Rock re-signs Wetherup, inks pair of rookies

TORONTO – Phil Wetherup will return as the Toronto Rock’s backup goalie after re-signing with the defending National Lacrosse League champions today.

Wetherup played in 70 minutes of action last year behind Bob Watson and recorded 39 saves, allowing 15 goals. He has a respectable career goals against average of 15.80 and a career save percentage of 70% in duty with Toronto, Buffalo, Arizona, New York and Columbus. He played this past summer with the Owen Sound Woodsmen (OLA Sr. B), coached by Rock head coach and GM Terry Sanderson. The 28-year-old lives in Waterloo and is a student at the University of Waterloo.

The Rock also signed rookie forward Matt Taylor and rookie defenseman Rob Marshall today. Taylor, an 22-year-old native of Whitby, Ont., starred with the Brock Badgers university field lacrosse team in the fall and helped them to their second consecutive Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) title. He studies Kinesiology at Brock. Last summer, Taylor played with the Brooklin Redmen (OLA Major) registering 26 points (10 G, 16 A). He has also played with the Whitby Warriors (OLA Jr. A) and is a graduate of the Whitby Minor Lacrosse system.

Marshall is a gritty, 21-year-old defender living in Arthur, Ont. During the summer, Marshall played with the Founder’s Cup champion Elora Mohawks (national Junior B champions) under the coaching of Rock head scout Dean George, and he has also played there for current Rock assistant coach John Lovell. Marshall also played in a pair of playoff games with the Arthur Aces (OLA Sr. B) this summer. In 16 playoff games with Elora, Marshall tallied 24 points (10 G, 14 A) to cap off a strong season.

As per club policy, other terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The Rock begins defence of the Champion’s Cup on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre in a rematch of last year’s championship final against the Arizona Sting. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ca or call (416) 872-5000.