NLL returns to Bell Centre for Rochester vs. Toronto exhibition rematch
The National Lacrosse League will return to Montreal when the Toronto Rock face off with the Rochester Knighthawks for an exhibition game at Bell Centre on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. ET. The preseason game at the home of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens marks a rematch between the two teams from a December 2012 exhibition that saw the Rock edge the Knighthawks 14-10 in front of 7,200 fans at Bell Centre. It was the first NLL game in Montreal since the 2002 season.
“evenko is proud to contribute to the development of Lacrosse by offering the Quebec Larosse Federation a financial contribution following the game between the Rock and the Knighthawks at the Bell Centre,” said Jacques Aubé, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of evenko.
Legendary Rock captain Colin Doyle, leading goal scorer Stephan Leblanc and All-Pro transition player Brodie Merrill will highlight Toronto’s star-studded lineup when professional lacrosse takes centre stage in just a couple of months.
The Knighthawks are winners of the last three NLL championships and boast the likes of 2014 NLL MVP Cody Jamieson, NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc and 2nd overall selection in the 2014 NLL Draft, Jeremy Noble.
“The Knighthawks are excited to start the 2015 season and we are also excited about playing a game in the Bell Centre in Montreal,” said Knighthawks President Lewis Staats. “We believe in order to continue to grow the game, we need to expose NLL lacrosse action to as many new fans as we can. Montreal offers a very good opportunity to do just that and it will also give us a chance to play in a game-like atmosphere which is always good.”
The Rock and Knighthawks rivalry is one of the fiercest in the lacrosse world and this just may be a preview of what many think will be a future playoff showdown for the NLL’s East Division title next spring. Fans will be guaranteed a fast-paced, exciting game when these two NLL powerhouses collide in preseason action.
Tickets for the exhibition game in Montreal will go on sale on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased online at evenko.ca. To order by phone, fans can call (855) 310-2525.
The contest is the second preseason game for the three-time defending champion Knighthawks, who will open their schedule at home on Saturday, Dec. 6 against the Minnesota Swarm. The free preseason game at The Blue Cross Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET. Each fan will need a ticket to attend the game, which can be reserved online by clicking here.
The Rock also announced two additional preseason games. On Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. ET, the Rock will host the Calgary Roughnecks at Toronto Rock Athletic Centre just one week after the team opens training camp.
Toronto’s final exhibition scrimmage will be played on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. ET against the new-look New England Black Wolves also at the TRAC.
Toronto’s two exhibition scrimmages at the TRAC will be open to the public and there will be no charge for admission.
