Toronto Superstar Forward Locked Up Through 2020 Season
Oakville, ON – Toronto Rock Owner, President and GM Jamie Dawick today announced the signing of forward Rob Hellyer to a 3-year contract extension. Hellyer was entering the final year of a 3-year contract. The 24-year from Lion’s Head Ontario led the Rock in scoring in 2016, but will miss the 2017 season after tearing his ACL in the off-season while playing for the Oakville Rock of Ontario’s Major Series Lacrosse (MSL).
“This was something both sides wanted to get done and was in the works before Robbie was injured,” said Dawick. “It’s an awful break for Robbie but nothing will change his commitment to the team and our commitment to him. He’s a young guy and he’ll be back stronger than ever. I look forward him being around long term.”
With the young star coming into his prime, the contract extension was a great fit for both parties, despite the fact Hellyer will watch this season from the press box.
“For Jamie to give me a 3-year extension, it let’s me know he’s got a lot of confidence in me, and my game,” said Hellyer. “It’s a great honour to play in Toronto and watching this season will be tough for me with my injury. It looks like we’ve got some great kids coming in through the draft that will push some of the veterans this season. It will be tough to watch, but I’m looking forward to watching some exciting lacrosse.”
Hellyer burst on the NLL scene in 2011 as an 18-year old after being selected by the Rock in the third round of the 2010 NLL Draft. He made his debut in a Rock uniform on March 4, 2011 against the Philadelphia Wings, scored 1 goal and added 3 assists for a four-point debut. The goal wasn’t just an average tally either; his diving score made TSN SportsCentre and was crowned the Highlight of the Night. He totaled 11 points (2+9) in 3 regular season games. In the post-season, Hellyer was in the lineup for all 3 games on the way to the Rock’s sixth championship in franchise history. The crafty right-hander scored a goal for Toronto in 8-7 win over the Washington Stealth in the NLL final.
After enduring an injury plagued 2012 season, he began to see regular action in 2013 suiting up for 9 games, but it was the 2014 season that was truly his breakout year. After a steady season of production, Hellyer went off for 31 points over the final 4 games of the regular season to finish with 79 points (29+50). The next two seasons, his numbers improved again with 90 points (31+59) in just 14 games in 2015 and 113 points (45+68) in 18 games in 2016. His 113 points last season was the second-best single season point total in franchise history, ranking just one point behind the 2012 totals of Garrett Billings who scored 114 points in 16 games.
The Toronto Rock will announce their full training camp schedule and exhibition game schedule shortly. The 2017 NLL season will begin on the road for the Rock at Rochester on Thurs., Dec. 29. The team’s home opener is on Sat., Jan. 14 against the Saskatchewan Rush at Air Canada Centre.
2017 Toronto Rock season tickets are now on sale and start at just $195. For more information, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive at 416-596-3075 or visit torontorock.com.
