2023-2024 Record: 15-3, 1st place in the regular season. Lost to Buffalo in the semi-finals.
New Faces
Elijah Gash, Luke Robinson, Gavin Thibeault, Brian Cameron
Key Losses
Dan Lintner, Sheldon Burns, Alex Kew, Cam Milligan
Offense
The Rock haven’t really changed much. They will rely on the speed of Marley Angus and Brian Cameron. With Josh Dawick you have a great lacrosse IQ to go with a deadly accurate shot. The core of the offense is comprised of eventual hall of famers, Mark Matthews & Tom Schreiber. Combined with Dan Craig, Corey Small, Chris Boushy and at times, Challen Rogers will make this lineup very explosive.
Defense/Transition
With Latrell Harris back and healthy, Sheldon Burns became expendable. The transition game is even more deadly with Phil Mazzuca, Zack Kearney, Mitch de Snoo, Elijah Gash, Chris Corbeil, Challen Rogers and Harris as well.
The defense itself has been lights out the last number of years with Bruce Codd as their coach. With Brad Kri, de Snoo, Bill Hostrawser, Chris Weier, Chris Corbeil, Chase Schiavon, and Tyler Hendryks this will be a tough, bruising yet quick squad.
TD Ierlan is one of the top faceoff men in the league. He will continue to get the offense many more possessions. TD is much more than a FOGO, he has spent a lot of time becoming a very competent D-man, and will add another dimension to the Rock backend.
Goaltending
Nick Rose is coming off winning the goaltender of the year award. He had a good summer playing for Oakville, as well as playing for Canada in the World Lacrosse Box Championships. Nick has looked very good in training camp as well. Behind Rose is Troy Holowchuk and Sam Haines. Holowchuk has been good in training camp, but it could be time to give Haines a look as well this season.
Overall
Although the Rock didn’t make many changes, they are still near the top of the league’s depth charts. The big question is can they finally get by the semi-finals and get that elusive 7th championship? This will be a high scoring team, that can get you in any facette of the game.