NLL Toronto Rock

Rock Sit Atop Eastern Division with Win over the Hawks

Published on February 25, 2005 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release


TORONTO, ON- The battle for the best in the East began tonight in front of 16, 372 fans, as the Toronto Rock (4-2) took on the Rochester Knighthawks (5-3) at the Air Canada Centre. A win for Toronto would put them ahead of the Knighthawks and tied for first with the Buffalo Bandits (5-2). The first all-star game takes place tomorrow night in Calgary, and although four players will represent the Rock on the Eastern Division All-Stars, Toronto was more concerned with defeating Rochester at the moment. The last time these teams met was in January, when a home-and-home series saw Rochester walk away with two wins.

Needless to say, this time around, the Rock were ready to rock.

It seemed only fitting that Eastern All-Star appointed captain Jim Veltman scored what looked to be an effortless goal, to give the Rock the first goal of the game. The fired-up Rock bench came out looking for more as fellow All-Star Blaine Manning burned Pat O'Toole and buried one in the back of the net shortly after. The first ten minutes of play was perhaps the most exciting of the game, as the crowd witnessed Manning adding to his first goal with two more, registering an impressive hat trick early in the match. With the Rock up 5-0, Rochester coach Paul Day pulled his All-Star goalie from between the pipes, as the Rock onslaught proved to be too much for O'Toole to handle. The Rock's solid defense, led by veteran and yet another All-Star Glenn Clark, held the Knighthawks to only 2 shots within the first ten minutes of play. It was obvious that Toronto came out to claim the floor, the lead, and the East.

The second quarter began much like the first, only faster. Renowned line-mates Doyle, Manning, and Aaron Wilson combined yet again at just 00:25 in, keeping the Rock's controlling game pace. Toronto's offence was excelling, but not without the help of it's standup defense, overwhelming the visiting team and holding Rochester's usually powerful offence to a minimum. Bob Watson made three brilliant saves to keep the fans on the edge of their seats, reaching behind him at one point and grabbing the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Jim Veltman, Aaron Wilson, Josh Sanderson and Jimmy Quinlan also lit up Pat Campbell to give the Rock the lead going into the half.

High spirits and controlled play became the difference that gave the Rock the advantage of the game. Rochester applied pressure, but Toronto forged ahead as Wilson lit up the scoreboard for the fourth time of the game with a shorthanded goal. Rochester matched the goal as John Grant finally beat Watson for his first of the night, but Wilson answered yet again. With his fifth of the night, Wilson marked his presence and proved to be an undeniable threat by just stepping on the turf. With his goal, Manning recorded his eighth point of the night, adding teamwork and perseverance to the Rock's outstanding attack. Without exception, Veltman's veteran leadership and tireless back-checking helped set up the Rock's 12th goal as the third quarter wound down.

The last quarter was a defensive battle as five minutes passed without any scoreboard action. Rochester's Shawn Williams capitalized on a Rock penalty to give the Hawks the first goal of the quarter. Rock defenseman Pat Merrill stole the spotlight 12 seconds later as he single-handedly scored his first goal of the season, running the floor's distance and sending a bounce shot past a struggling O'Toole. Grant added one more for the Hawks but that was the last that Rochester would see. As time wound down and Rochester's lsat time outs were forced, the Rock's six goal lead seemed too overwhelming. The Knighthawks succumbed under the Rock's crushing weight as Toronto secured a commanding 15-9 win.

The Buffalo Bandits also succumbed to Philadelphia this evening, securing the Rock first place in the Eastern Division. Rock top point getters were Blaine Manning (3G, 5A), Colin Doyle (2G, 6A) and game MVP Aaron Wilson (5G). The Rock's next home game takes place next Friday, March 4th at the Air Canada Centre as they take on the Buffalo Bandits. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca , by phone (416) 872 5000 or in person at the box office at the ACC. To take advantage of our special ticket offer quote "ROCK SOLID". Check out www.torontorock.com for more details.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 25, 2005


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