Rock Post Comeback Win

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Rock (3-1) rallied to defeat the Minnesota Swarm (0-2) on Saturday night at Air Canada Centre by a score of 13-12 in front of 10,503 fans. 

Minnesota opened the scoring but the Rock scored four of the next five goals to lead 4-2 at the end of one quarter.  Toronto’s back end came through with a pair of goals as defender Jesse Gamble and Bill Greer each cashed in for the Rock.

Toronto surrendered the first four goals of the second quarter and the Swarm jumped out in front 6-4.  The Rock battled back with a pair to tie the score 6-6 with Kasey Beirnes scoring on the powerplay and Josh Sanderson tallying at even strength.  Minnesota regained the lead late in the half to lead by a goal 7-6 at the half.

The Swarm stormed out of the gate building their lead with a pair of goals just 1:15 into the third quarter.  Minnesota wouldn’t relinquish their grip on the lead and led by as many as four goals just past the 11-minute mark of the frame.  The Rock put a dent in the Minnesota lead scoring twice down the stretch, trailing 12-10 heading to the final fifteen minutes.

The Rock started the fourth quarter with a 2-man advantage and connected on both ends of the powerplay to tie the score 12-12.  The Rock broke the tie with 6:02 to play on a goal from Stephan Leblanc. 

Nick Rose was pulled for 3:33 in the third quarter giving way to Zak Boychuk, but returned to the goal and slammed the door shut for the entire fourth quarter. 

Garrett Billings posted an 8-point night, scoring 2 goals and adding 6 assists.  Josh Sanderson scored four times and posted two assists for a 6-point game.

The Rock will play travel to Rochester Saturday to face the defending NLL champion Knighthawks.  Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on TSN2 and TSN Mobile TV at 7:30pm ET.  For the best ticket in town, please call 416-596-3075 or visit www.torontorock.com.