Rock Lose Season Opener
Published on January 12, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release
Rochester, NY â After a long and somewhat rocky off-season the Toronto Rock were ready to get back to business in a much anticipated season opening Champions Cup rematch with the Rochester Knighthawks. Tensions were high and tempers flared on both benches as the action unfolded in front of 8,214 fans.
Despite Rochester having 2 games behind them this season, the Rock jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead. Steve Toll picked off the first goal at 2:10, assisted by Colin Doyle and Rock newcomer Ryan Painter. The next 9 minutes of play were void of any goals but there were a number of penalties. Rochester's Ryan O'Connor netted a power play goal at 13:15 which was answered by Toronto's Ian Rubel only 2 minutes later.
The intensity continued as the Rock turned up the heat early in second quarter with a goal by Chris Driscoll at 0:41. Rochester answered with two goals at 1:20 and 1:50 to take the lead 4-3. Seeing the need to stay ahead of the Knighthawks, the Rock's Ryan Painter and Steve Toll both stepped in with goals assisted by Blaine Manning and Colin Doyle putting the Rock in front 5-4 at the end of the second.
Rock defense seemed to come apart at the seams as Rochester scored 3 goals in the first 6 minutes of play. Patrick Merrill was sent to the penalty box for the 5th time following a number of spar with Mat Giles of the Knighthawks. The assault continued as Ryan O'Connor picked up a shorthanded goal, his 3rd of night for Rochester only a minute later. Two more Knighthawks goals were finally answered by the Rock at 12:35 with a goal from Chris Driscoll, assisted by Ken Millin and Colin Doyle. The Knighthawks dominated the 3rd with a score of 10-6 going into the 4th quarter.
The Rock's Darryl Gibson netted an unassisted goal on a breakaway 1 minute into the 4th. Rochester would not let the Rock creep back and Scott Evans shot one past Bob Watson to bring the score to 11-7. With 9 minutes left in the game, Anthony Cosmo was put between the pipes for the Rock. Colin Doyle fired one past Pat O'Toole at 6:35 but that would be the last Rock goal of the game. Rochester sealed the deal with a final goal by Ryan O'Connor at 14:31. The Rock succumbed to the Knighthawks strong second half offense with a final score of 13-8.
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 12, 2004
- Bergey's Back As Wings Head Into Home Opener - Philadelphia Wings
- Rock Lose Season Opener - Toronto Rock
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