Yesterday was one of those days when the divorce rate likely went up in the Toronto area.  With the Maple Leafs, Toronto FC, Blue Jays and Marlies all in action, it was sporting heaven for fans in Southern Ontario. Well……apart from the fact only the Marlies managed to win.

However, you’ll be glad to hear there’s more to come today.  As well as the Blue Jays final loss game of their series against the Yankees and the Marlies second clash with the Americans, the Toronto Rock hosts the Minnesota Swarm in their playoff opener.

Despite the Swarm finishing the regular season just 7-9, today’s matchup could be closer than many people anticipate.  In two games this year, both teams won 13-12 on their home floor.

As you’d expect, Garrett Billings, widely regarded as the best player in the NLL, will lead the way for the Rock.  During the regular season, he amassed 100 points (30 goals and 70 assists).  In the two games against the Swarm this year, Billings led all scorers with 13 points.

For the Swarm, the danger man to watch out for will be Callum Crawford.  The forward, despite missing two games, still finished fourth overall in the NLL with 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists).

With homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, destiny is in the Toronto Rock’s hands.  However, as if they needed any more motivation, a win today will give the Rock a chance at revenge next week against the Rochester Knighthawks.

Last season, the Knighthawks, who beat the Philadelphia Wings yesterday, defeated the Rock 17-13 in the East Division final at the ACC to advance to the Championship game.

For anyone who fancies going to today’s game (or just wants to wind their partner up even more) click here for tickets or call 416-596-3075.  If you’re unable to make it to the ACC, the game will be broadcast live on TSN2 from 3pm.

Photo credit: @TorontoRockLax

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• By paul.taylor
• April 28, 2013
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There’s certain points in any season when it’s great to be a sports fan, no matter which team you support.   Yesterday was one of those days for Toronto Rock fans, who got to hang out with the players and staff as the Rock hosted their season ticket holder party at Classic Bowl.

Here’s some pictures from the event:

As you’d expect, all the usual suspects were present and correct at Classic Bowl, including the NLL’s best player, Garrett Billings:

Also there was captain Colin Doyle.  I just hope he wasn’t looking to take advantage of his star status by corrupting any fans:

Patrick Campbell had the right idea, deciding to live life on the edge by mixing a game of a bowling with alcohol.  Hopefully he wasn’t too drunk when he was playing:

To top off the day for the team, they clinched the number one overall seed for the playoffs after the Calgary Roughnecks beat the Edmonton Rush in overtime.  Hopefully the Rock can take full advantage of this, giving them an excuse to hold another party for their fans.

Photo credits: @TorontoRockLax, @PamDamoff & @ArgoDiva

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• By paul.taylor
• April 21, 2013
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Last night was a big game for the Toronto Rock, with the 18-11 win against the Buffalo Bandits taking them to within one victory of clinching a home playoff date.

However, even this was overshadowed by Blue Jays Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar being in attendance to take part in the ceremonial faceoff before a crowd of 11,546 at the ACC:

It’s good to know Alomar is a man of his word, after accepting Oakville Town Councillor Pam Damoff’s idea to attend a Rock game earlier in the season.

As a result of Damoff’s suggestion, Alomar and his family were officially invited by Rock Owner and President Jamie Dawick to watch the game:

One of the numerous perks of being a sporting legend is getting free stuff, in this case, a customised Rock jersey:

Alomar also got the chance to speak to some of the Rock players, including Garrett Billings:

Alomar and Billings actually have quite a lot in common: They’ve been called the best in their respective sports, they’re both nice guys for the media to deal with………errrr……….each of them owns a Toronto Rock jersey………..and…………..hmmm, I guess that’s it really.

Unfortunately, no night can ever run totally smoothly, hence Alomar had to deal with the Rock’s mascot, ‘IGGY’:

I guess it could have been worse.  At least he didn’t have to put up with the Raptor or Carlton the Bear.  Luckily, the Rock realised the error of their ways and pacified Alomar by letting him spend some time with the cheerleaders:

Actually, there’s something familiar about that picture…….

*Sigh*  I guess some guys have all the luck.

Photo credits: @Robbiealomar, @JDawick & @TorontoRockLax

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• By paul.taylor
• March 30, 2013
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Last month we reported on how tonight’s Toronto Rock game against the Colorado Mammoth also doubles as their annual charity night.  As well as raising money, this year the Rock are collecting food donations for Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank.

Ahead of the game,  Rock owner Jamie Dawick, some of the players and members of the cheerleader squad visited Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank to help out:

For tonight’s game, MLSE will donate one dollar for every ticket sold back to charity. And if it’s a sell out, Dawick will pledge a further $25,000 to charity.

With the Raptors on the road tipping off at 10:30pm ET and the Leafs not playing, there’s no excuse.  So get yourself down to the ACC tonight for a great cause and an entertaining game. (Please note the last part of the previous sentence, while likely, is not legally binding.)

Visit www.torontorock.com or call 416 596 3075 to enquire about tickets

Photo credit:@TorontoRockLax

If you have any questions, please email me at paul.taylor@bluetoro.ca

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• By paul.taylor
• March 8, 2013
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Local sports reporter Canadace Devai is spending the afternoon learning how to play lacrosse.  And who better to teach you than Garrett Billings of the Toronto Rock:

Devai must have a death wish though.  How else can you explain her wanting to try out in goal?!  And against the best lacrosse player in the world?!?!

Finger crossed things go better for her than they did for Lauren Silberman, who made history this weekend by being the first female to try out for the NFL:

Photo credit: @TorontoRockLax

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• By paul.taylor
• March 4, 2013
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You may remember on Wednesday we told you about how to win a free pizza if the Leafs lose any Thursday games during this season.  Now it’s time for you to return the favour.

On Friday March 8th, the Rock will be hosting the Colorado Mammoth at the ACC.  But more importantly, the occasion will also represent the Rock’s annual charity night.

Over the last three seasons, the Rock have raised nearly $100,000 at this event.  However, this year they are also looking to collect food donations, which will benefit Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank.

As such, any one looking to attend the game on March 8th should take along non-perishable food items in support of a great cause.  In return, you will receive a voucher for a $10 upper bowl ticket to that night’s game.

MLSE has agreed to donate one dollar for every ticket sold directly back to the charity.  And if even all this isn’t incentive enough (do you even have a heart?!?!), check out this tweet by TSN’s Claude Feig, in respect of Rock Owner and President, Jamie Dawick:

Great gesture by @jdawick to pledge 25k to charity if @torontorocklax game vs @mammothlax Mar 8th sells out. It’s up to U #RockHard nation.

— Claude Feig (@ClaudeFeigTSN) February 21, 2013

If you’re interested in doing your bit for charity and watching an entertaining game into the bargain, either visit www.torontorock.com or call 416 596 3075 to enquire about tickets.

Photo credit: @daftonetwo 

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• By paul.taylor
• February 22, 2013
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Short of being in the championship game, if ever there were an occasion to go and watch the Toronto Rock play, it would be tough to top last night.

For a start, the Rock used the occasion to honour Colin Doyle, who, save for three years, has been with the team ever since it relocated to Toronto in 1999.

And of course, what better way to celebrate your captain than having a ‘Colin Doyle bobblehead night’, with the first 5,000 people through the doors lucky enough to get one of these:

However, Doyle wasn’t the only one being honoured last night, with the Toronto Argonauts in attendance to celebrate their recent championship.

Here’s Jim Barker and the team in the locker room meeting the Rock coaching staff and players, who took the opportunity to pretend to be interested in the Grey Cup:

Next it was out onto the field to be introduced to the crowd before the game:

After this, the Argonauts settled into their seats to enjoy the main event:

And what an event it was.  Anyone lucky enough to be at the ACC last night was treated to one of the games of the season, with the Rock coming out on top in an enthralling encounter against the Calgary Roughnecks.

Despite being down 5-2 and 6-3 early on, the Rock battled back to win 17-12. Unsurprisingly, Doyle rose to the occasion and finished with three goals and four assists.

However, leading the way was Garrett Billings, who had six goals and six assists.  As such, he was quite rightly awarded the hammer:

To be honest, I think I’d prefer the pizza.  Regardless, if Billings keeps up his current form, there’s every chance he could be awarded the hammer again come season’s end, in the biggest game of all.

Here’s hoping.

Photo credits: @TorontoRockLax, @TorontoArgos & @JDawick

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• By paul.taylor
• February 16, 2013
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Rock fans can look forward to a big night this Friday at the ACC.  And not just because the team is looking to bounce back against the Calgary Roughnecks after a heart-breaking 13-12 loss in Minnesota.

Friday will also be Colin Doyle bobblehead night, a chance for fans to give a tip of the cap (or should that be a shake of the bobblehead?) to the Rock’s team captain.

Certainly, there are few players in Rock history more worthy of the fans appreciation than Doyle, who, save for three years in San Jose, has been with the franchise ever since they relocated to Toronto in 1999.

Doyle’s resume makes for impressive reading: 1998   NLL rookie of the year, 2005 NLL Most Valuable Player, three time Championship MVP and most importantly, six time Champion’s Cup winner (all with the Rock.)

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to be one of the first 5,000 fans through the door to get a Colin Doyle bobblehead.  Click here for tickets.

Update: It has now been officially announced that the Argonauts will be attendance at Friday’s game.  Make sure you take your cameras along for the chance to be pictured with the Grey Cup prior to the game, which starts at 7:30pm.

Members of the Argonauts will also be taking part in a ceremonial faceoff Doyle and Calgary’s captain, Andrew McBride.

Photo credit: @TorontoRockLax

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• By paul.taylor
• February 13, 2013
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Big game tonight for the Rock, who put their 4-1 record on the line when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bandits.  With the hosts only half a game back at 3-1, this should give an early indication of who is better equipped to win the East this year.

The Rock players are already at First Niagara Center and took to the field to start warming up just over an hour ago:

Adding to the game is the fact that there is a genuine rivalry, with a history of bad blood between the two teams.  While the Bandits won two of the three regular season meetings last season, the Rock knocked them out of the playoffs.

Despite being on the road, Rock fans are expected to have quite a vocal presence tonight in Buffalo.  However, if you’re heading over but haven’t left yet, I wouldn’t leave it too long if this tweet by TSN’s Claude Feig is anything to go by:

Slow snowy cross into Buffalo for @torontorocklax vs @nllbandits. Shoppers, lax fans no doubt. #bargains #beerandwings twitter.com/ClaudeFeigTSN/…

— Claude Feig (@ClaudeFeigTSN) February 2, 2013

The action starts tonight on TSN at 7:30pm.

Photo credit: @TorontoRockLax

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• By paul.taylor
• February 2, 2013
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Earlier this week, we reported on the Argonauts Mike Bradwell taking the Grey Cup back to where he grew up.  The chance for children and adults alike to share in the celebrations and see the championship trophy is one of the remaining pure joys unaffected by the business side of sports.

Equally though, sports, and more specifically the athletes, also have a duty to be role models and help deliver the right message, especially to the younger generations.  One example of this is the Toronto Rock’s decision to team up with Durham Police to build up the officers’ relationship with youths.

As the Toronto Rock said, this relationship will be built up ‘in a fun, active and constructive way’.  Members of the Rock are attending various schools in the Durham region with officers, looking to promote and stress the importance of a healthy lifestyle, teamwork and character development.

With the message that Durham Police want to get across, a partnership with the Rock made perfect sense.  As we all know from our younger days, children are often influenced and encouraged by athletes, even on a subconscious level.

Helping make ‘Cops and Kids’ come together were former Rock players Dan Ladouceur and Pat Jones, as well as current Rock Athletic therapist Terry Rayner. All happen to be Durham Regional Police Service officers, which further helps in delivering the message and fulfilling its aims.

Studio 12 News featured this report on Rock captain Colin Doyle’s visit to Sherwood Public School in Oshawa:

For anyone interested, here are the upcoming dates for the program during February:

Monday, February 4, 2013

10 a.m. – Brooklin Village Public School, 25 Selkirk Blvd., Brooklin

12:45 p.m. – Village Union Public School, 240 Simcoe St. S, Oshawa

Monday, February 11, 2013

9:30 a.m. – Sir William Stephenson Public School, 1125 Athol St., Whitby

12:30 p.m. – Glen St. Public School, 929 Glen St., Oshawa

Monday, February 25th, 2013

8:30 a.m. – Norman G. Powers Public School, 1555 Coldstream Dr., Oshawa

12:30 p.m. – Dr. C.F Cannon Public School, Cedar St., Oshawa

Photo credits: @TorontoRockLax

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• By paul.taylor
• February 1, 2013
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