Crease Dives – We’re Here, We Might As Well Win
By: Mike Hancock
On The Road Again
For the third time in four games, the Rock will play on the road on Saturday night, this time in Buffalo, NY. However, with a short bus trip down the QEW, this is about as close to playing at home without actually playing at home as you’re going to get. Toronto actually has an all-time won-lost record of 14-11 in Buffalo. It’s a tough rink to play in, but it’s also one of the player’s favourites because of the electric atmosphere and the rabid fans in the sea of orange. Sometimes, it’s just as much fun to make 15,000 fans boo you on the road, as it is to get those same cheers at home.
Rossco Ready
Kevin Ross has been anxious to get back in the lineup and now that he’s healthy and ready to go, he’ll likely get his shot this weekend. Earlier this week, the Rock moved Ross to the active roster from the physically unable to perform list. He was injured in the summer while playing for the Oakville Rock of Ontario’s Major Series Lacrosse. After undergoing wrist surgery in the fall, he’s gone through the rehab, put in the time and is now ready to roll. Ross could provide just the spark the offence needs to get going. Last season, Ross scored 21 goals and 55 points in 17 games. He also potted a pair of goals in Toronto’s lone visit to Buffalo last year.
Divisional Matchups
Toronto’s first 8 games on the schedule are all against divisional opponents, so it doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that it’s time to make some hay. With a trio of L’s already hanging in the loss column against division rivals, the Rock do have the opportunity to make up some ground over the next few weeks. Getting a step on the Bandits on Saturday night would be a move in the right direction, as chasing the division all season long isn’t something anyone wants to get involved with.
Kri Making His Mark
Defender Bradley Kri played his first game in a Rock uniform last Saturday night in Rochester and as anyone could tell who was watching the game, he was a real pain in the collective behinds of the Knighthawks. His feats of strength head-to-head battle with Joe Walters ended with Walters crashing to the turf, rather unceremoniously. The 23-year old is a big body with a long wingspan and was originally drafted by the Rock in the 2nd round of the 2012 NLL Draft. He spent the 2013 season on the Rock’s practice roster before moving on to the Vancouver Stealth for the ’14 and ’15 seasons. He’s now back in Toronto and with some of the injuries on the back end, he’s got a real shot to ‘show’em what he’s got’ in game action.
Watch It
Fans in the Toronto area will have the opportunity to watch select road games on Rogers TV Toronto this season. TVCogeco Halton is also jumping on board. This week’s game will be LIVE on Saturday night on Rogers TV Toronto at 7:30 p.m., while TVCogeco Halton will replay the game on Thursday, January 28th at 7 p.m. Fans outside those viewing areas and across Canada will also be able to watch the game online on FOX Sports GO.
They Are Hot
Tickets are quickly being gobbled up for the Rock’s next home game on Friday, January 29th against the Georgia Swarm. Don’t delay if you’re looking for a seat in the lower bowl as inventory continues to move rapidly! Students, don’t forget you can get an upper bowl seat for just 15 bucks for the game as it’s Student Night presented by COBT Hammer Heads. The student tickets are available only at torontorock.com.
Last Minute Of Musing
Turning point or reset button, call it what you will. But the question is, will we find ‘it’ this weekend?
That’s all for now, muse amongst yourselves…
