Breadcrumb Trail Links
SportsLacrosseNLLToronto Rock
Article content
Lack of power was the theme of the Toronto Rock home opener on Saturday. And even its temporary home got into the act.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Article content
Article content
A near full house at Paramount Fine Foods Centre experienced a blackout late in the first half. And even though the lights went out in the arena for just a half-second, the moment described the current state of the home side perfectly.
An 11-5 loser in its first game in Ottawa last week, the Rock fell to 0-2 in a 15-4 loss to the Albany FireWolves. The four goals equal Toronto’s franchise record for fewest in a game. And just like in its loss to the Black Bears, the Rock was beaten in all phases of the game of lacrosse.
“In terms of the team, there’s a lot of self-belief, we know we’re better than this,” forward Corey Small said. “Things don’t come easy in this league and we’ve seen it the past two weeks. We can’t just show up and expect to win.”
Your Midday Sun
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
The output of the guys who are on the floor is just one part of the equation. The Rock is hurting, big time. Offensive leader Tom Schreiber, top defender Brad Kri, faceoff specialist T D Ierlan and transition stalwarts Challen Rogers and Latrell Harris all watched the game in their finest menswear. Harris’ absence is particularly unfortunate in that he suffered his injury late in the game against Ottawa, his first game back after missing all of the 2023-24 season because of a knee injury. The longer these players are out, the more irrelevant this season will become.
It also didn’t help that the BlackWolves are again presenting themselves as a championship contender after being last season’s National Lacrosse League runners-up. Goaltender Doug Jamieson equalled every challenge the Rock, featuring several young players, threw at him.
Advertisement 4
Article content
He did get some help with the Rock pressing for a goal in the final minute when the lights at the Mississauga arena went off, stopping play temporarily.
Otherwise, the Black Wolves had complete control of the floor, scoring twice on the power play and twice again while shorthanded as it took a 6-1 lead into halftime. The second half was no better for the Rock as Albany scored five more times. The lone offensive bright spot for Toronto was Josh Dawick, who cut to the net for his first goal in the second then added two more in the third. Rock goaltender Nick Rose was pulled after three quarters, replaced by Troy Holowchuk.
Sam Firth led the FireWolves with five goals, all in the second half. Tye Kurtz and Alex Simmons and Zac Masson scored twice. Marshall Powless, Colton Watkinson, John Piatelli and Travis Longboat added singles.
Advertisement 5
Article content
Luke Robinson, in his first NLL game, scored the Rock’s fourth goal.
“Everyone on the team has to reflect, watch some film, and see where we were lacking in our individual game and as a team,” Small said. “I will be taking a couple of extra trips to the (Rock practice facility) to get my shot going because I personally thought I had a couple of chances to score early and it just didn’t go in.”
The Rock travels to suburban Atlanta to face the Georgia Swarm next Saturday. The Rock will host the Black Bears in its next home action on Dec. 28.
Recommended from Editorial
Rock opens its season with an ugly loss to Ottawa
Rock’s goal for new season isn’t just winning games, it’s a championship
Article content
Share this article in your social network
