CJ Kirst Will Miss Beginning Of The NLL Season

2026 NLL Rookie of the Year is on the road to recovery

Oakville, ON – Toronto Rock Owner and GM Jamie Dawick today announced that CJ Kirst will be sidelined due to injury to begin the 2026-27 NLL season.  Last season’s NLL rookie of the year is expected to join the Rock in the new year as the team chases a second consecutive NLL championship.

“Unfortunately, it’s part of the game and we will miss him a lot,” said Dawick.  “From conversations I’ve had with him his mindset is as positive as it could be.  He’s attacking his rehab to get back as soon as possible.  In the meantime, others will have to step up in his absence and we’ll be a better team when CJ joins us later in the season.”

Kirst suffered a lower body injury during the summer while playing professional outdoor lacrosse in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).  Since that season ended in September, the 2025 NLL first overall pick has received treatment for the injury and is well into the rehabilitation process.

During his recovery, Kirst has been in constant contact with the Rock medical and coaching staffs along with his teammates.  Kirst plans to be around the team as much as possible prior to his return to action and he will be in attendance at the team’s Home Opener on Saturday, November 28 as the Toronto Rock will raise a seventh NLL championship to the rafters at TD Coliseum in Hamilton.

The Toronto Rock will open training camp on Saturday, October 31 at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville.  The team’s first exhibition game will be on Saturday, November 7 also at the TRAC.

For more information on Toronto Rock tickets, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive by phone at 416-596-3075, by email at tickets@torontorock.com or visit torontorock.com.