NLL: Rock Opens Camp Looking to Change Culture
from press release
TORONTO – The Toronto Rock will begin
training camp Saturday at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in
Hagersville, Ontario.
Controlling the whistle this year is head coach Troy Cordingley
along with general manager Terry Sanderson, John Lovell and Matt
Sawyer as his assistants.
After four rookie and free agent sessions that took place over the
last three weeks, the Rock add 14 new faces into the mix and head
into training camp with 35 men vying for 23 active roster
positions.
“We’re excited about the returning Rock
players,” said Sanderson. “From all the film we have
watched and competing against them last season with Calgary, we
know what these guys can do.
“I wouldn’t count out any of the new faces though, the
rookies and free agents are eager. Some of these guys will push for
starting positions; it will be great to see what they can bring to
the whole mix.”
Rock defender Scott Campbell, who scored five goals, assisted on
two others and picked up 93 loose balls last season, is looking
forward to training camp but his excitement is mixed with
nerves.
“A new coaching staff has been brought in to change the
whole culture of the team. The last few years we have lacked focus
and intensity going into games, but Troy and Terry are two of the
most intense people I have ever met in my life and that mentality
is contagious to be around.
“I expect they will run a fast paced, intense camp and will
be looking for guys that lay it all on the line. I am preparing for
the toughest most competitive camp I have been involved in. I know
there will be a lot of new faces and no one’s job is
safe.”
Cordingley and his bench will have a keen eye on everyone on the
floor and have eight camp sessions before having to announce their
final roster of 23 players and three practice members on December
23, 2009.
The team will hit the turf for the first time as a team on
Saturday, January 9 in Boston when they open their 2010 National
Lacrosse League season against the Blazers. The Toronto Rock kick
off their home schedule of eight games on Friday, January 15 when
then host the Boston Blazers at the Air Canada Centre.
Heading into the 2010 season, Sanderson is realistic but
hopeful.
“Every game out we’ll compete. There is a lot of
parity in this league, and the East Division is extremely tough,
but I would expect and hope fans will see a better product and a
bunch of guys that will care about wearing this jersey
again.”
