December 13, 2018
CHALLEN ROGERS NAMED TORONTO ROCK CAPTAIN
Team Also Names Alternate Captains For 2018-19 Season
Oakville, ON – Toronto Rock Owner, President and GM Jamie Dawick today announced the leadership group for the 2018-19 season and have named Challen Rogers as the Captain of the Toronto Rock.
Dawick selected Rogers with the second overall pick in the 2016 NLL Draft and knew the type of player the Rock were getting not only on the floor but was also familiar with the makeup of his character.
“I think it was an easy decision for us (to select Challen as captain) and great for the Toronto Rock now and into the future,” said Dawick. “He’s a young guy but has a lot of leadership abilities and we’re excited to put the ‘C’ on him now and see him in this role for many years to come.”
In just two seasons in the NLL Rogers has asserted himself as one of the best players in the league. A top end defender with the ability to push the ball and make plays in transition, he’s the type of player every team considers to be one of the most valuable assets on their roster. The new Rock captain is certainly making a case for being the best in the business when it comes to plying his trade.
“When I met with Jamie (Dawick) and Matt (Sawyer), I didn’t know what to expect but when they brought up the captaincy it was an immediate shock and also such an honour,” explained Rogers. “I have been fortunate to be around some great leaders like Sandy Chapman and Kasey Beirnes and also being around Colin Doyle and seeing how he acts with people and what he has meant to the Toronto Rock, they have all taught me a lot.
“It’s all still sinking in. When we did a team promo video shoot last week, it was the first time I pulled on the jersey with the ‘C’ and it was a bit of a surprise just seeing it on my jersey. My Mom and Grandma will be coming in from out of town for the home opener and it will mean a lot to me to have that family support there when I run out of the tunnel for the first time at home at Scotiabank Arena. I don’t know what to expect emotionally, but I can’t wait.”
The summer of 2018 also saw Rogers receive high praise from the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) as he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player while playing for the Oakville Rock. Rogers helped lead the Oakville club to the Ontario finals for the first time in the franchise’s history.
“I’ve had the opportunity to be around him for the last few years and see the type of player he’s become,” said Rock Head Coach Matt Sawyer who is also the Head Coach of the MSL’s Oakville Rock. “Challen’s peers look up to him and he’s already a leader on the floor, his preparation off the floor is second to none. I have watched his leadership abilities grow and we are excited and confident that he is the man to lead the Rock for many years to come.”
The team has also named four alternate captains. Rob Hellyer and Brad Kri will each wear an ‘A’ on their jersey at home while Tom Schreiber and Bill Hostrawser will carry that responsibility on the road.
“Robbie is going to continue to wear an ‘A’ and has proven to be a great leader and has a lot of experience. He’s won a championship here and knows the sacrifices you need to make to be successful,” said Dawick. “Adding Billy and Kri, those two have been around this team for a number of years and have been able to learn from our great leaders of the past including the guy who I believe set the bar in Colin Doyle. They’ve been leading the last few years even without a letter on their jersey. And Tom is another great leader who has really come into his own in a very short period of time as well. We have a really solid group and we are looking to them to lead this team in the right direction.”
2018-19 Toronto Rock Single Game, Season Tickets and Season Passes along with the new 4 Game Pack and 6 Ticket Flex Pack are on sale now. To purchase or for more information, please visit torontorock.com or call 416-596-3075.
