Rock Confident Rising Star Will Take The Next Step This Season
Oakville, ON –Toronto Rock Owner, President, and GM Jamie Dawick today announced the signing of Rock forward Josh Dawick to a 2-year contract extension that runs through the 2024-25 season. The signing is pending league approval.
Last season was Dawick’s first in the NLL after being the Rock’s top selection (2nd round, 28th overall) in the 2022 NLL Draft. Playing in four games as a rookie, the offensive righty from Oakville, ON scored four goals and added five assists for nine points. While the pro sample size is small, there’s a great deal of familiarity and confidence in Josh’s game that his GM and father Jamie believe will make him a mainstay in the Rock lineup this season.
“I think Josh is ready for the next step,” said the Rock GM. “He got to dip his toe into the pro game and did well last season. Over the last couple of summers, he’s been able to play more box lacrosse and that’s really helped after battling through some injuries and lost seasons due to Covid.
“It’s now all about figuring out your role. Players come out of junior playing in certain roles and come to the pros where established NLL players are already in those roles. It’s about adjusting your game and figuring out how to best use your talents in a way that will help your team. It can be a lot to go through at the beginning of your career, but I know he’s got the talent, he’s a good passer and a good finisher. He’s got to find his niche to contribute to the team on a regular basis. I’m really excited to see him raise the level of his game this season.”
Josh’s father purchased the Rock in 2009, and for the 22-year-old Dawick that means he’s been around this team for more than half his life. He’s been preparing for these upcoming NLL moments and opportunities for a long time.
“There’s no place that I’d rather be,” said the rising star. “While this group didn’t achieve our goals last season, we still have a talented group, especially on offence. I am really looking forward to getting back with all the boys and taking the next step towards the ultimate goal of winning the championship.”
With Tom Schreiber and Challen Rogers as a dynamic 1-2 punch up front on the Rock’s right side, Dawick hopes he can complement their games with his style of play and contribute to the team’s success on a regular basis this season.
“In my first season, I knew my role coming in, it was just about hard work and filling whatever role the coaches had for me,” said Dawick the player. “I was fortunate enough to play some games and that will only benefit me going forward, it gave me a better understanding of the pro game. Going into year two, I’ve played a lot of games this summer, it’s the most lacrosse I’ve played since being injured a few summers ago. Personally, I’ll also be focusing on developing chemistry with my teammates to optimize all of our games to help us all do our jobs the best we can. I am just excited to come into camp and work hard and prove myself and I’m really motivated to show the staff and my teammates what I can do. I’m focused on getting bigger, faster, and stronger, to be as prepared as possible and make the biggest impact that I can.”
Josh’s summer has been a very successful one playing for the Oakville Rock of the OSL. The summer squad finished with a 15-1 regular season record, swept the first round of the playoffs 3-0 vs. Owen Sound, and are now ready for an Ontario finals rematch with the Six Nations Rivermen beginning on Aug. 11. Dawick finished the regular season with 65 points in just 13 games which placed him second in league scoring. The Oakville club will host the Presidents Cup national Senior ‘B’ lacrosse championship at the TRAC form August 27 to September 2.
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