Thunderbirds triumph over Rock 14-13 in OT, remain unbeaten in NLL this season
Posted Jan 16, 2022 04:32:06 AM.
HAMILTON — Stephan Leblanc completed his hat trick with a goal 8:50 into overtime and the Halifax Thunderbirds remained unbeaten in the National Lacrosse League this season with a 14-13 victory over the Toronto Rock on Saturday.
Austin Shanks led the way on offence with five goals and three assists for Halifax (3-0). Chris Boushy added three goals and one assist, and Leblanc chipped in three assists for the six-point night.
Connor Watson added two goals and three assists, with Eric Fannell also finding the back of the net. Clarke Petterson had six helpers while Cody Jamieson had four. Goalie Warren Hill made 52 saves for the win.
Halifax and the Buffalo Bandits (4-0) are the only unbeaten teams in the NLL this season.
Zach Manns powered Toronto (2-3) with four goals and three assists. Challen Rogers also had a big offensive night with two goals and seven assists while Dan Craig had two goals and five helpers.
Jamison Dilks, with two, Dan Dawson, Tom Schreiber and Chris Weier also found the back of the net for the Rock.
Starting goaltender Nick Rose gave up six goals on 13 shots and was pulled after 17:41 of play. He was replaced by Troy Holowchuk, who made 27 saves.
The Thunderbirds were playing their first game since Dec. 10 – an 11-7 win over the Rock. Halifax’s Dec. 30 game at the Calgary Roughnecks was postponed due to COVID-19.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2022.
The Canadian Press
