ROCK VETERAN WATSON RECEIVES TOP NLL HONOURS

TORONTO – The National Lacrosse League has announced that Rock goaltender Bob Watson has been named the 2008 Goaltender of the Year presented by the US Navy. As well as top mentions as a 2008 First Team All-Pro.

Keeping the Rock in the game on a number of occasions this season with exceptional goaltending, Watson finishes the 2008 season tallying 825 minutes in net and with an overall 78.6% save percentage and a 10.34 goals against average (3rd in the League).

During the season Watson received numerous NLL honours for Defensive Player of the Week and was recognized for his contribution to Rock wins during the weeks of January 23rd, February 11th and March 17th when he was also named NLL Overall Player of that week.

This will be Watson’s third time receiving this honour having won Goaltender of the Year with the Rock in 2000 and 2001. The three time NLL All-Star has played his entire career in Toronto and has won five NLL Championships with the Rock.

Within the Rock organization, Bob was also recognized during the last Rock home game on April 27th when he was awarded the Les Bartley Award for 2008 during a half-time presentation from last years’ recipient and retiring Captain Jim Veltman.

The Les Bartley Award was inspired by the late Les Bartley, former GM/Head Coach for the Rock. The inaugural award was given out at the final regular season game of 2007 and will continue to be presented annually to a Rock player who best exemplifies Les’ emphasis on the importance of character and commitment to the team as voted by the coaching staff.