NLL Insider

Here’s the official press releases from Toronto and Rochester on their weekend scrimmages. The Rock beat Minnesota 17-12 behind six goals from reigning Rookie of the Year Ryan Benesch. Rochester took down Chicago 15-13 thanks to five goals from John Grant Jr.

A quick scan of the Toronto box score:

Andy Secore and rookie Craig Point each put up six points for the Swarm. Lotta guys are really high on these two, so that’s definitely encouraging for Minnesota.

Toronto’s backup goalie Mike Poulin played 45 minutes compared to starter Bob Watson’s 30, making 19 saves and allowing six goals for the win. Poulin turns 22 tomorrow, Dec. 17 — considering the average age of the Top 15 goalies in the NLL last year was 31 (our man Bob Chavez is working on a story on that for the February issue of Inside Lacrosse Magazine), Poulin even making Toronto’s 23-man roster is a sign that this kid could be a stud someday.

Toronto-Minnesota
OSHAWA, ON – The Rock officially opened the 2008 preseason schedule at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa tonight and defeated the Swarm by a final score of 17-12. Despite the cold weather outside, the Rock put on a hot show in front of a boisterous crowd.

The team took to the turf sporting a new look, along with it came a new roster with 12 new additions. The action started fast and furious right off the opening draw with Ryan Benesch, NLL Rookie of the year for 2007, taking it to the Swarm and scoring the first of his six goals. The quarter ended with the Rock in the lead 3-2.

The goal scoring continued in the second quarter, but with solid goaltending by veteran goalie Bob Watson, the Rock remained in the lead 10-6 when the buzzer sounded for halftime.

The third quarter was highlighted by the Rock powerplays netting five goals and increasing their lead 16-9. The tensions were high finishing out the third.

The Rock kept running strong in the fourth quarter along with some aggressive penalties. Both teams would not let up making it an exciting quarter for the fans that battled the snow storm and an impressive 17-12 win for the Toronto Rock.

Ryan Benesch led the Rock with six goals, followed by Mark Scherman and Kasey Beirnes who each had two. Andy Secore led the Swarm in scoring with four goals.

The Rock wrap up their pre-season schedule when they take on the Rochester Knighthawks on Friday December 28th at the Barrie Molson Centre. Game time scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Rochester-Chicago
(Six Nations, Ontario)… John Grant scored five goals Saturday night to lead the Rochester Knighthawks past the Chicago Shamrox, 15-13, at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations, Ontario.

Shawn Evans and Shawn Williams each added a hat trick for the Knighthawks, who improved to 2-0 in the preseason.

Bill McGlone and Mat Giles scored two goals apiece for the Shamrox, who were missing seven starters, including Scott Self, Kevin Fines, Lindsay Plunkett and Daryl Gibson.

Grant Crawley earned the win in goal, as he allowed two goals in the fourth quarter. Pat O’Toole started the game and saw 25 minutes of action. Phil Wetherup came in to play 20 minutes before giving way to Crawley.

The Knighthawks conclude their preseason schedule Friday, December 28th when they take on the Toronto Rock (1-0) at the Barrie Molson Centre. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The defending champion Knighthawks begin their 14th season with a home-and-home series against the rival Buffalo Bandits. The game is a rematch of last year’s East Division Finals. Rochester opens the season on Friday, January 11th at HSBC Arena.

On Saturday, January 12th, the Knighthawks will raise their championship banner prior to hosting the Bandits at 7:35 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.

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