One 5 game winning streak ended while another was gained as the Toronto Rock fell 14-9 to the Roughnecks in Calgary. It was a battle of the two best teams in the National Lacrosse League  with Toronto coming off of a two week hiatus. The Rock looked unstoppable going into their extended break, but appeared sluggish early in this contest, which gave the West leading Roughnecks a chance to pounce.

Calgary’s victory ends the season series with the Rock tied at one a piece and brings both clubs to a 9-3 record.

Roughneck forwards Jeff Shattler and Dane Dobbie were monsters on the turf, popping 7 points each. Rock penalty trouble allowed the Calgary powerplay to continue to click and made the visitors pay, while Toronto looked to be overall outhustled. Now don’t get me wrong, the Rock are well conditioned machines, however, a two week layoff with only practices is not the same as in-game action, especially facing a top tier squad like Calgary.

Good news for the Rock is that the usual suspects for offensive production stepped up, as captain Colin Doyle picked up a hat trick along with goal contributions from Garrett Billings and Stephan Leblanc.

Next Friday, April 1, Toronto returns home to the Air Canada Centre where they are undefeated this year. I certainly do not envy the visiting defending NLL champion Washington Stealth as the Rock will certainly be in a crusty mood and the coaching staff will have them more than prepared. This is a rematch of last season’s NLL Champion’s Cup final and an important game for Washington who look to keep their momentum going from the win versus Boston last night. Make sure to catch my call of the game at 7:30pm on the NLL Network.

Other Rock News

- On Thursday March 24, legendary Toronto Rock goaltender and future NLL hall of famer, Bob Watson, officially announced that he will retire after the 2011 campaign. After 15 seasons, 5 championships, 2 Goaltender of the Year awards, and 1 Champion’s Cup Final MVP Watson had decided at the beginning of the year to hang up the pads. He is the only starting goalie the Rock have ever known, and as coach Troy Cordingley put it, there is only one ‘Whipper’. “He’s been the backbone of this organization for so many years and he’s the best goaltender to ever play the game,” beams Cordingley. Watson has one and only goal left…to win a final championship. April 8 at the Air Canada Centre will be a special evening as an on floor presentation is going to take place for Whipper along with the first 10,000 fans receiving paper Watson goalie masks and the first 3,ooo entering the arena will get a limited edition Bob Watson trading card.

- Toronto Rock players will be representing Team Canada Lacrosse at the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague this May. Colin Doyle, Sandy Chapman, and Stephan Leblanc will compete in the red and white. I will be doing the play-by-play broadcasts for the tournament. Stay tuned for Team Canada player profiles, stories, etc. on this exciting event where Team Canada is two-time defending champions.

Rock Tweets of the Week: In reply to the question of if the Rock can win in Calgary after 2 weeks off

@Shakes1: “Calgary is doing well but the Rock will continue their success before the break and leave a /W\”

@BeansSr: “@toronto_rt @Shakes1 @AndyMc81 @FAN590 YES…#GO ROCK GO!!!”

@CalgaryPlaza: “No! But it will be a great game we’re bringing 10ppl to cheer at the dome!”

Send your Rock or lacrosse tweets to @AndyMc81

News from around the National Lacrosse League

- Minnesota can clinch a playoff berth with a win this weekend, while Buffalo needs a victory plus a Philadelphia loss to gain access to the post season. Washington clinched their playoff position as they defeated Boston 9-8 Friday. Toronto and Calgary have already secured a playoff spot.

-NLL playoffs begin the weekend of April 29 – May 1 and will run for 3 straight weeks with the higher ranked team hosting. The championship game will be one of the days during the May 13 - 15 weekend, and remember these are single elimination matches.

Games around the NLL:

Fri. March 25- Minnesota Swarm lose a tight 14-13 was in Edmonton against the Rush. The Washington Stealth clinch a playoff berth by edging out visiting Boston Blazers 9-8.

Sat. March 26- Philadelphia Wings @ Rochester Knighthawks, Boston Blazers @ Colorado Mammoth

Sun. March 27- Buffalo Bandits @ Minnesota Swarm 

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @: http://twitter.com/AndyMc81, keep an eye on the “Inside The Rock”  blog, and visit NLL.com for all the latest Toronto Rock and National Lacrosse League action.

Andy McNamara is a sports broadcaster for the Toronto Rock lacrosse on the NLL Network (www.nll.com), along with collegiate and minor league hockey, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and OCW pro-wrestling across the GTA on Rogers TV, Cogeco, and Durham College/UOIT. He will also be the play-by-play voice of the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czech Republic this May and is a representative for Team Canada Lacrosse.

The Toronto Rock may be on a two week hiatus, but there is still plenty to talk about. The Rock go into their bye with the best record in the National Lacrosse League at 9-2, are undefeated at home, and are on a 5 game win streak.

That most recent victory came to the sound of 15-10 at the Air Canada Centre over the Philadelphia Wings that tested Toronto’s defence and saw the debut of a rising star. The 18 year old Rob Hellyer, the youngest player in the NLL, made an immediate impact by contributing 1 goal, 4 assists, and collecting 3 loose balls as well as showcasing impressive speed. All this earned Hellyer the NLL Rookie of the Week Award.

Toronto head coach Troy Cordingley said that during the extended break he will have his club going through strenuous practices and training to assure they will be in the best shape possible when action resumes in Calgary on March 25. During training camp the Rock coaching staff prepared players with arguably the toughest regimen in the league, and from their success it looks like all the hard work paid off.

Last Friday’s game was “Black Out Breast Cancer”, which was the final day of a 3 week charity drive that saw Toronto Rock and Sunnybrook Foundation raise over $30,000! The Rock will now have an examination room named after them in the new Sunnybrook Breast Cancer Centre, which is scheduled to open this November. Through a Rock game worn jersey auction (fetching $11,950), raffles, 50/50 draws, and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment donating $1 from every ticket sold for the March 4 match, a terrific effort was put in by all for an amazing cause.

New rule change officially from the NLL: ”Players, coaches and or non playing personnel deemed to be deliberately obstructing fans are subject to an unsportsmanlike conduct bench minor penalty.” This was brought on by mass complaints by Philadelphia Wings fans when last Saturday, Calgary Roughnecks coaches were standing up on their team’s bench and obstructing the Philly faithful’s view. Thanks to Graeme Perrow for sending the article link.

National Lacrosse League announces the upcoming release of the new NLL 11 video game, exclusively available on Xbox 360 Indie Game Channel, brought to you by Crosse Studio and Stir Fry Games. Being a PlayStation 3 owner I’m a bit disappointed it is only on Xbox, but nonetheless the preview looks solid. All 10 teams will be included as well as franchise mode and for the first time fighting! The best part is that lacrosse fans only have to pay $5.

Rock Tweets of the Week:

@GraemePerrow: “Hellyer’s was one of the nicest goals I’ve seen all year. It was knocked away then he grabbed it again and scored a beauty #NLL”

@andibarnaba: “Truly an awesome game!!! I was way less nervious in the 4th then in past games can’t wait till April 1st “

@andibarnaba: “@AndyMc81 btw u sounded great tonight, heard a bit of it in the elevator (at Air Canada Centre) lol”

@briguy100: “WOOOOOO Highlight of the night for the Rookie on the @TorontoRockLax #GoRockGo”

@Shakes1: “Come on #Rock let’s Bar Be Q some Wings #lacrosse #Toronto”

@RockBeatToronto: “Catch ROCK BEAT w/ Jordan Maxwell Now with @AndyMc81 on the NLL NETWORK at NLL.com”

Send me your tweets on the Toronto Rock, the NLL, 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, or lacrosse in general to @AndyMc81

NLL Weekly Awards:

Overall Player of the Week: Buffalo Bandits goaltender- Mike Thompson (2 wins over the weekend)

Defensive Player of the Week: Washington Stealth defender- Mike Grimes (11 loose balls, 2 forced turnovers, 2 goals, 1 assist)

Offensive Player of the Week: Washington Stealth forward- Lewis Ratcliff (4 goals, 5 assists, 4 loose balls)

Transition Player of the Week (2nd consecutive): Rochester Knighthawks- Jordan Hall (3 goals, 3 assists, 6 loose balls)

Rookie of the Week: Toronto Rock forward- Rob Hellyer (1 goal, 3 assists, 3 loose balls)

Games Around the NLL

Sat. March 12: Boston Blazers @ Buffalo Bandits

Sun. March 13: Calgary Roughnecks @ Washington Stealth

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @: http://twitter.com/AndyMc81, keep an eye on the “Inside The Rock”  blog, and visit NLL.com for all the latest Toronto Rock and National Lacrosse League action.

Andy McNamara is a sports broadcaster for the Toronto Rock lacrosse on the NLL Network (www.nll.com), along with collegiate and minor league hockey, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and OCW pro-wrestling across the GTA on Rogers TV, Cogeco, and Durham College/UOIT. He will also be the play-by-play voice of the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czech Republic this May.

In front of a rowdy Air Canada Centre crowd of over 10,000 on ‘Black Out Breast Cancer Night’, the Toronto Rock outlasted the feisty Philadelphia Wings 15-10.

The score would suggest a dominant Rock performance, but it was a defensive slugfest for the most part with Toronto only busting loose in the 4th quarter. Both squads had trouble penetrating inside and spectacular goaltending on each side kept things tight early.

Athan Ianucci of Philly lit the fuse of his club’s offense as he scored three of his four goals in the 3rd quarter to allow the Wings to tie the game on multiple occasions in the 2nd half. Toronto’s Garrett Billings showed why he was the February Player of the Month for the league with four points, and Stephan Leblanc continued leading his team in scoring adding 3 goals and 4 assists.

Calling the game up in the Gondola on the NLL Network (www.nll.com) I noticed that as the game wore on the strongest crowd reaction built for Rock rookie Rob Hellyer. At just 18 years of age Hellyer is the youngest player in the National Lacrosse League and was activated from the practice squad to the active roster this week. The youngster did not look out of place with the big boys as his speed and movement around the net initially threw off Philadelphia. After scoring a very Colin Doyle like behind the back goal, head coach Troy Cordingly, showed growing confidence in Hellyer as he was put out during key penalty killing situations and offensive rushes late in the game. He finished the evening with four points and looks to be another bright star in the making for Toronto.

While the Rock have two weeks off before heading to Calgary on March 25th, Philadelphia must regroup quickly as they play host to the same Calgary Roughnecks tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. With their 5th straight win Toronto maintain the best record in the NLL, now 9-2, and the Wings fall 4.5 games back in the East and certainly have their work cut out for them.

Games around the National Lacrosse League:

Fri. March 4: Minnesota climb above .500 with a heart stopping 11-10 road victory over the struggling Colorado Mammoth.

Sat. March 5: Calgary Roughnecks @ Philadelphia Wings; Rochester Knighthawks @ Buffalo Bandits; Washington Stealth @ Edmonton Rush

Sun. March 6: Buffalo Bandits @ Boston Blazers

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @: http://twitter.com/AndyMc81, keep an eye on the “Inside The Rock”  blog, and visit NLL.com for all the latest Toronto Rock and National Lacrosse League action.

Check out my most recent NHL video report on ‘Why the Leafs Will Make the Playoffs’ here: http://www.unifysports.tv/watch_video.php?repeat=yes&id=974

Andy McNamara is a sports broadcaster for the Toronto Rock lacrosse on the NLL Network (www.nll.com), along with collegiate and minor league hockey, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and OCW pro-wrestling across the GTA on Rogers TV, Cogeco, and Durham College/UOIT. He will also be the play-by-play voice of the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czech Republic this May.

The Toronto Rock return to the Air Canada Centre this Friday at 7:30 as they go for their 5th straight win and second consecutive victory over Philadelphia.

Coming off a wild shoot in Philly where they came out on top 16-13, the Rock know they cannot take the Wings lightly. Philadelphia have picked up 3 of their 4 wins on the road and the Wings offense finally clicked against a Toronto defense that has only allowed opposing teams to get into double digit scoring twice previously. Wings head coach John Tucker was pleased with parts of what his club did last week, but knows a better start is needed. “We cannot fall down by 5 against a team like Toronto early like last time. We want to continue to shoot the ball well,” explains Tucker.

Rock general manager/assistant coach Terry Sanderson was asked during the weekly NLL coaches conference call if his squad is finding it difficult to stay motivated seeing that they do have the best record in the league. “No trouble keeping motivated. Buffalo and Boston continue to win and our division is the tightest I have ever seen it.” He also commented on giving up the 13 goals in Philadelphia, “It was more of Philly’s offense getting on track rather than what we did wrong on defence. Allowing 13 is unacceptable.”

Penalty trouble was also an issue in the Wings contest. Sanderson stated that Toronto has to be more disciplined, however, he made a tongue and cheek comment about what he viewed as poor officiating. “Not only the teams have to show up.” The GM continued, “If I told you what I really thought I would be fined.”

Rock captain, Colin Doyle, led by example vs. Philly as he scored a hat trick, 6 assists, and collected 4 loose balls. This effort earned Doyle both the Overall and Offensive Player of the Week awards in the National Lacrosse League. Toronto’s Sandy Chapman continued the award dominence as he grabbed the Defensive Player of the Week honour for picking up 7 loose balls, forcing a turnover, and scoring 1 goal and 1 assist. Finally, Garrett Billings was named February Player of the Month with an incredible 13 goals and 12 assists.

Rob Hellyer has a big opportunity tonight as the Rock have brought him up from the club’s practice roster. Hellyer is not only the youngest player on Toronto, but at 18 is the youngest in the entire league! He was the West Division Rookie of the Year for his Jr. A Orangeville Northmen team and was selected in the 3rd round by Toronto in 2010. In other news, Tim O’Brien has been moved to the Physically Unable to Perform List for the Rock.

Be sure to come down to Friday evening’s rematch not only for the action, but because MLSE will donate $1 from every ticket sold to help “Black Out” breast cancer and the Rock auction off a game worn jersey.

Rock Tweets of the Week:

@KungPowLau “The boys are rockin’ it huge! RT @AndyMc81: #Toronto Rock win more awards! Garrett Billings wins Feb Player of the Month w/ 13G, 12A”

@Shakes1 “Congrats to Garrett he’s played well and deserves it #Toronto #Rock”

@snowkitten “I’m definitely jealous! You covering it, @fozzboggles playing in it…I just hope I can watch it! #Lacrosee #Nll #WILC” (In regards to my doing play-by-play for the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czech Republic this May)

@LAXUNLIMITED “Get your Marv Albert, Walt Clyde on, but stray from Craig Sager’s sense of ‘style’ “

@briguy100 “Just gonna say this now…PlaybyPlay guy 4 this game is Def no @AndyMc81″

@GraemePerrow “Unfortunately I saw less then half the game (vs Philly) but i’d have to say Billings #Rock #MVP

Send your tweets on the Rock and lacrosse in general to be included in the Rock Tweets of the Week to @AndyMc81

News from around the National Lacrosse League:

- The NLL All-Star Game was a huge success last Sunday at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York as it showcased the best of the best in the league. Goals were a plenty as the East downed the West 30-26.

- Overall Player of the Week & Offensive Player of the Week: Toronto Rock- Colin Doyle

- Defensive Player of the Week: Toronto Rock- Sandy Chapman

- Transition Player of the Week: Rochester Knighthawks- Jordan Hall (4 assists, 5 loose balls)

- Rookie of the Week: Rochester Knighthawks- Cody Jamieson (1 goal, 1 assist, 6 loose balls)

- February Player of the Month: Toronto Rock- Garrett Billings (13G, 12A)

The weekly awards are determined by all the general managers and head coaches in the NLL.

Games from around the NLL:

Fri. March 4: Minnesota Swarm @ Colorado Mammoth

Sat. March 5: Calgary Roughnecks @ Philadelphia Wings; Rochester Knighthawks @ Buffalo Bandits; Washington Stealth @ Edmonton Rush

Sun. March 6: Buffalo Bandits @ Boston Blazers

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @: http://twitter.com/AndyMc81, keep an eye on the “Inside The Rock”  blog, and visit NLL.com for all the latest Toronto Rock and National Lacrosse League action.

Check out my most recent NHL video report on ‘Why the Leafs Will Make the Playoffs’ here: http://www.unifysports.tv/watch_video.php?repeat=yes&id=974

Andy McNamara is a sports broadcaster for the Toronto Rock lacrosse on the NLL Network (www.nll.com), along with collegiate and minor league hockey, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and OCW pro-wrestling across the GTA on Rogers TV, Cogeco, and Durham College/UOIT. He will also be the play-by-play voice of the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czech Republic this May.