Rock Flat In 14-5 Loss To Swarm

March 22, 2019

ROCK FLAT IN 14-5 LOSS TO SWARM

Toronto Trails From Start To Finish

Duluth, GA – The Toronto Rock (8-4) started off the weekend two-game road trip in the worst way, a one-sided 14-5 loss to the Georgia Swarm (11-4). The loss was even more painful for Toronto because they also dropped the season series to their division rivals in the process.

“Our confidence is pretty low right now,” said Rock Head Coach Matt Sawyer. “It was important for us to put together a good effort and a good showing and not even worry about the end result and tonight wasn’t a step in the right direction in that regard. Having said that we need to turn the page quickly because it’s not going to get any easier going into Buffalo tomorrow night.”

From the opening faceoff, Georgia controlled the game. The Swarm’s opening tally came just nine seconds into the game when Jordan McIntosh picked up the loose ball and ran in for an uncontested goal. The Rock’s Kieran McArdle quickly answered but four more goals from Georgia gave the home team a 5-1 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter was probably the Rock’s best of the night. Georgia scored first, but the Rock had an answer to every goal and still trailed by four at the half, 8-4.

Five straight goals over 10:36 to start the third quarter pretty much put the game to bed for Georgia. The Rock managed to break up the run, but that was their only goal of the frame as Toronto trailed 13-5 heading into the final quarter. Nick Rose was lifted from the Rock goal following the Swarm’s eleventh tally in favour of Riley Hutchraft.

The fourth quarter saw the Swarm get the lone goal, shorthanded as the Rock couldn’t muster any offence despite having a five-minute power play.

Rock goals came from McArdle, Challen Rogers, Johnny Powless, Rob Hellyer and Brandon Slade.

Rose allowed 11 goals on 32 shots while Hutchcraft made 13 saves on 16 shots. Georgia’s Mike Poulin was almost unbeatable making 47 saves on 52 shots as the Rock outshot the Swarm 52-48.

Tomorrow night the Rock travel to Buffalo to take on the Bandits. A Toronto win will give the Rock the season series against the Bandits.

The Rock were without veteran defender Bill Hostrawser as he and his wife Brittney welcome their second child, a girl, to their family on Friday. Hostrawser will re-join the team for Saturday night’s game in Buffalo.

2018-19 Toronto Rock Single Game Tickets along with the 6 Ticket Flex Pack are on sale now.  To purchase or for more information, please visit torontorock.com or call 416-596-3075.