The Toronto Rock have made their defense and transition game stronger. Almost two weeks ago the Rock traded Craig England, Mike Burke, second round pick in 2014 draft, 1st round in 2015 and a 2nd round in 2016 for Brodie Merrill and a 2nd round selection in 2015. This was a move by the Connecticut organization to get back draft picks they never had from when they were the Wings.
The Rock get one of the best transition players to play the game in Brodie Merrill. Merrill turns 33 in November and still has the speed and agility to play the game. The Orangevile native started his professional indoor career with the Portland Lumberjax. When Portland folded in 2009 he was the first selection by Edmonton in the dispersal draft. In 2011 he was part of a huge trade with Philadelphia were raft picks, Athan Iannucci, Alex Turner and Brodie MacDonald were sent to Edmonton.
In Brodie’s rookie year he was not only named Defensive player of the year, but also Rookie of the Year. In his nine seasons so far he has registered 113 goals, 236 assists ans 1,683 loose balls in 143 games.
Merrill will join Brandon Miller once again. Miller was traded from the Wings to the Rock prior to the trading deadline.
In Merrill not only do the Rock get a strong defender, but a transition player who can move the ball down field, find the open man, and even put the ball in the net. Not only will he joining his brother Patrick on defense, but the Toronto defense is now very strong with Bill Hostrawser, Bill Greer, Scott Johnston just to name a few. Offensive players will really earn every inch on the floor this season.
Adding Brodie to the Rock has made this team Rock steady now on defense. Add in a healthy Garrett Billings (hopefully) coming back from knee surgery, along with Stephan LeBlanc and we could see a very tough battle coming from the east, and a chance for the Rock to make history by being the first team to win seven championships.
