DAN DAWSON SIGNS ONE-YEAR EXTENSION
Rock Forward Intends To Take Things Year To Year
Oakville, ON – Toronto Rock General Manager Jamie Dawick announced today that future NLL Hall of Fame forward Dan Dawson has agreed to a 1-year contract extension for the 2020-21 season.
The signing is pending league approval.
“This is by no means a farewell tour for Dan Dawson and anyone who watched him play last season understands that,” said Dawick. “Dan exceeded our expectations both on and off the floor.”
Dawson, 38, signed a two-year contract with the Rock in August 2019, however that deal was re-negotiated to a one-year deal during the 2019-20 season.
“At this point in my career and at my age, I re-evaluate a number of things after every season,” explained Dawson. “I look at my family life, my work life, how my body is doing, and whether or not I can continue to play at a level that both the organization and I are comfortable with. I don’t feel like this is my last year, because I still love everything about playing the game. From watching game film to working out to practice to going to the rink; when that changes, I’ll know it’s time to step away, but I’m not there and I’ll be taking everything one year at a time.”
In less than one season as a member of the Toronto Rock, Dawson made enough of an impact on his teammates to be the Rock’s nominee for the NLL’s Teammate of the Year. When the votes were counted, Dawson tied with Georgia’s Mike Poulin as the winners of the league honour.
“It’s not surprising,” said Dawick. “I could see his impact on his teammates from day one here. Even though he was around this group for a short time, players know who Dan Dawson is and what he’s about. It’s not an act and winning the award says a lot about Dan as a person, being selected for the award by his peers.”
Dawson continued his assault on the league record book during the 19-20 season, becoming just the third player in NLL history to top the 1,400 career-point mark and needs 11 points to pass John Grant Jr. and move into second place on the NLL’s all-time scoring list. He also moved into second on the all-time assists leaderboard and needs just 25 assists to pass John Tavares for the all-time lead and the veteran sniper vaulted into fourth in all-time goal scoring behind Tavares, Grant and Gary Gait.
So make no mistake, Dan Dawson is not done yet.
“When you have unfinished business, you don’t want to be left thinking, what if? As an athlete, you want to end it on your terms, and this is one of those years where we were in a really good spot to compete for a championship. And now with the trades this week, this is an exciting opportunity. Rosey was at his best, and adding two elite defenders in Jason Noble and Mitch de Snoo, we have an even stronger foundation from the goaltender on out. If you look at championship teams in our league and most leagues, that defensive foundation has been the key to the same success we’re striving for here in Toronto,” said Dawson.
Stay tuned to the Rock’s social media channels and torontorock.com as more signings are announced throughout the summer months.
The next major date on the NLL’s summer calendar is the opening of the free agent signing period on Aug. 1.
2020-21 Toronto Rock Season Memberships are on sale now! For more information or to purchase, please visit torontorock.com.
