NLL Insider

What are they looking for in Toronto? The big O.

As recently as 2005, the Rock were champions of the National Lacrosse League, but a gradually disappearing offense has made for some frustrating campaigns in the past three seasons. Last year’s 7-9 mark signaled the ultimate in frustration and it was rooted in an offense that just never seemed to click or find that elusive groove. The defense is still there — the 174 goals-allowed were third-best in the NLL — but the 172 goals-scored were second-worst in the league. That said, general manager Mike Kloepfer got down to business and has put together a roster he believes will turn things around in 2009.

“We’re looking to push up our numbers,” he says of a team that lost four games by one goal and three of those in overtime.

The Rock won five championships in eight seasons but it seems like so long ago. Losing does that to a team and its fan base. Makes for long, long seasons. Part of the problem with winning so much like they did is that it meant for a lower order in the ensuing drafts and that may have caught up with the Rock, presenting them a big challenge in stocking future talent.

But with Craig Conn in the lineup now as he recovers from a knee injury, and Blaine Manning on the right side, there’s plenty of scoring potential there. On the left side, the Rock can finally get a full season from Lewis Ratcliff, and he’ll be working with Ryan Benesch, Jason Crosbie and Chad Thompson, who expects to be recovered from an ACL injury.

“We’re expecting big things from Manning and Conn’s rehab is going extremely well,” says Kloepfer. “He should be back in January.”

Ratcliff, traded to the Rock just before last season’s trade deadline, expects to be living in Toronto and Benesch is eager to live up to the hype of his Rookie of the Year status from two years ago. Crosbie’s experience should be the big factor in making the left side click, and the trade for Luke Wiles gives Toronto even more offensive options.

Actually, the problem with the Rock in seasons past hasn’t necessarily been the offensive finishers. It’s getting the ball to them and Kloepfer believes the acquisition of Stephen Hoar will be a tremendous plus for a transition game that’s practically been non-existent. Hoar handles the draw and gives the Rock some wheels on defense.

“We’re really excited to get him,” Kloepfer says. “He plays a real hard-nosed game and he can stay up front and contribute on offense.”

One tranny a team does not make, though, and Scott Campbell and Rob Marshall are expected to provide transition as well. Marshall’s been pushing the ball at a good clip in summer ball, says Kloepfer, and veteran Chris Driscoll will also be a big help in the middle of the floor since he won’t be the only runner opponents are trying to contain.

The effectiveness of the transition game will go a long way in rebuilding the Rock and someone MUST step up now that the retired Jim Veltman’s no longer suiting up to grind in the corners and get the ball off the rug.

“We didn’t have that transition speed,” says Kloepfer. “We couldn’t take it away and we couldn’t create it. But now, speed-wise, we’re right up there.”

In the back end, Bob Watson remains the rock of the Rock. He’s one of the best goaltenders the game has seen and guys like Cam Woods and Dan Ladouceur provide solid ball-stopping. Driscoll and Campbell have proven their worth as defenders, too, and top draft pick Mike Fleming is a two-way player that’ll help on both ends. Looks like the Rock also are preparing for life after Watson by drafting Nick Rose and Derrick Gordon, a pair of young goalies.

As much optimism as there is in Toronto among coaches and players heading into 2009, Kloepfer understands it’s going to take a major revival of the transition game as well as production on special teams to get Toronto back into playoff contention.

“We’ve always had the ability to shut down, but we’ve had a bit of difficulty in creating offense,” he says. “Our goals have got to get better and we have to have a top, top power play. We need 13-14 goals a game.”

Rate This Story:

(15 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)

 Loading ...