Rock Rolling at Top of Eastern Division
Published on March 30, 2005 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release
Toronto, ON â The Toronto Rock currently sit atop the Eastern Division with a sturdy 8-3 overall record. They reclaimed first place last Saturday night when they defeated the Buffalo Bandits 12-8 at the HSBC arena. With 3 consecutive wins under their belts, and 3 quarters of the season behind them, the Rock are heading into the toughest part of their 2005 regular season schedule.
And with things heating up on the field the way they are, it's a good thing that there will be plenty of Toronto's finest Emergency Services Personnel on board for the Rock's "Salute to 911 Services" Night at this Friday's game. The special evening will see the Chiefs from Toronto Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services on hand for the ceremonial ball drop, as well as participation of the Toronto Fire Pipes and Drums Unit, EMS Honour Guard and Police Services Colour Guard in the opening ceremonies. There will be a pre-game Community Safety Tailgate in the Galleria of the ACC from 5-7pm, where fans can pick up valuable spring safety information or purchase a special edition t-shirt from which the proceeds will go to benefit The Hospital for Sick Children.
On the floor, the Rock are slated to play 5 games in the next 2 weeks; including 2 back to back weekends, one of which is a home and home series with the Philadelphia Wings. The action all starts this Friday at the Air Canada Centre when the Rock will take on the Calgary Roughnecks for the second time this season. The last meeting for the Canadian rivals turned into one of the roughest games either one of these teams have seen. With the Rock up 16-10 in the final minutes of the game, tensions hit a boiling point as five fights broke out in the last 50 seconds of play.
"We're expecting a tough game, just look at their line-up. How do you expect anything less? Fights happen in a game; sometimes out of frustration, sometimes to make a statement. Whatever happens this game, we'll accept it if it comes to that again." Terry Sanderson, Toronto Rock Head Coach and GM.
With the recent passing of the NLL trade deadline, the Roughnecks have seen numerous changes to their lineup. Key players like Devon Wray, Andy Ogilvie and Matt Green have been sidelined due to injury and the Riggers were forced to make changes. Most recently signed transitional player Kyle Neufeld and faceoff specialist Jordan Sundher will join Ted Dowling and the rest of the Roughnecks on their trip to Toronto.
"Calgary has a number of great lacrosse players on it's roster and it's no surprise they're on top of the Western Division. They had an off week last week but they're a good team." said Sanderson of the anticipated match-up.
The Rock have held the Riggers winless on Toronto turf in the 4 times that they've met at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto will have to continue to play a disciplined game to add to their already dominating 6-1 overall record against Calgary. In addition to the consistency of offensive players such as Blaine Manning, Colin Doyle and Josh Sanderson, the Rock have seen defensive veterans like Derek Suddons, Brian Beisel and Phil Sanderson step up to the plate this year. That in combination with textbook like play from goaltender Bob Watson, has allowed Toronto to remain in playoff contention in a season that many saw as a rebuilding year.
The Toronto Rock will take to the floor at the Air Canada Centre at 7:30pm when they face off against the Calgary Roughnecks, defending National Lacrosse League Champions. Tickets are still available for the Rock's "Salute to 911 Services" Night at this Friday's game through Ticketmaster outlets online at www.torontorock.com, by phone at (416) 872 5000, or in person at the Box Office at the Air Canada Centre.
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 30, 2005
- Powell named Overall Player of the Week - NLL
- Love.45 to perform at Mammoth game - Colorado Mammoth
- Rock Players Honoured - Toronto Rock
- Rock Rolling at Top of Eastern Division - Toronto Rock
- Wings serve lunch at Hard Rock Cafe April 2 - Philadelphia Wings
- Mammoth to honor Gary Gait - Colorado Mammoth
- Sibling Rivalry In The City Of Brotherly Love At Wachovia Center On April 2 - Philadelphia Wings
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.
