Rock Hold On, Beat Mammoth in OT for Third Straight Win

Photo Credit: Toronto Rock via Twitter/X

Caden Balint – Albany Correspondent, Stream Punk Sports / All Lacrosse All The Time

Toronto has gone streaking! On Saturday night, February 1, the Toronto Rock (3-5) traveled to Ball Arena to take on the Colorado Mammoth (5-4) in their only meeting of the season. In a defensive-minded matchup featuring a goalie duel, a Toronto comeback, and overtime drama, the 10,000+ fans in attendance were treated to everything they could ask for—except a Mammoth victory.

Slow Start in Colorado

Josh Dawick got the Rock rolling, scoring his first of four goals on the night just four minutes into the first quarter on a power play. However, after this goal, the rest of the opening frame was a defensive standoff and a goaltending clinic. Toronto’s Nick Rose and Colorado’s Dillon Ward went save for save, keeping their teams in contention. With under three minutes remaining, the Mammoth finally broke through as Ryan Lee netted his first of three goals to tie the game. But the Rock wasted no time responding—less than 30 seconds later, Chris Boushy found the back of the net, giving Toronto a 2-1 lead heading into the second quarter. 

Mammoth Picking Up Pace

Photo Credit: Colorado Mammoth via Twitter/X

Connor Kelly got the Mammoth going early in the second quarter, needing just a minute to tie the game. This set the stage for Colorado’s best quarter of the night, as they outscored Toronto 5-1. Connor Robinson and Eli McLaughlin added to the Mammoth’s tally, while goaltender Dillon Ward stood tall, making several spectacular saves to preserve their lead. Although the Rock managed to halt a bigger Mammoth run with a goal, two late tallies from Kelly and Lee gave Colorado a commanding 6-3 advantage heading into halftime.

The Rock Fight Back

Despite being held to just one goal in the second quarter and trailing by three, Toronto refused to back down. Captain Challen Rogers set the tone for the comeback, scoring just 15 seconds into the third quarter to cut the deficit to two. Connor Robinson responded quickly for Colorado, restoring the Mammoth’s three-goal cushion. But Toronto kept pressing, and goals from Dawick and Dan Craig before the end of the third quarter made it a one-goal game heading into the final frame.

Late-Game Drama

Photo Credit: Brandon Hooten/Outside The Box Podcast via Twitter/X

Colorado tried to squash Toronto’s momentum early in the fourth quarter, as Ryan Lee found the net just 30 seconds in to make it 8-6. However, the Rock would not go quietly. A defensive stand from Toronto, combined with back-to-back goals just 13 seconds apart from Dawick and Tom Schreiber, tied the game and set the stage for overtime.

In the extra frame, Tom Schreiber nearly ended it early, but Ward made an incredible save to keep the Mammoth alive. However, just a minute later, it was Dawick again—this time sneaking the ball past Ward for his fourth goal of the night and securing Toronto’s third straight victory.

Key Performances 

Photo Credit: Brandon Hooten/Outside The Box Podcast via Twitter/X

Toronto Rock: The Rock’s victory came on the back of a four goal performance by Josh Dawick, where he was able to not only start the game, but end the game as well. Next to Dawick’s (4g, 0a) four point night, Dan Craig (1g, 3a) and Tom Schreiber (1g, 3a) also added four points each enroute to the win. With Chris Boushy (2g, 0a) and Challen Rogers (1g, 0a) rounding out the scoring. Netminder Nick Rose was instrumental, facing 47 shots and stopping 39. 

Colorado Mammoth: Despite the loss, the Mammoth were led by a fantastic performance in net by goalie Dillon Ward who faced 66 shots and came away with 57 saves. As for scoring, the Mammoth were led by Ryan Lee (3g, 3a) who added 6 points and a hat trick in the loss. Backing up Lee on the scoresheet was Connor Kelly (2g, 2a) and Connor Robinson (2g, 2a) who both added 4 points each while Eli McLaughlin (1g, 1a) would add 2 points of his own. Rounding out the helpers for the Mammoth were Will Malcom (0g, 3a) and Thomas Vela (0g, 3a) who added 3 points of their own, and Tyson Gibson who added a single point on an assist. 

Looking Ahead

This victory marks Toronto’s third consecutive win, improving their season record to 3-5. The Rock will look to extend their streak next week against the San Diego Seals. Meanwhile, the Mammoth, now at 5-4, will aim to rebound as they prepare to face the Georgia Swarm.