Crease Dives – Shootin’ Dice Musings
By Mike Hancock
Headlines Made From A Cookie Cutter
Every reporter around the league has the following headline ready and Rock fans all hope it gets used this weekend. ‘Sanderson’s Return Sparks Rock Win’ has the potential to be at the top of every post-game article and let’s face it, sometimes these things just write themselves. There’s no doubt that there is a lot more that goes into it a team having success, it’s not always about one player or one play in a game. But, this is what everyone hopes to be reading on Sunday night following the game because that means the Rock (currently 0-5) will have their first win of the season and that’s all that really matters here.
Gambling And Pro Wrestling
Nope. Nothing to do with playing a team in the New England Black Wolves (3-2 and co-leaders of the East Division) that has a casino wrapped around their home arena, nor is it tied to a belly-to-back suplex. A lost art I might add. This is about the lost story in this weekend’s game. This is about the return of Jesse Gamble and Scott Johnston, affectionately known as ‘Sarge’ due to his striking likeness to former pro wrestler Sgt. Slaughter. Now the super witty title makes sense, right?
Gamble’s energy, athleticism and speed will be an important injection into the lineup Sunday against the Black Wolves, especially when we are talking about the Rock’s transition game. Johnston will bring another option for head coach John Lovell on faceoffs. Prior to getting injured early last season, Johnston was handling the bulk of the Rock faceoffs and was winning draws at a 56% clip. Something the Rock hadn’t seen in quite some time. He’s also a supreme loose ball battler.
A pair of important additions to the lineup this weekend that won’t likely find their way into the headlines but will play a key role in any potential success on Sunday and going forward.
Mohegan Sunshine
The folks at Mohegan Sun made a significant adjustment to the layout of the stands for this season and on the broadcasts, you can see it’s made a big impact in creating a more intimate atmosphere. One thing that hasn’t changed is the length of the floor, which is a hair or two shorter than your regular NLL floor, which measures 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. Teams seem to have adjusted to things, but watch for some plays to develop a little more quickly than usual in the tight confines of the Mohegan Sun Arena. Most of these guys have played in the old Brampton Memorial Arena, so the tight spaces shouldn’t be too tough to adjust to.
Sunday Afternoon Couch Time
Rock fans in the GTA will be able to watch Sunday’s game live at 3 p.m. on their televisions in the comfort of their own home as the game will be broadcast live on select Rogers TV and CogecoTV stations. Please click here for those details. Also, fans anywhere in Canada and the USA can watch the game live online at FOX Sports GO.
Last Minute Of Musing…
How great did the Air Canada Centre look with the lights dimmed on the fans and the lights up on the floor only for last night’s kickoff to the NBA All-Star Weekend? How would this look for lacrosse? I think we’re on to something here, folks!
That’s all for now, muse amongst yourselves…
