Toronto Rock beats Colorado Mammoth to improve to 11-2 on the season

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HAMILTON — The script may have been a little different from the one Toronto Rock fans have been used to the past few games at home. But the result was a very familiar one.

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The Rock as strong early but struggled in the game’s middle phases. But a solid fourth quarter propelled the Rock to a 12-7 win over the Colorado Mammoth at FirstOntario Centre and at 11-2, the best first 13-game stretch in club history.

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Leading the way was Dan Lintner, who has found his scoring touch in recent games.

“I’m just trying to do my job,” Lintner said. “Just trying to move and get open.”

“Fortunate tonight to get a couple to drop early and play a little bit loose.”

Originally with the club from 2016-2019, Lintner re-joined the Rock in the off-season after spending 2023 with the Saskatchewan Rush. With his roots in the area, he was obviously excited when he got the call that welcomed him back.

“My wife and daughter were in the stands tonight,” Lintner, who scored the game’s first two goals then erased a 7-6 Mammoth lead late in the third quarter said. “My family, my in-laws haven’t been to a game since I was back in Toronto. It’s always great to come home to one of the best franchises in the game.”

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The Rock came into the game off wins in back-to-back nights out west last week, taking a 16-11 win over the Las Vegas Desert Dogs followed by a 15-13 victory against the San Diego Seals. The offence continued to flow as the Rock took a 4-0 lead after one.

Colorado tied the game in the second quarter, mainly with transition markers including one on a breakaway from Hamilton’s Joey Cupido, enjoying a rare chance to perform in his hometown. Chris Boushy put the Rock ahead by one at the half.

With the game tied 7-7 after three, Toronto took the lead for good early in the fourth on a goal by rookie Zach Kearney. Goaltender Nick Rose continued pleading his case for league most valuable player with a 38-save performance including several that fired up the crowd of 9,220.

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“He’s on fire,” Mitch de Snoo said. “He made some saves coming across the net on quick sticks.”

“Seven goals against. He’s killing it.”

Tom Schreiber scored twice for the Rock who also got single goals from de Snoo, Josh Dawick, Chris Boushy, Dan Craig, Mark Matthews and Chris Weier. Tyson Gibson and Eli McLaughlin scored twice for the Mammoth (4-9). Tyler Garrison and Jordan Gillies also scored. Veteran Dillon Ward was solid in the Colorado net with 46 saves.

The Rock moved into sole possession of first for at least a couple of hours. Trying to keep pace on Saturday were the Albany FireWolves, who took on the Rochester Knighthawks in a later game.

The Rock will try to avenge a loss to the Buffalo Bandits earlier this season when they travel to KeyBank Center next Saturday.

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