By Grayson Shular | March 20, 2026
As the National Lacrosse League (NLL) enters the final stretch of the 2025-2026 regular season, the Toronto Rock find themselves in the thick of a highly competitive playoff race. Following a challenging 2024-25 campaign, the Toronto Rock faithful have much to be excited about as the team sits with an 8-5 record, currently occupying a top-five spot in the standings.
The story of the 2026 season has been the immediate impact of the Rock’s recent draft class. Rookie forward CJ Kirst, the first overall pick in the 2025 NLL Draft, has transitioned to the professional ranks with ease. Kirst has emerged as a primary scoring threat, leading the team in goals (27) and demonstrating the “franchise player” potential that the Rock were hoping for.
Complementing the youth movement is the return of a healthy Mark Matthews. After missing significant time last season due to shoulder surgery, Matthews has returned to his elite form, serving as the team’s primary playmaker with a team-high 42 assists. His chemistry with Kirst and veteran Dan Craig has revitalized a Rock offense that struggled for consistency just a year ago.
On the defensive end, the Rock continue to be led by captain Challen Rogers and the underrated brilliance of Brad Kri. However, the unit has faced its share of adversity. Following a season-ending injury to defender Robert Hudson in early March, the Rock front office acted quickly at the trade deadline, acquiring 6’3” defender Josh Jackson from the Las Vegas Desert Dogs to bolster the back end.
In the crease, Nick Rose remains the backbone of the team. Rose continues to uphold expectations, providing the steady, veteran presence required to win tight games in a league where parity is at an all-time high.
The Rock are coming off one of the most thrilling games of the season—a 14-13 overtime victory against the Halifax Thunderbirds on March 13th. Josh Dawick was the hero of the night, netting a hat trick including the game-winner in the extra frame. This victory proved the Rock’s resilience, as they battled back against a Halifax squad that refused to go away.
As of March 20, 2026, the Rock are preparing for a massive showdown against the league-leading Saskatchewan Rush. With only five games remaining in the regular season, every point is crucial for playoff seeding.
The 2026 season represents a “reloaded” era for Toronto. With a mix of generational rookie talent and established stars, the Rock are not just looking to make the playoffs—they are looking to bring the Champion’s Cup back to Ontario.
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