Toronto Rock defender Cam Woods has officially announced his retirement after 14 seasons in the National Lacrosse League, the last six of those were spent with the Rock.
Woods started his career with the Albany Attack and then moved with the franchise to San Jose. He was a member of the Chicago Shamrox for one season in 2007 before coming to Toronto in 2008. He was the captain in Albany for three of his four seasons and also wore the “C” in San Jose for three years and for his lone season in Chicago.
“The competitive fire is still burning but my body just isn’t in the kind of shape that allows me to compete at the level I want to anymore,” said an emotional Woods. “I feel like I have been at 80 to 85 percent and just getting to that level has been a struggle for me recently. The inability to compete at the level I want to be at was the deal breaker.
“I have been playing since I was 11-years old, now that it’s over it will be a tough adjustment but I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life and spending more time with my family.”
The 37-year old played in 3 NLL championship games, two with the Rock (2010 & 2011) and one against the Rock as a member of the Albany Attack (2002). Woods captured the NLL Champion’s Cup with Toronto in 2011. He was also named the NLL’s top defensive player in 2004 while playing with the Attack.
“The Champion’s Cup was the one that had eluded me,” recalled Woods who has also won a pair of Mann Cup Canadian Senior “A” Championships. “Sharing that championship with some great people at home in Toronto is the one I will cherish the most. I have pictures from that night, on the floor with my family and I’ll have that ring and those memories forever.”
Woods also mentioned that his first experience playing for Team Canada in Australia at the World Field Lacrosse Championships in 2002 was a career highlight. “Hearing O’Canada being played so far away from home was a proud moment.”
During his career, Woods logged 233 games and scored 57 goals, added 117 assists for 174 points along with 1243 loose balls.
“I want to thank all the people in Toronto,” said Woods. “Thank you to all of my teammates that I have gone to battle with, the front office staff with the Rock and everyone behind the scenes, it is a real family atmosphere with the Rock. The training staff, the coaches and (Rock Owner & President) Jamie (Dawick) have all supported me so much through the years and I am forever grateful for the opportunities and memories.”
“Cam is a leader that will be sorely missed,” said Dawick. “He is a professional and a class act. Everything he brought to this franchise both on and off the floor will not be easily replaced. He is a warrior, a teammate and a true friend.”
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