Oakville, ON – While several scenarios may still exist, there is one very simple and straightforward one in which the Rock control their own destiny. A win on Friday night by the Rock over the New England Black Wolves in Uncasville, CT and the Rock clinch the first overall seed for the Champion’s Cup Playoffs. A Rochester loss in their final game also clinches top spot for the Rock.
This will be the third meeting of the season between the two clubs with the Rock winning both previous encounters in Toronto. An overtime time win in February and a 15-12 win just a couple of weeks ago, give the Rock a 2-0 season series edge over New England.
The Rock are coming off a bye week and could have both Rob Hellyer and Colin Doyle in the lineup on Friday night in New England for the first time this season.
“I think it was a good time for us to have a break with a couple of guys banged up,” said Rock Head Coach John Lovell. “It also gave Robbie Hellyer and Colin Doyle another couple weeks to get ready.”
Now if the Rock doesn’t win, they will be looking for help from the Minnesota Swarm who host the Rochester Knighthawks on Saturday night in the season finale for both of those teams. If Rochester wins that game and the Rock have lost, meaning both teams will finish with identical 13-5 records, the Knighthawks will earn the East Division title as they beat the Rock in two of three meetings this season and would win the tiebreaker.
Also on the horizon this weekend, Josh Sanderson is within reach of the all-time single season assists record. Garrett Billings established the current record of 82 back in 2012 as a member of the Toronto Rock. Sanderson and Calgary’s Shawn Evans each have 79 assists and both players have just one game remaining on their respective team’s schedules.
Friday night’s game against the New England Black Wolves is a 7:00pm start at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Fans can watch live on TSN GO and TSN.ca.
Toronto Rock Playoff Packs are now on sale. Lock in your seats and the best pricing for the entire Champion’s Cup Playoffs today. For the BEST ticket in town and more information, please visit torontorock.com/playoffpack or call 416-596-3075.
