PHOTO: RYAN MCCULLOUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

June 10, 2018

OAKVILLE, ON - With their 13-8 win over the Six Nations Chiefs, the Oakville Rock have gotten off to their best start in the franchises history. The win puts the Rock tied atop the MSL Standings with the Peterborough Lakers at 4-1 as they are the only team to beat the defending champions so far this season. The Rock's only loss came at the hands of the Brooklin Redmen, which was a 9-6 defeat on June 8th.

"I think we're battling pretty hard out there," said Rock GM Josh Sanderson. "The only game we didn't battle was the one we lost, which means we have to come to play every night."

While mainstays like Wesley Berg, Johnny Powless, Reid Reinholdt and Ryan Benesch have produced as expected, it's some unlikely sources that have contributed to the early season success of the Rock. Rookie lefty Andrew Kew has 9 goals and 7 assists, while rookie righty Dallas Bridle has contributed 4 goals and 7 helpers.  Matt Van Galen, who was called into action following an injury to veteran Brett Hickey in the season opener has also been a pleasant surprise for the club with 6 goals and 3 assists. Third Overall Pick in 2018 Tanner Thomson has chipped in with 3 goals and 3 assists.

"We knew they could all play, but were really looking for those guys to go through an adjustment period in senior ball," said Sanderson. "With increased opportunity, they've really taken on the challenge and helped us out in a big way. Andrew Kew is a guy who played some games for us as a junior affiliate, but you can tell he is bigger and stronger this season and that has really benefitted him."

Not to be forgotten is the team's defence. In previous seasons the Rock lacked depth on the back end, but with qualified pro defenders on their roster, it allows for guys to be cycled in and out of the lineup whether they need to tend to injuries or miss games for personal reasons. Brandon Slade, Brad Kri, Alex Crepinsek, Jason Noble, Mitch De Snoo, Justin Martin, Challen Rogers, Jordan Magnuson and Bill Hostrawser all have experience in the pro game and have collectively formed a strong and explosive back end that will get stops and get the ball up the floor quickly. Brad Gillies and Luc Magnan are expected to join the club next week. The only rookie defenders are Patrick Walsh and Chris Willman who have fit in quite nicely. Willman contributing to the success of the team in the face-off circle.

The Rock credit their affiliation with the Sr. B Oakville Titans as part of their success as well. Because there are only six teams in Major Series Lacrosse, the opportunity for young players being drafted out of Jr. A is limited. What Oakville has learned over the past few seasons is, leveraging your affiliation in Sr. B allows for those players to get into games at a senior level and gain the experience. It's a partnership that has worked both ways according to Oakville Sr. B Titans GM Josh Briscoe. So far this season, Brett Ulbikas, Brandon Slade, Matt Van Galen, Josh Jubenville, Chris Willman and Nolan Apers have all split time between Sr. B and Sr. A and both teams are having success. The Titans are 6-2 to start their season.

The MSL schedule continues on Monday, June 18th as the Rock host the Brampton Excelsiors at 8 PM at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre.