GO ROCK GO!!!!!!!! RETURN OF THE 6 TIME NLL CHAMPS & CP 2011 TEAM OF THE YEAR JAN 8th
The 14th Season for the 6 time NLL Champions kicks off January 8th @ 6pm vs the Calgary Roughnecks at the ACC. The Rock got a whole lot stronger on the Offence and Defensive side of the ball
First off Happy New Year to everyone! and to those Basketball Junkees on the raptors thread. to put in perspective the Rock with its Dynamic and Deadly offense by Adding Josh Sanderson (steve nash type) & Dan Carey is the NLL Version of the Lakers with Steve Nash and Chris Paul.
When you're the Champion, the target is on your back. The Toronto Rock know this as they've been the targets five previous times now, and when they play their first game in 2012 next Sunday, they will once again be the targets. Every goal will be fought for, every defensive shift will be a 30 second battle. The Toronto Rock know what to expect in 2012, and that's why the roster is mostly a veteran lineup.
These are guys who have won on many different levels, including the NLL. But as Rock commentator Andy McNamara said before last year's playoff game against Rochester, "they may have won Minto or Mann Cups, but that means nothing when you play a one game playoff." The guys who can get it done on the day are the true champions. And this Rock roster is full of those guys. To be the best, you have to beat the best. The banner the Rock will raise on the 8th proves they were the best last year. Follow the jump to see if they can reclaim that title this season.
VETERANS
Of the 23 men on the Toronto Rock roster, 10 have a decade of experience or more. Of these 10, 2 make up the goaltending corps. For the first time in franchise history, one of those names isn't Bob Watson. All off season everyone was quick to point out this fact, even after July 25th when Toronto acquired Matt Roik from Washington for Kyle Ross. Many say his best years are behind him, but the truth is, he was a starting goaltender until last season when he didn't lose the job with the Stealth; Tyler Richards stole it. No, Matt Roik won't be Bob Watson. No one can. With a career GAA slightly north of 10, it's impossible. Roik's career GAA sits at 12.22, but has only been above that once since 2005 (last year's 12.33). Matt Roik is not a poor goaltender. But, yes, he will be a step down from Bob Watson.
Which is why Toronto has made a very focused effort on bolstering their defense this year. Ryan Sharp will return from injury, which will be an immediate impact. In a number of interviews around the lacrosse community already this season, he insists his knee will be 100% by the start of the season. Sadly, Drew Petkoff will start the season on the IR and, as a result, miss the first 6 games. However, while we're speaking of the veterans, the Rock went out and signed Bruce Codd, and traded draft picks for Bill Greer. The two men will bring a combined 22 years NLL experience and over 1,000 loose balls. They'll be joined by returning veterans Phil Sanderson, Patrick Merrill, Stephen Hoar, Sandy Chapman and Cam Woods. A scary, scary defense, arguably the best in the league.
Finally, the offense is another place to find a number of veterans. It hasn't changed much from the 2011 Championship team, unlike goaltending or defense, although some key veteran additions will make statements this year. Josh Sanderson requested a trade from Minnesota (who didn't this off-season!) and ended up in Toronto with Nic Inch (who wil start the season on the hold out list due to work commitments) for Jeff Gilbert, a dispersal pick and two entry draft picks. Sanderson admitted in interview earlier this year, he doesn't think about records, like the single season assists one he holds after besting his own mark twice previously. He's here for the team. But with this supporting cast, it'll be hard to imagine not coming close to that number again. Also joining Toronto, Dan Carey came to the Rock via trade, one many thought was for a goaltender. However, Carey has shown in the preseason scrimmages, he's already bonding well with his linemates. The newcomers join fellow veterans, and Rock mainstays for a number of years, Colin Doyle, Blaine Manning and Casey Biernes to form one of the most potent offenses in the league.
YOUNGSTERS
Two rookies will join this club along with two sophomores and two others in only their third seasons in the league. The biggest of the rookies is Jesse Gamble who made the team after being selected 18th overall in this year's entry draft. He's slated to be Toronto's sole 'transition' player, and it remains to be seen what his overall role with this team will be. The fact he's on the roster at all with all the seasoned vets mentioned above is no small feat. No doubt Gamble will take it, and make the most of the learning opportunity. Even if it means opening the door.
Joining Jesse carrying the balls at the practice facility (let's face it, that's the rookie's job!) will be Pete Rennie, who was also selected in the entry draft. As with Gamble, it will be mostly a learning experience for Rennie this season, but he will get his touches. Expect small roles from these men this year, with bigger obligations in coming years.
On the offensive side of the ball, watch for 2nd year player Rob Hellyer. With Aaron Pascas having to accept a hold out list position due to work commitments, Hellyer will get the call this year. With the logjam on offense last season, Hellyer only dressed for 3 games but did manage 11 points. The Rock will no doubt be looking for an improvement this season. And if Hellyer can get more games, he'll put up more points. The reality is though, if he can't put up more points, he won't see more floor time. A sad paradox, but with the Rock's lineup, it's the truth.
When speaking of 2011 draft picks Jesse Gamble and Pete Rennie, it's important to see how picks grow and develop. Look no further than Rock teammates Garrett Billings and Stephan Leblanc who were both selected in 2009, 6th and 11th overall respectively. Their impact was immediate and they have quickly worked their way into conversations with the veterans listed above. Many forget they only have 2 years experience each. Already Leblanc has 158 regular season points and 26 playoff points while Billings also has 158 points through 2 regular seasons and 30 playoff points. Both players, as members of the Rock, have 100% records of reaching the NLL final in their careers (2 for 2).
LAST WORD
The Toronto Rock left most of their Championship winning forwards intact, only adding Dan Carey and Josh Sanderson, two players who improve any offense by leaps and bounds. The Rock were tied for 3rd place in the NLL in 2011 with 187 goals scored, but were 2nd worst in the East with 168 goals against. And that's with a Hall of Fame goaltender in net. It's a stat the Rock would like to improve on within their own conference. Hence, the overhaul of the defense. Many youngsters were traded away for veterans and many draft picks (entry and expansion) were spent on defenders. Even with the numbers and concerns above, the Rock were a league best +19 in goal differential, so the stats could be slightly decieving.
With a step down in net, one could expect the goals for to increase. But the offense has also stepped up, which would cause an increase in goals for. At the same time, the defense has increased so maybe goals against won't increase after all. The bottom line is, every aspect of this team is dangerous. But they're the targets. On opening night everyone will be gunning for the Toronto Rock. And the Rock will be ready to answer.
The 14th Season for the 6 time NLL Champions kicks off January 8th @ 6pm vs the Calgary Roughnecks at the ACC. The Rock got a whole lot stronger on the Offence and Defensive side of the ball
First off Happy New Year to everyone! and to those Basketball Junkees on the raptors thread. to put in perspective the Rock with its Dynamic and Deadly offense by Adding Josh Sanderson (steve nash type) & Dan Carey is the NLL Version of the Lakers with Steve Nash and Chris Paul.
When you're the Champion, the target is on your back. The Toronto Rock know this as they've been the targets five previous times now, and when they play their first game in 2012 next Sunday, they will once again be the targets. Every goal will be fought for, every defensive shift will be a 30 second battle. The Toronto Rock know what to expect in 2012, and that's why the roster is mostly a veteran lineup.
These are guys who have won on many different levels, including the NLL. But as Rock commentator Andy McNamara said before last year's playoff game against Rochester, "they may have won Minto or Mann Cups, but that means nothing when you play a one game playoff." The guys who can get it done on the day are the true champions. And this Rock roster is full of those guys. To be the best, you have to beat the best. The banner the Rock will raise on the 8th proves they were the best last year. Follow the jump to see if they can reclaim that title this season.
VETERANS
Of the 23 men on the Toronto Rock roster, 10 have a decade of experience or more. Of these 10, 2 make up the goaltending corps. For the first time in franchise history, one of those names isn't Bob Watson. All off season everyone was quick to point out this fact, even after July 25th when Toronto acquired Matt Roik from Washington for Kyle Ross. Many say his best years are behind him, but the truth is, he was a starting goaltender until last season when he didn't lose the job with the Stealth; Tyler Richards stole it. No, Matt Roik won't be Bob Watson. No one can. With a career GAA slightly north of 10, it's impossible. Roik's career GAA sits at 12.22, but has only been above that once since 2005 (last year's 12.33). Matt Roik is not a poor goaltender. But, yes, he will be a step down from Bob Watson.
Which is why Toronto has made a very focused effort on bolstering their defense this year. Ryan Sharp will return from injury, which will be an immediate impact. In a number of interviews around the lacrosse community already this season, he insists his knee will be 100% by the start of the season. Sadly, Drew Petkoff will start the season on the IR and, as a result, miss the first 6 games. However, while we're speaking of the veterans, the Rock went out and signed Bruce Codd, and traded draft picks for Bill Greer. The two men will bring a combined 22 years NLL experience and over 1,000 loose balls. They'll be joined by returning veterans Phil Sanderson, Patrick Merrill, Stephen Hoar, Sandy Chapman and Cam Woods. A scary, scary defense, arguably the best in the league.
Finally, the offense is another place to find a number of veterans. It hasn't changed much from the 2011 Championship team, unlike goaltending or defense, although some key veteran additions will make statements this year. Josh Sanderson requested a trade from Minnesota (who didn't this off-season!) and ended up in Toronto with Nic Inch (who wil start the season on the hold out list due to work commitments) for Jeff Gilbert, a dispersal pick and two entry draft picks. Sanderson admitted in interview earlier this year, he doesn't think about records, like the single season assists one he holds after besting his own mark twice previously. He's here for the team. But with this supporting cast, it'll be hard to imagine not coming close to that number again. Also joining Toronto, Dan Carey came to the Rock via trade, one many thought was for a goaltender. However, Carey has shown in the preseason scrimmages, he's already bonding well with his linemates. The newcomers join fellow veterans, and Rock mainstays for a number of years, Colin Doyle, Blaine Manning and Casey Biernes to form one of the most potent offenses in the league.
YOUNGSTERS
Two rookies will join this club along with two sophomores and two others in only their third seasons in the league. The biggest of the rookies is Jesse Gamble who made the team after being selected 18th overall in this year's entry draft. He's slated to be Toronto's sole 'transition' player, and it remains to be seen what his overall role with this team will be. The fact he's on the roster at all with all the seasoned vets mentioned above is no small feat. No doubt Gamble will take it, and make the most of the learning opportunity. Even if it means opening the door.
Joining Jesse carrying the balls at the practice facility (let's face it, that's the rookie's job!) will be Pete Rennie, who was also selected in the entry draft. As with Gamble, it will be mostly a learning experience for Rennie this season, but he will get his touches. Expect small roles from these men this year, with bigger obligations in coming years.
On the offensive side of the ball, watch for 2nd year player Rob Hellyer. With Aaron Pascas having to accept a hold out list position due to work commitments, Hellyer will get the call this year. With the logjam on offense last season, Hellyer only dressed for 3 games but did manage 11 points. The Rock will no doubt be looking for an improvement this season. And if Hellyer can get more games, he'll put up more points. The reality is though, if he can't put up more points, he won't see more floor time. A sad paradox, but with the Rock's lineup, it's the truth.
When speaking of 2011 draft picks Jesse Gamble and Pete Rennie, it's important to see how picks grow and develop. Look no further than Rock teammates Garrett Billings and Stephan Leblanc who were both selected in 2009, 6th and 11th overall respectively. Their impact was immediate and they have quickly worked their way into conversations with the veterans listed above. Many forget they only have 2 years experience each. Already Leblanc has 158 regular season points and 26 playoff points while Billings also has 158 points through 2 regular seasons and 30 playoff points. Both players, as members of the Rock, have 100% records of reaching the NLL final in their careers (2 for 2).
LAST WORD
The Toronto Rock left most of their Championship winning forwards intact, only adding Dan Carey and Josh Sanderson, two players who improve any offense by leaps and bounds. The Rock were tied for 3rd place in the NLL in 2011 with 187 goals scored, but were 2nd worst in the East with 168 goals against. And that's with a Hall of Fame goaltender in net. It's a stat the Rock would like to improve on within their own conference. Hence, the overhaul of the defense. Many youngsters were traded away for veterans and many draft picks (entry and expansion) were spent on defenders. Even with the numbers and concerns above, the Rock were a league best +19 in goal differential, so the stats could be slightly decieving.
With a step down in net, one could expect the goals for to increase. But the offense has also stepped up, which would cause an increase in goals for. At the same time, the defense has increased so maybe goals against won't increase after all. The bottom line is, every aspect of this team is dangerous. But they're the targets. On opening night everyone will be gunning for the Toronto Rock. And the Rock will be ready to answer.
