Rock Lose 14-9 To Stealth

Toronto – The Washington Stealth (2-6) got a small measure of revenge with a 14-9 win over the Toronto Rock (4-4) on Saturday night at Air Canada Centre.  Last May, it was the Rock taking the NLL Champion’s Cup away from the Stealth.

The first quarter saw the Rock offence come up empty in early going and fell behind 3-0.  Garrett Billings found the mark scoring the only goal of the quarter for Toronto as they trailed 3-1 after one.

Josh Sanderson closed the gap to 3-2, but the Stealth scored three straight goals to take a 6-2 edge.  The Rock offence answered with a couple of goals from defenders Stephen Hoar and Ryan Sharp to claw back to within two goals.  Washington’s Dean Hill wrapped up the first half scoring putting the Stealth up 7-4 at the break.

The second half started well for the Stealth pushing their lead to five goals as they took a 9-4 lead.  The two teams exchanged goals before the Rock scored two straight to shave the Stealth lead back to three goals with the Rock trailing 10-7 after three quarters.

After each team scored once to open the quarter, Washington scored three straight goals to leap ahead 14-8.  Toronto struck for a late power play tally to make the final 14-9.

Pat Campbell relieved Matt Roik after Roik allowed the ninth Stealth goal.  Campbell logged 26:33 in the Rock goal allowing 4 goals and stopped 22 shots.  

Rock Captain Colin Doyle was a game time decision for Toronto and missed the game due to an upper-body injury.  That same injury knocked him out of last week’s win over Rochester.

Toronto’s Stephan Leblanc led the offensive charge for the Rock with four goals.  For the Stealth it was Dean Hill’s five points leading the way (2 goals, 3 assists). 

Next Friday night is Canadian Forces Night at Air Canada Centre when the Rock host the Philadelphia Wings at 7:30pm.  Following the game, there will be a live auction on the floor with a chance to win the jersey right off the back of your favourite Rock player.  Also, beginning Monday, the Rock will have a special online auction.  For more information on tickets to the game or the auctions, please visit www.torontorock.com.