Paul Rabil Moved To Protected Player List

Lacrosse Star Will Not Play In 2017

Oakville, ON – With training camp set to open, Toronto Rock Owner, President and GM Jamie Dawick today announced that Paul Rabil has been moved to the Protected Player List and will not play for the Rock this season.

The Rock acquired the biggest name in lacrosse back on the first of July from the New England Black Wolves in exchange for the Rock’s fourth round pick in the 2016 NLL Draft. After months of conversation, Rabil determined the timing wasn’t right for a return to the NLL.

“Unfortunately at this time, it’s still not going to work,” explained Dawick. “We’ll see what happens going forward, I know there’s interest on his end and obviously there’s interest on our end. The communication lines have been open between him and myself and he’s going to continue to speak of the Toronto Rock off the floor and we’ll see what happens in the future but unfortunately for the 2017 season we’re not going to get a chance to see him on the floor.”

Rabil offered this statement with regards to his future in the NLL:

“First, I want to thank Jamie Dawick, the Toronto Rock organization, players and fans for showing interest in getting me back into the National Lacrosse League. Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time in Toronto, host youth clinics at the TRAC, and talk about my future playing indoor lacrosse. Emphatically, I can say that I want to be back playing in the National Lacrosse League. During my first five seasons in the NLL, I played with two great organizations, was a part of a Champion’s Cup team with the Stealth, a Champion’s Cup loss to Toronto, including a number of good and bad plays. I’ve learned from terrific captains and players like Colin Doyle and Brodie Merrill, and know there’s still a fire to learn and play with the best in the NLL.

“Unfortunately, the 2017 season will not be that time. In October, I signed a two-year deal with a three-year option, with the New York Lizards of Major League Lacrosse. Included in the deal is a marketing addendum that commits me to offseason activities, which with the current NLL and MLL scheduling overlap, will restrict my ability to play both. I’m proud of where both the MLL and NLL are headed, and hope to continue to participate and bring awareness to both leagues. In the future, I hope to be a part of the Toronto Rock organization on the floor, at one of the most storied arenas and in front of one of the best fan bases in the world. For now, Jamie Dawick and I will continue to communicate and I plan on being a part of the organization off the floor.”

Below is the Rock’s full preseason and training camp schedule.

The Rock will open the 2017 regular season on Thurs., Dec. 29 at Rochester against the Knighthawks. Toronto’s home opener will be against the back-to-back defending NLL Champion Saskatchewan Rush on Sat., Jan. 14 at Air Canada Centre.

Toronto Rock Season Tickets are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tues., Dec. 6. For more information about Toronto Rock tickets, please call 416-596-3075 or visit www.torontorock.com.