Toronto Rock Owner, President and GM Jamie Dawick has announced that forward Josh Sanderson has been placed on the physically unable to perform list as he puts his career on hold due to offseason injuries.
“I personally don’t feel healthy enough to play at the level I need to in order to help the team win games,” said Sanderson. “I hope that changes at some point this year, but if it doesn’t, I’ve loved every minute of playing in the NLL.”
Sanderson had an incredible 2015 season, enjoying one of the best campaigns of his career topping the century mark with 102 points and leading the Rock to the top of the standings with a 13-3 record. The crafty Rock forward, along with Shawn Evans, also scripted a new line in the NLL record book with 83 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the best setup men of all time.
The veteran of 18 NLL seasons also served as the Rock’s captain last season in the absence of Colin Doyle. Eight of those pro seasons have been with the Toronto Rock where he currently sits among the top producers in all offensive categories. Overall, in 257 career regular season games, Sanderson has 438 goals, 877 assists and a staggering 1315 points.
“I’m disappointed because Josh is a character guy, an elite player and a great person,” said Dawick. “You don’t replace a Josh Sanderson at 21-years old or 38-years old. He’s a good friend and I understand and support the decision he’s made.”
The exhibition schedule will continue without Sanderson on Saturday night for the Rock when they host the Colorado Mammoth at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Ontario at 7pm. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item in support of the Kerr Street Mission food drive.
