Toronto Rock Owner, President and GM Jamie Dawick has announced the signing of defenceman Bill Greer to a one-year contract that makes the 2016 season his 15th in the NLL. The deal is pending league approval.
The savvy defender was on the fence about returning for the 2016 season, but after taking some time to ensure he was physically ready, he made the decision to come back.
“I’m really excited to come back and be a part of the organization,” said Greer. “I fought through some injuries and surgeries over the last couple of seasons, so I wanted to be sure my body was healthy and I would be able to contribute. My workouts are going well and I’m ready to make another run with this group of guys.”
Greer was acquired from Edmonton prior to the 2012 season and before playing for the Rush, he made stops in Orlando, New York, Rochester, Anaheim, Arizona and Columbus. He’s played 186 career regular season games and has scored 59 goals, 99 assists and 158 points. He has also topped the 1,000 loose ball mark.
In 2007, he was a member of the Champion’s Cup winning Rochester Knighthawks and holds the distinction of scoring the game-winning goal in the Knighthawks 13-11 championship game victory over the Arizona Sting.
The 34-year old will be one of several veterans on an experienced Rock back end. However, there will be a major hole to fill with defender Damon Edwards out for an unknown period of time after recently undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL.
“You can’t just fill that hole, it’s a huge loss,” said Greer of losing Edwards for what could be a major chunk of the upcoming season. “Last year we got lucky and didn’t have a lot of injuries. Guys are going to have to step up but we have a good mix of young guys and veterans in this group that I think we will be okay.”
Rock training camp begins on Saturday, November 28th at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville, Ontario. The Rock will play three exhibition games, two of which will be at the TRAC. On Saturday, December 12th Toronto will face the Colorado Mammoth and on Saturday, December 19th the Rock hosts the Georgia Swarm. Toronto’s first exhibition test will be on the road on Saturday, December 5th at Ottawa’s TD Place against the Saskatchewan Rush.
