THE CANADIAN PRESS
Cam Woods begins his ninth National Lacrosse League season with a new team, but in a familiar place.
The hardrock defenceman will be wearing a Toronto Rock uniform in Chicago on Saturday night against the ShamRox team he captained last season.
"Lots of emotion, that’s for sure," Woods replied when asked what was running through his mind as the season opener for both teams approached. "As excited as I am to be playing for Toronto, it wasn’t easy leaving that team.
"They’re going to be a good team for years to come."
Woods commuted to play for teams in Albany, N.Y., and San Jose, Calif., before joining the new Chicago last season.
"All the travelling was taxing," Woods said during an interview. "My family was patient, watching me go away every weekend during the winter.
"That’s what our league is about so you learn to live with it."
With four children, the Aurora, Ont., carpenter felt it finally was time to suit up for a club closer to home, and ShamRox GM-coach Jamie Batley was kind enough to work out a trade with the Rock, who dealt Kevin Fines and a dispersal draft pick that Batley used to pluck Lindsay Plunkett of the Arizona Sting roster that went dormant for 2008.
"Playing in Toronto is going to make a world of difference," Woods said. "For the first time in my nine years in the league, my family is going to get a chance to see what I’m doing every weekend.
"I’m thrilled to death to be with Toronto."
Toronto has a beefed-up defence, and Chicago has added zip to its offence, so sparks should fly Saturday night.
There have been plenty of lineup changes since both teams finished last season at 6-10.
Toronto’s biggest changes are on the back end with the additions of Woods, a former NLL defensive player of the year, and Peter Lough, who was Arizona’s captain and moved to the Rock as a free agent. Both are smart players with a competitive edge.
"We’ve added some quality depth and leadership," says head coach Glenn Clark.
Avoiding a repeat of the slow start they had last winter is a must if the Rock want to challenge for the East Division title.
"I always demand a lot from myself, and that’ll be especially true this year," said Woods. "The (Toronto) fans expect a winner after five championships in nine years and, as loyal as they are, we want to make sure we keep them happy by coming out of the gate strong."
Woods as been a summer teammate of many of the Toronto players in the OLA senior league so he’ll fit right in with the Rock.
Up front, veterans Kasey Beirnes and Jon Harasym are the most recognizable new faces for the Rock, who will expect big seasons out of returnees Josh Sanderson, Blaine Manning, Aaron Wilson and Ryan Benesch, who was 2007 NLL rookie of the year.
"Ryan has talent you can’t teach," said Clark. "He’s in a lot better condition this year and what we’re hoping is that means he’ll be more consistent throughout the season.
"He’s still a young guy but he has a world of talent."
If Manning can find the net more often in 2008, Toronto’s offence could be just as good as its defence.
"We’re looking for more goals from Blaine and we feel we’ve got more support around him with Kasey and Jon on his side of the floor," says Clark.< .
The ShamRox were the NLL’s weakest team offensively last winter, so Batley brought in Plunkett, Callum Crawford, Andrew Lazore and Andrew Burkholder in his search for more goals. Returnee Bill McGlone, who made the all-rookie team last season, and Chris Panos are key Rox shooters.
Add dispersal draft pickup Scott Self on defence and the second-year club will be difficult to beat.
"Both teams play a traditional style of Canadian box lacrosse," said Batley.
Translation: expect a lot of hard hitting.
"It’s going to be a battle," said Clark. "One thing Chicago showed last year was a willingness to work hard, and we’re going to have to be aware of their fast transition breaks.
"It’s going to be a high-energy, high-intensity game."
The goaltending duel will feature two of the best in the sport — Bob Watson of the Rock and Brandon Miller of the ShamRox.
With Woods gone, the ShamRox named Mat Giles captain.
Veteran forward Jonas Derks hopes to be in the Chicago lineup despite the fact that he was shaken up in a recent car crash. His vehicle had to be cut apart so he could be pulled out.
"He thinks he’s going to be ready to play but we’re not so sure," Batley said.
Chicago won the regular-season game between the teams in Chicago last season.
"There is so much parity in the league that what it comes down to every game is who wants it more," said Woods. "I’ll gut it out in the corners and do whatever it takes to help the team."
The Toronto-Chicago game is the only contest on the NLL schedule this weekend.
The 2007-champion Rochester Knighthawks, who don’t open their season until next weekend, will be difficult to dethrone, but Clark and Batley say the gap between the ‘Hawks and the rest of the East Division has been narrowed.
"The neat thing about the NLL is that it’s a one-goal-game league," said Clark. "But, until proven otherwise, they’re still the team to beat."