January 31, 2020

ROCK KNOCK THUNDERBIRDS OFF THEIR PERCH

Toronto Hands Halifax Their First Loss Of The Season

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Rock (4-2) handed the Halifax Thunderbirds (6-1) their first loss of the season with a convincing 12-9 win on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena in front 10,946 Rock City fans.

“That was good entertainment for everyone watching,” said Rock Head Coach Matt Sawyer. “It was a good performance, a big win and one we needed.”

The Rock gave up the first goal but roared back with three straight to take a 3-1 lead after one quarter. The lead didn’t last too long as Halifax scored twice, just 12 seconds apart early in the second quarter to tie the game. The Thunderbirds scored a third straight goal to lead 4-3, but the Rock came back with a four-goal run to end the first half, leading 7-4.

Rock City was vibrating early in the second half when Rock defender Sheldon Burns and Thunderbirds’ forward Mike Burke squared off just 41 seconds into the third quarter. Burns got the better of Burke in the skirmish and the Rock carried that momentum through the frame, building an 11-5 lead through three quarters.

Halifax chipped away at the Toronto lead in the fourth quarter, getting to within two goals, however David Brock’s empty net goal iced the win for the Rock.

The Rock were led offensively by Dan Dawson’s three goals. Rob Hellyer and Scott Dominey each scored twice. Singles came from David Brock, Challen Rogers, Damon Edwards, Adam Jay and Reid Reinholdt.

The win was even sweeter given how the team came together to overcome playing without star snipers Tom Schreiber, Adam Jones and Dan Craig as well as defenders Brandon Slade and Latrell Harris. This truly was a team win with contributions up and down the lineup.

“We had five regulars out of the lineup and we got to see our depth,” said Sawyer. “Guys got their opportunities and certainly stepped up and performed tonight.”

Defender Scott Dominey has definitely developed a knack for creating scoring chances in transition and tonight he delivered with a momentum swinging goal in the first half.

“Matty Sawyer preached all week about transition, transition, transition and run the ball. My game is mostly transition, that’s what I do, run the ball up and score on those breakaways,” said Dominey.

The Rock finished the night 2-for-4 on the power play, while the Thunderbirds were 4-for-6.

Nick Rose won the goaltending battle making 42 saves. At the other end, Halifax’s Warren Hill made 37 stops.

The homestand continues next Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. when the Rock face the Buffalo Bandits at Scotiabank Arena. Fans can watch the game on Bleacher Report Live, Rogers Ignite and Digital TV.

For more information on Toronto Rock tickets, please contact a Toronto Rock account executive at 416-596-3075 or visit torontorock.com.