Rock Double Up Warriors In 14-7 Win

ROCK DOUBLE UP WARRIORS 14-7

Toronto Now Sits On Top Of The NLL Standings

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Rock (6-2) are without a doubt, on a roll.  They kept that roll going with a 14-7 win over the Vancouver Warriors (4-6) at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.  It was Rob Hellyer bobblehead night and the veteran Rock sniper scored six goals in the win.

The win was the fourth in a row at home and creates a log jam at the top of the NLL standings with several teams tied at six wins.  At 6-2, the only other team with an equal winning percentage is the Halifax Thunderbirds and the Rock hold a 1-0 season series lead, meaning the Rock sit in first place.

“We didn’t start the game exactly how we wanted to but found our legs in the last 10 minutes of the first half and got some separation.  We were pretty good overall,” said Sawyer.

It was Hellyer who got the scoring going early in the first quarter but from there, both offences stalled a bit as the two teams were trying to get a feel for the game.  At the end of one, the score was tied 2-2.

The Rock fell behind 3-2 just 38 seconds into the second quarter.  The Rock answered, but Vancouver once again pulled ahead by one.  From there, the rest of the night belonged to the Rock and Toronto finished the half on a four-goal run to lead 7-4 at the half.

In the third quarter, they stretched their lead to 11-5 by the end of the frame.  Scott Dominey wrapped up the scoring in the third with a spectacular one-handed goal on the crease that brought the Rock City faithful to their feet.

Hellyer added another pair of goals to his total in the fourth quarter and just seemed to have luck on his side, burying chance after chance.  Sheldon Burns scored on a breakaway with just over three minutes to play, making the final 14-7.

“We’re playing as a unit (on offence), I think that’s the biggest thing. Lefties, righties, we’re moving the ball really well and everyone’s getting chances.  We’re just making the most of them right now,” said Hellyer.  “It’s great to get three in a row at home against three really good teams.”

Hellyer scored six goals and two assists for a team-high eight points.  Challen Rogers and Dan Dawson each tallied twice with singles going to Burns, Dominey, Johnny Powless and Reid Reinholdt.

Perhaps lost in all of this offensive brilliance was another stellar outing from Nick Rose between the pipes.  The veteran netminder and backbone of this Rock team stopped 33 of the 40 shots he faced and gave up just seven goals against.

The Rock were 2-for-3 on the power play, while Vancouver was 0-for-2 on the power play.

The Rock now hit the road for the next two weeks, beginning with their first ever trip to Halifax for a rematch with the Thunderbirds on Friday night.  Fans can watch the game on Bleacher Report Live at 6 p.m. ET.

For more information on Toronto Rock tickets, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive at 416-596-3075 or visit torontorock.com.