The Toronto Rock have inked future NLL Hall of Famer Shawn Williams to a one year deal. The signing of Williams seemingly addresses the loss of Captain Colin Doyle on the left side of the Toronto offense. While the two are different players, they bring similar offensive output to a club. Williams veteran presence will also help as the Rock have become increasingly younger the past two seasons.
Williams has bounced around the NLL some in recent years, however he was a member of the original Toronto Rock squad back when they where still called the Ontario Raiders, back in 1998. Williams also toiled for the Toronto Rock during the 1999 season before moving on to the Buffalo Bandits for the 2000 & 2001 season. From 2001 to 2011 Williams would be an integral part of the Rochester Knighthawks franchise. After spending 10 season with the Knighthawks, Williams moved on to the Edmonton Rush for the 2012 season, before making his way back to the Buffalo Bandits where he’s spent the last two seasons.
Williams is arguably one of the best lacrosse players to ever lace them up, scoring 444 goals & 708 assists for 1152 career points in 257 NLL games. He sits 2nd in career games played behind only former teammate John Tavares, 5th in all time goals behind only Rock current captain Colin Doyle, John Grant Jr, Gary Gait and John Tavares, and 4th in all time assists behind just John Tavares and current Rock players Colin Doyle and Josh Sanderson. Williams has also put up over 1500 points in 312 games of Major Series Lacrosse, over his 18 year Major Series career, spent for the most part with his hometown Brooklin Redmen.
The addition of Williams to the left side of the Rock offense gives the Rock 4 veteran left handed shots to start the season in Josh Sanderson, Stephan LeBlanc, Kevin Ross and of course Williams himself. Draft pick Jordan Robertson and free agent signee Dylan Webster will also compete for a roster spot, but will likely spend time on the teams practice roster.
According to Rock Owener Jamie Dawick, this move had been in the works for a few weeks, as they had been continuing to look and address their offensive on the left side. Dawick also mentioned he was very happy to see Williams sign with the Rock as he considers him one of the most classy players in the league. Williams is currently the leagues “Ironman” having played 230 consecutive games.
Rock Camp opens Saturday November 29th, while the Rocks regular season opener takes place January 3rd in Rochester.
