Defending NLL Champions Open Preseason With Victory Over Saskatchewan
The Toronto Rock are back on the floor and preparing to defend their National Lacrosse League championship.
Toronto opened its 2026-27 preseason with an impressive 10-8 victory over the Saskatchewan Rush on November 7 at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville.
The early exhibition victory provided an encouraging start for a team looking to build on its seventh NLL championship.
Game highlights
Championship expectation.
Toronto enters the new campaign as the defending NLL champion after defeating Halifax in the 2026 Finals.
Head coach Matt Sawyer returns to lead the championship squad.
However, the Rock will begin their title defence without reigning Rookie of the Year CJ Kirst, who is expected to return in the new year following a lower-body injury.
What’s next
November 14 – San Diego Seals
Preseason game, 7 p.m.
November 21 – Colorado Mammoth
Final preseason test, 7 p.m..
November 28 – San Diego Seals
7 p.m. ET at TD Coliseum in Hamilton..
Championship banner celebration planned.
The biggest story of the night was the performance of Toronto’s young talent.
Ty English: Finished with five points, recording one goal and four assists.
Silas Richmond: Contributed two goals and one assist for three points.
The two newcomers combined for eight points in their professional exhibition debuts.
Final word
The Toronto Rock have started their championship defence preparations on a positive note.
The emergence of Ty English and Silas Richmond provides additional offensive excitement, while the returning championship core gives Toronto plenty of reason for optimism.
The mission is clear: defend the NLL championship and chase an eighth title.
Toronto Rock fans have another exciting season ahead
