony Cosmo has started 3-times. Is this cause for an uproar in the Rock Camp?? Not at all, both goalies are fully understanding of each others position. "Whipper is still the best goalie in the NLL in my eyes, as an athlete I would love to start and play in every game but I understand my place. My time will come" said Cosmo respecting the Whipper's position.

ROCK PLAYERS AWARDED

The Toronto Rock players have already racked up a series of honours to-date. Rookie Aaron Wilson has been named Rookie of the week twice, while Tom Montour and Pat Merrill were named one. Blaine Manning and Steve Toll have also been rewarded as offensive player of the weeks.

GLENN CLARK SUSPENEDED

Glenn Clark is in the process of appealing a suspension that was mandated by the league on Thursday February 6th. Clark was involved in an altercation in Philly after Cantabene ran right through Bob Watson. The NLL insisted that Clark was the third man in during the altercation and was suspended for that reason. Clark thought differently and has appealed their case, a decision has not been made.

WHO MATCH UP WITH STROUP

After four successful seasons with the Toronto Rock, Dan Stroup has shifted to his hometown, Vancouver. This will be the first time that Stroup will have to face his former teammates. The big question is "Who's advantage is it?" Stroup knows our team and goalies, but our team knows Stroup. The next biggest question is who will be defending Stroup, could it be ex-roommate Pat Coyle or will it be Glenn Clark. Whoever it is will have their hands full.

"I JUST WANT TO PLAY"

Kim Squire has practiced the last two times with the Rock, is he ready to return? Squire says "YES", coach Bartley says "NO". Bartley has stated that although doctors have given Kimbo clearance, he needs Kim in game shape which could take another 2-weeks. Kim has shown he is very eager to play but his dedication to attending practices, but his physical fitness is the most important part at this point in time.

Check out the Toronto Rock Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 13, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central