Toronto, ON – Following a 2-0 start to the season, the Rock were looking for a win last weekend in Philadelphia. Due to weather conditions though, the game was postponed, leaving the team hungry for game action.
With 2 wins under their belt, the Rock are ready to roll over the Knighthawks this weekend in their first home and home series of the season. Captain Jim Veltman will return to the floor, having missed 2 games because of a pulled hamstring. Defenseman Glenn Clark will also see action in his first game of 2005, having missed 2 games while recovering from recent knee surgery.
“We are well prepared for these games because we know that they’re going to be challenging to say the least. Rochester is a huge offensive power in this division but we’re pretty evenly matched with them. It’s going to be a tough series but we’re ready!” Terry Sanderson, Toronto Rock Head Coach and GM.
This weekend will mark the Rock’s 17th and 18th games against the Rochester Knighthawks in these team’s torrid past. Historically the Knighthawks have snuck past the Rock on many occasions, tallying 10 wins to Toronto’s 6. In the Rock’s 6 year franchise history, they have tallied only 1 win at the Blue Cross Arena; the 2003 Champion’s Cup final. On Toronto turf, the Rock have taken 6 of 8 games played.
“I think every one of us is ready for this game, especially having an unexpected by-week. We’ve had a great start to the season and we need to carry that momentum into these two games as well.” Blaine Manning, Toronto Rock Forward.
Manning jump started his season on January 15 versus the Minnesota Swarm. He tallied 10 points on 6 goals and 4 assists, earning him the Overall and Offensive Player of the Week honours for Week 3 of play. Manning has 15 points (6G, 9A) on the season to date. Other Rock forwards that have shone this season include Josh Sanderson; 15 points (3G, 12A), Aaron Wilson; 13 points (8G, 5A), Colin Doyle 13 points (3G, 10A) and Matt Shearer; 10 points (5G, 5A).
For this Friday’s game at the Air Canada Centre, the Rock have partnered up with the Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club. The organization runs 22 locations in the GTA that help feed over 1,100 children a hot and nutritious breakfast every day.
Fans who attend this Friday’s game at the Air Canada Centre can help out by bringing a box of cereal to the Customer Service Desk behind Section 119. Any one who donates a box of cereal will be given a ballot to win some great prizes from American Express, Canadian Tire and Tim Horton’s. Fans that can’t attend the game can catch Friday’s game on Rogers Sportsnet at 7:30pm and Saturday’s game on The Score television network at 7:30pm. Both games will also be broadcast on The New AM 640 Toronto with play-by-play by Joe Bowen and Blair Campbell.
