GARRETT BILLINGS NAMED NLL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Toronto Rock Forward Garrett Billings has been named the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Rookie of the Week for his role in the Rock’s season opening 17-7 road win on Saturday January 9, 2010 against the Boston Blazers.

“Saturday was a great way to begin my professional career,” said Billings. “The NLL is definitely a different game than summer box; it’s more athletic. The ball moves around a bit faster on offence, and it’s a challenge when you’re going up against guys on defence that are bigger and stronger than you are.”

Billings was named Most Valuable Player of the game for his seven point contribution (five goals and two assists).  

“We’re pleased with his performance in Boston, not only the goals, but all the little things that we’ve been preaching,” said Rock coach Troy Cordingley of Billings. “We did expect this of him, that’s why we drafted him first. He helps our cause of putting balls in the net to win games.”

Toronto hit the turf with a powerhouse offence that consisted of two rookies, three Rock veterans, and two off-season trades that haven’t had much time to gel.

“I think I’ve had one practice with Colin, so I didn’t know what to expect, but am happy with how it turned out,” said Billings of Captain Colin Doyle who assisted on three of the rookie’s five goals. “You have to pull the trigger and hope for the best.”

Billings and the rest of the Rock, now 1-0, open their home schedule of eight games on Friday, January 15 at the Air Canada Centre. The Rock look to complete the sweep of the Boston Blazers when the ball drops at 7:30 p.m.