The Las Vegas Desert Dogs (3-12) return home following a long road trip for a Sunday matinee matchup against the Toronto Rock (5-9) on April 6 at 2 p.m. PST. This game also marks the beginning of a Canadian stretch for the Pack, as their next three games will all feature Canadian opponents.
Sunday’s game will be the second meeting between the Rock and the Desert Dogs, with Toronto winning the first matchup 16-11 in Las Vegas on March 1, 2024.
LAST GAME RECAP
The Desert Dogs fell to the league-leading Buffalo Bandits 13-10 in a tough Week 17 matchup. Vegas faced the top team in the NLL and found themselves trailing 11-2 at halftime. However, the Pack showed no quit, outscoring the Bandits 8-2 in the second half, including a five-goal scoring run in the fourth quarter. Despite the late surge, time ran out, and the comeback attempt fell short.
Jonathan Donville and Casey Jackson led the team with six points each, while Kyle Killen followed closely with five points. Donville recorded a hat trick against the back-to-back champions. Jack Hannah was unable to find the back of the net but managed 12 shots on goal, consistently pressuring the Bandits' netminder. Unfortunately, this loss officially eliminated the Desert Dogs from playoff contention.
OPPOSITION UPDATE
The Toronto Rock’s season has been nothing to boast about, as they currently sit in 12th place in the NLL. Similar to the Desert Dogs, the Rock relocated to the FirstOntario Centre after a 13-win season last year. They are in the process of retooling in preparation for a playoff push next year, but that transition has likely come at the cost of possibly missing the playoffs this season.
In their last game, Toronto defeated the Philadelphia Wings 15-8 in a dominant offensive performance, never trailing at any point. Josh Dawick is their only player with over 50 points this season, tallying 31 goals and 25 assists. Their all-star goalie, Nick Rose, was traded mid-season, leaving Troy Holowchuk to take over the starting role. Holowchuk has posted a 76% save percentage with a 2-2 record.
This will be an easier opponent for the Desert Dogs compared to some recent matchups, but Toronto shouldn't be overlooked, as they have secured victories against strong teams like the Halifax Thunderbirds and Saskatchewan Rush.
MILESTONES
Jack Hannah is six goals away from reaching 100 career NLL goals.
Drew Belgrave is two games away from reaching 100 career NLL appearances.
Sheldon Burns needs to secure five loose balls for 500 career NLL loose ball recoveries.
DESERT DOGS POINT LEADERS
Jack Hannah – 71 points (32 goals, 39 assists)
Holden Cattoni – 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists), 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists) since joining Vegas
Jonathan Donville – 68 points (18 goals, 50 assists)
Casey Jackson – 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists)
Kyle Killen – 38 points (16 goals, 22 assists)
This Desert Dogs game on April 6 at 2 p.m. PST will embrace beach and ocean vibes as we celebrate the 9th Island Night Beach Party. If you want to soak up the island spirit and score a FREE pair of Desert Dogs sunglasses, you can get tickets HERE!
