ROCK PUSH TOWARDS THE PLAYOFFS THIS WEEKEND

Toronto – The Toronto Rock host the Rochester Knighthawks at home this weekend on Saturday April 5th before heading to Philadelphia to face the Wings at the Wachovia Center on Sunday April 6th.

Rock Head Coach Glenn Clark says even though the Rock are coming off some recent big win games positions can change quickly in the standings.

“We’re in the mix and the games this weekend are huge for us,” Clark said. “We have a few Eastern rival teams all battling for playoff spots.”

The Rock (7-4) fell to the Knighthawks on the road earlier this season on February 9th but have since won four out of their last five games, including back to back game wins two weeks ago against the Edmonton Rush and the Buffalo Bandits. The Rock are currently tied for second place in the East, just half a game behind the division leading Philadelphia Wings.

The Knighthawks who were defeated 11-8 by the Colorado Mammoth last night and are now in a must win situation heading into tomorrow’s match-up.

The Rock head to Philadelphia on Sunday morning April 6th to face the Wings at the Wachovia Center at 8:05 p.m. EST. The Wings (7-3) face the Chicago Shamrox on Saturday April 5th before hosting the Rock on Sunday evening. The Rock and Wings were originally scheduled to play on Saturday March 8th before the game was postponed due to inclement weather that prevented the Rock from travelling.

Heading into the weekend games, the Rock are led by Blaine Manning with 54 points (20 goals, 34 assists). Another offensive leader Lewis Ratcliff begins this weekend with the Rock at fifth in the league in scoring with 64 points (29 goals, 35 assists) with the Calgary Roughnecks.

The former Calgary forward and four-time NLL All-Star will play in his first game for the Rock tomorrow night. Ratcliff joined the roster last week when the Rock traded Josh Sanderson and a first round pick in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft in exchange for Ratcliff and a conditional first or second round selection in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft.

Head Coach Glenn Clark says Ratcliff will bring an element to the team that hasn’t been seen in a while.

“He creates his own room to get to the net and is successful beating guys one on one. He brings a big outside shot and has the ability to stretch the opposing teams defence out which creates more options for his teammates.”

For weekend game result updates visit www.torontorock.com or for East and West Division standings visit www.nll.com .

The Rock vs. Rochester game can be seen live on Rogers Sportsnet Ontario tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. EST and via the B2 Network. The Rock vs. Philadelphia game is also available via the B2 Network on Sunday evening at 8:05 p.m. EST. The webcasts can be purchased online for $7 USD. Fans can access the webcasts by clicking the B2 icon at www.torontorock.com or www.nll.com .
-T.Workman-