Doyle Scores 1,000th Point; Rock Rolls
from press release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Toronto Rock defeated the
Buffalo Bandits 14-10 at HSBC Arena, pushing them further into
first place in the East Division with a 5-1 record.
On Toronto’s second goal of the night Captain Colin Doyle
recorded an assist as his 1000th regular season career point. He
joined John Tavares and Gary Gait as the third ever NLL player to
accumulate over 1000 points.
Steve Dietrich recorded the win in Toronto’s net and
stopped 31 of 41 shots. Blaine Manning had five goals for the Rock
and rookie Garrett Billings recorded nine points from one goal and
eight assists.
Ken Montour played between the pipes for Buffalo and Kyle Clancy
led the Bandits with seven points (2g, 5a).
Stephan Leblanc scored first for the Rock, but the Bandits would
take the early lead in the first off a three goal run from Mark
Steenhuis, Frank Resetarits, and Billy Dee Smith.
Josh Wasson got past Ken Montour in Buffalo’s net off an
assist from Colin Doyle, his 1,000th regular season career point.
The celebration was short lived as Mike Accursi scored next for the
Bandits. Pat McCready closed the gap for Toronto and Wasson tied
the game at four.
The back and forth continued with Kyle Clancy scoring for Buffalo
and Garrett Billings netting one for the Rock. Blaine Manning gave
Toronto their first lead of the game, but Clancy tied it up again.
Doyle regained the lead and Manning continued it sending the Rock
into the second half up 8-6.
Manning opened the second half like they ended the first, but
another Buffalo streak from Brett Bucktooth, Roger Vyse, Steenhuis
and Accursi got past Rock netminder Steve Dietrich to give Buffalo
the 10-9 lead.
Back-to-back goals from Manning to start the fourth quarter
regained the Rock’s lead and Kim Squire pushed the Toronto
tally to 12. Defence would take over the game until Leblanc scored
with 1:50 left in the game followed by an empty-netter by rookie
defender Brendon Doran. The Rock would hold onto the four point
lead to end the game 14-10.
The Toronto Rock return home on Friday, Feb. 12 to meet the
Edmonton Rush.
