After a 20-minute stretch where Rose and Thunderbirds goaltender Warren Hill stole the show, newly minted NLL rookie-of-the-year CJ Kirst fired a long, low shot through Hill’s legs to increase the lead. Kirst had four goals in the Game 1 win. Then with 1:50 left, Boushy, who the Rock acquired from Halifax in 2023, completed his hat trick with a diving effort from in front of the net. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Franchise tied for most NLL titles Latrell Harris added one more and the party was
on. “We worked so hard for so long,” Boushy said. “Now we’re bonded by blood, sweat and tears for the rest of our lives.” Before Rogers, the Rock captain since 2019, received the NLL Cup, English was named the finals MVP. “The older guys lead us by example,” English said. “They’re the once that keep us going. They make it fun in the locker-room.” The win was also special for Bill Hostrawser, with the team since 2014, and for Rogers, Latrell Harris and coach Matt
Sawyer, who have all endured the Rock’s post-season heartbreaks since 2017. The seven championships won by the Rock bring the franchise back into a tie for most in league history. The Buffalo Bandits, who had won the last three titles, have seven in their history. The Thunderbirds, who had won five titles as the initial incarnation of the Rochester Knighthawks, were appearing in their first final since moving to Nova Scotia in 2019.
NLL championship, Toronto Rock, Halifax Thunderbirds, CJ Kirst, Warren Hill, Boushy hat trick, Latrell Harris