TORONTO ROCK INITIATE HONOURARY LES BARTLEY AWARD

The Toronto Rock have established an annual Toronto Rock player award in honour of former Rock head coach (1999-2003), the late Les Bartley.

Named the “Les Bartley Award” will be given annually to the Rock player that best exemplifies Les’ emphasis on the importance of character and commitment to the team.
Chosen by the coaching staff, the award will be presented at the last Rock home game of the regular season each year to the recipient most deserving of the honour.

Les Bartley passed away at the age of 51 on May 15th 2005 after an 18-month battle with colon cancer, but not before leaving a legacy that remains alive in the hearts of the Toronto Rock, the NLL and thousands of fans and friends in the lacrosse community.

In February 2006, the late Les Bartley was among the five charter members of the NLL Hall of Fame as the coach with the most wins in League history. Les led the Toronto Rock to four Championship titles in 1999, 2000, 2002 & 2003. Prior to coming to Toronto, Bartley coached the Buffalo Bandits and led them to three NLL titles in 1992, 1993 & 1996.

Les was an inspiration to lacrosse fans from around Toronto and North America and they are successful at continuing his generosity and kindness merits with continuous contributions to various cancer research charities and the Les’s Fund Initiative to raise money to fight against cancer.