Rock Roar In 12-9 Win Over Riptide

Bounce Back Win Keeps Pace In the East

Hamilton, ON – The Toronto Rock (7-4) posted a bounce back win over the New York Riptide (2-8) by a score of 12-9 on Saturday night at FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, ON.  The win came just one week after the Rock were on the wrong side of a 14-13 decision against these same Riptide in New York.

It was the first time since December 18 that the Rock were able to play a home game with fans in attendance.  Provincial restrictions had prevented fans from attending the Rock’s last three home games.  However, tonight it was a raucous crowd of 7,920 back in the building to cheer the Rock to victory.

“It felt like a long time,” said Rock forward Dan Dawson.  “A lot of emotion and energy in the building tonight and I thought we fed off that.”

Dawson led the Rock attack with 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points.  Tonight, the 40-year legend played in his 306^th career game, tying John Tavares for the most games played in league history.  His four assists also pushed him to just one shy of Tavares for the all-time assists record.  Dawson should break both of those records next weekend in Vancouver against the Warriors.

The game started slowly in terms of the number of goals on the Rock side of the scoreboard, but it wasn’t for a lack of opportunities.  The Rock dominated the Riptide both offensively and defensively but trailed 1-0 after one.

In the second quarter, the balls finally started to drop for the Rock.  Five different goal scorers chipped in, and Toronto had built a 5-2 lead at halftime.

The Rock came out firing in the second half, scoring three times in the opening five minutes to soar ahead 8-2.  New York was able to do a bit of damage, but the Rock led 9-5 heading for home.

A good start to the fourth quarter saw the Rock score two more times early and push their advantage to 11-5.  The Rock scored only once more and the Riptide put up some goals after this one was essentially over, making the final 12-9.

Defensively, the Rock stifled the Riptide offence after surrendering 14 goals to the same team a week ago.  Mitch de Snoo earned the game’s second star and was all over the floor.  He had a game-high 14 loose balls and finished with three caused turnovers.

Nick Rose stood tall between the pipes tonight for the Rock.  He made 37 saves for the win, in another bounce back performance following a game in which he was pulled.  He’s been pulled twice this season and come back the game after and allowed fewer than 10 goals in each performance en route to victory.

Toronto outshot New York 57-46.  The Rock were 3-for-4 on the power play while the Riptide were 1-for-4.

The Rock’s next game will be away from home next Saturday night as they face the Vancouver Warriors for the first and only time this season.  Fans can watch the game on TSN Direct at 10pm ET.

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