Tom Schreiber scores six as Toronto Rock defeats Rochester
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When Tom Schreiber is playing at a high level, he is arguably the key to success for the Toronto Rock.
The Long Island, N.Y., native had missed a couple of games earlier this season, but on Saturday, he was a major factor with a six-goal performance in a 12-8 win over the Rochester Knighthawks at FirstOntario Centre.
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Tom Schreiber scores six as Toronto Rock defeats Rochester Back to video
Goaltender Nick Rose also redeemed himself with a strong 41 saves after being pulled early on Jan. 15 in a 14-13 loss to the Halifax Thunderbirds.
The Rock have struggled early in all of its first five games, but got out to a 4-1 lead after Schreiber scored his first on a rebound. Zach Manns, who scored four against the Thunderbirds, opened the scoring with goals from Dan Craig and Dan Dawson following.
Toronto kept the lead at 6-4 after two. The Knighthawks got two goals in the half by 35-year-old Shawn Evans, a two-time NLL MVP, and two by highly-regarded rookie Ryan Smith. But Schreiber kept the Rock on top with a laser from mid-range and a short-side bullet.
Schreiber said a quick start was emphasized through the week.
“It’s been a point for us,” he said. “We’ve started slow every game.
“Tonight, we played with a lot more energy.”
The Knighthawks tied the game early in the third on two goals by Curtis Knight and some key saves from goaltender Rylan Hartley. But Hartley couldn’t do much about Schreiber, who scored twice more in a 17-second span to restore a Toronto lead. Dawson added his second to give the Rock a 9-6 lead after three.
Dawson, the 40-year-old NLL legend, completed his hat trick midway through the fourth to seal the game for the Rock (3-3). Craig added his second and Schreiber ended his night rolling the ball into an empty net. Rob Hellyer finished the night with seven assists. Turner Evans scored twice late for Rochester (2-4).
Once again, there were no fans allowed in Hamilton due to the province’s COVID restrictions. But the arena will welcome fans up to 50 percent capacity on Feb. 12 when the Rock plays host to the Buffalo Bandits. The team travels to Philadelphia next Saturday for a game against the Wings.
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