Toronto Rock vs Calgary Roughnecks Home Opener Update

Toronto Rock

The Toronto Rock delivered a breaking update in the NLL season timeline with an 11-10 comeback win over the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday night, securing a dramatic home opener at TD Coliseum in Hamilton.

Playing their first regular season home game in Hamilton since April 2024, the Rock improved to 1-1 while Calgary dropped to 0-2. Toronto trailed for much of the night, but the latest surge in the fourth quarter reshaped the outcome and early season outlook for both clubs.

Calgary controlled the early tempo, taking a 3-1 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 6-4 by halftime. Josh Dawick scored late in the opening frame to record the first Toronto Rock goal in the newly renovated venue, a milestone moment that anchored the return to Hamilton. Despite the historical significance, Toronto continued to chase the game as the Roughnecks dictated pace and possession.

The timeline began to shift in the third quarter as Toronto increased defensive pressure and offensive efficiency. Although Calgary still led 8-6 entering the fourth, momentum had quietly moved. Mark Matthews opened the final frame scoring 2:23 in, and just 11 seconds later Chris Boushy tied the game, flipping the impact onto the visitors.

Owen Hiltz followed with his second goal of the night before Dawick added his third, completing a four goal run that pushed Toronto ahead 10-8. Calgary responded with two goals to level the score again, setting the stage for a closing stretch that tested execution on both sides.

With just over two minutes remaining, Boushy scored his third goal of the game, a decisive strike that proved to be the winner. Nick Rose and the Rock defense then shut the door, closing out the contest with disciplined positioning and controlled possessions.

Rose finished with 38 saves on 48 shots in his 208th career appearance with the Rock, tying Bob Watson for second most games played in franchise history. He now sits 10 games behind Colin Doyle for the all-time mark, a milestone that remains firmly in reach this season pending health and workload.

Toronto also saw immediate impact from its rookie class in their first home appearance. CJ Kirst recorded one goal and three assists, while Hiltz posted two goals and four assists for six points. Sam English added his first NLL goal along with an assist, continuing a league-wide trend where early rookie contributions influence roster depth and offensive balance.

Special teams remained an area of contrast. Toronto went scoreless on four power-play opportunities, while Calgary converted twice on three chances. Despite the disparity, five on five play and late game defensive execution ultimately defined the result.

What this means for Toronto is a confidence-building win that reinforces resilience and establishes TD Coliseum as a challenging environment moving forward. For Calgary, the 0-2 start tightens the margin early and places added importance on correcting defensive lapses as the season progresses.

There were no reported medical or contract implications following the game. The next steps see the Rock enter a scheduled bye week before returning home on December 27 for Retro Rewind Night against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, while the Roughnecks look to stabilize their outlook in upcoming matchups.