TORONTO ROCK HOST BUFFALO BANDITS FRIDAY

The Toronto Rock host their only March home game on Friday, March 12 when they take on the Buffalo Bandits. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre.

The Rock (6-4) stumbled at the end of February, sliding into a three-game losing skid.

“It was a well timed week off for us,” said GM and assistant coach Terry Sanderson of last week’s bye.

After a heavy schedule of six games in February, Toronto gets to breathe in March with only two well-spaced games.

Rock captain Colin Doyle, with 10 games under his belt back in a Toronto uniform, leads the league in points (61) and assists (45) followed closely by rookie teammate Garrett Billings with 58 points.

 “I have some great teammates playing with me; the supporting cast in Toronto is really fantastic,” said Doyle when asked of his play. “You can’t get assists unless other guys are getting goals.”

Toronto will rely on Doyle to again lead them past Buffalo, a team that has regained momentum after losing four straight games at the beginning of the season.

The Bandits, now 3-6, beat the Orlando Titans last weekend with Mark Steenhuis leading the charge with 10 points (6, 4).  

“You can’t allow any of the stars in this league 10 points,” said Sanderson. “We know what Mark can do and we’ll need to control that.”

The Rock were successful at containing Steenhuis, allowing him only four points, on February 6 in their 14-10 win at HSBC Arena in Buffalo. 

“Toronto is a good team,” said Bandits assistant coach Duane Jacobs. “They are struggling right now and they’ll come out strong because they want to end their streak.”

Friday’s game is Toronto Sun Autograph Night. Fans are invited onto the floor after the game to meet the team and members of the Hot Rocks dance team. Single game tickets are available online through Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.ca, or in-person at the Air Canada Centre box office.