TORONTO ROCK SIGN FIVE PLAYERS FOR 2010

The Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club have signed Kasey Beirnes, Scott Campbell, Phil Sanderson, Sandy Chapman and Dave Cutten for the 2010 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season.

Kasey Beirnes and Scott Campbell will remain in a Toronto jersey for the next two seasons. In 2009, Beirnes recorded 23 goals, 15 assists and scooped 86 loose balls for Toronto while Campbell scored five goals, assisted on two others and picked up 93 loose balls.

“I expect Kasey to be one of our go-to guys,” said Toronto general manager Terry Sanderson. “He’s an underrated offensive player and I’m excited we have him for two years.”

Sanderson remembers why he originally traded to get Campbell in a Rock jersey back in the 2005 off-season.

“Over the years Scott has proved that he plays for the team; he’ll always put the team before himself,” said Sanderson. “He shows great leadership and just keeps getting better.”

The Rock also signed Phil Sanderson, acquired in July from the Buffalo Bandits, to a two-year deal. Sanderson became a member of the Toronto Rock in 2005 winning the NLL Champions Cup with the team that year. He stayed in Toronto until mid-way through the 2007 season when he was traded to the Buffalo Bandits.

“Phil is an unbelievable leader in the dressing room and on the floor,” said Rock Head Coach Troy Cordingley when the Rock first acquired Sanderson. “He is a proven winner who has won at every level of lacrosse that he has played in.”

Sandy Chapman returns to the Rock roster on a two-year deal after playing with the Rochester Knighthawks for four seasons. The Toronto-born Chapman was the Rock’s first round pick in the 2001 NLL Entry Draft.  During his time with the Rock, the defender won the NLL Champions Cup three times (’02, ’03, ’05), recorded 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) and collected 124 loose balls in 44 games played. 

“Sandy has to be one of, if not the most, underrated players in the League,” said Sanderson. “They just don’t come any better.”

Toronto has signed Dave Cutten to a one-year deal. Sanderson knows Cutten’s quick and physical style will prove difficult for any opponent.

“He’s the kind of guy any player wants on his team, but never wants to play against,” said Sanderson. “Cutten hasn’t had the chance to play in the NLL yet, but we’ve watched him extensively in the summer season. He runs the floor really well and is what we call a ball hound.”

A member of the KW Kodiaks for Major Series Lacrosse, the defender recorded one goal, seven assists and 18 penalty minutes through 16 games this summer.

The Toronto Rock open their 2010 home season on January 15 against the Boston Blazers at the Air Canada Centre. Season tickets are now available for all eight Rock home games. For more ticket information please contact the Rock office at 416-596-3075.