Wings Dominate Rock in Road Matinee Victory
The Philadelphia Wings delivered a decisive road matinee victory, beating the Toronto Rock 12-9 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The result halted Toronto’s three-game streak. It also ended Philadelphia’s three-game skid.
Game recap
Bill Hostrawser opened the scoring 99 seconds into the first quarter. That goal marked his first of the season and his first regular-season goal since April 6, 2019, ending a 97-game drought.
Philadelphia answered and then built a 3-2 lead after one. The Wings led 5-4 at halftime.
The Wings struck first after intermission and extended the margin to 7-4. Toronto rallied in the third when Josh Dawick and Sam English scored back-to-back to make it 8-7.
Philadelphia added two more goals before the period ended to go up 10-7. In the final quarter the teams traded markers and an empty-net goal sealed the outcome. Dawick scored once more, but the final read 12-9.
Key performers
Troy Holowchuk started in net for Toronto and stopped 38 of 49 shots. Nick Damude was outstanding for Philadelphia, making 41 saves and earning first-star honors.
Special teams were active. The Wings converted 2-of-7 on the power play. The Rock were 2-for-5 with the man advantage.
Coaches and captains react
Rock head coach Matt Sawyer criticized his team’s effort, saying their performance fell short across the board. Captain Challen Rogers also said the club must learn and improve after the loss.
Standings impact and next steps
Toronto entered the game aiming to climb the standings and secure a playoff berth, with hopes of hosting a first-round home game. Philadelphia, already out of postseason contention, remains at the bottom of the 14-team NLL.
The Rock return home Saturday, April 4 against the San Diego Seals. The game is set for TD Coliseum in Hamilton and will be Fan Appreciation Night presented by TekSavvy.
For tickets, contact a Toronto Rock account executive by phone at 905-426-4744 or by email at [email protected]. More information is available at Filmogaz.com.
