White joins the Red and Blue
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ROCK REPORT N ow he flanks the back end of a Toronto Rock roster that was in need of some serious defensive help after losing to the Rochester Knighthawks last year in the East Division final. The Rock gave up 17 goals in that effort. White has proven to be a welcome addition to the team this year for what he brings them in leadership, grit and durability. Still, he credits his solid play to his new teammates and the organization that has helped make the transition to the white, blue and red. “It’s a class act organization right down to Jamie and the coaches. They’ve made it pretty easy and if you do your job out there it’s always easy,” said White. White has been doing his job and more since he was drafted into the league in 2001. He was a part of the Stealth organization before they relocated to Washington and was later traded to the Bandits where he made his mark in Buffalo. Known as a staunch defender who takes no prisoners, he helped take the Bandits to winning seasons from his arrival in 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the Bandits won an NLL FORMER BANDITS CAPTAIN NOW ANCHORS ROCK DEFENCE By Jordan Maxwell CHRIS WHITE WAS ONCE A BRUTAL OPPONENT for the Toronto Rock, serving as captain to the rival Buffalo Bandits — yeah those guys. Let’s move on. 18 • TORONTO ROCK 2013
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Chris White, a former defenceman and captain for the rival Buffalo Bandits, come to play for the good guys last offseason and is now a key member of the Toronto Rock's wall of defence. See how he's dealing with the adjustment in the second feature of 2013. Leggo!
Transcript of White joins the Red and Blue
ROCK REPORT
Now he flanks the back end of a Toronto Rock roster that was in need of some serious defensive help after losing to
the Rochester Knighthawks last year in the East Division final. The Rock gave up 17 goals in that effort. White has proven to be a welcome addition to the team this year for what he brings them in leadership, grit and durability. Still, he credits his solid play to his new teammates and the organization that has helped make the transition to the white, blue and red. “It’s a class act organization right down to Jamie and the coaches. They’ve made it pretty easy and if you do your job out there it’s always easy,” said White. White has been doing his job and more since he was drafted into the league in 2001. He was a part of the Stealth organization before they relocated to Washington and was later traded to the Bandits where he made his mark in Buffalo. Known as a staunch defender who takes no prisoners, he helped take the Bandits to winning seasons from his arrival in 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the Bandits won an NLL
FORMER BANDITS CAPTAIN NOW ANCHORS ROCK DEFENCEBy Jordan Maxwell
CHRIS WHITE WAS ONCE A BRUTAL OPPONENT for the Toronto Rock, serving as captain to the rival Buffalo Bandits — yeah those guys. Let’s move on.
18 • TORONTO ROCK 2013
ROCK REPORT
TORONTO ROCK 2013 • 19
championship and the following season, White took over as captain of the team. The 2008 season was a great one for White and put him on the map as one of the league’s premier defenders. What’s more, he actually scored three goals! From 2005 to 2007, White couldn’t find the back of the net even once. When he took over as captain, White was ninth on the all-time penalty minute list. Another two years at the helm and White is signed to suit up for the Rock, a transition that
he admitted was a little weird for him in the beginning. “It’s a little bit of an adjustment. You battle these guys for so long and with the rivalry, it is an adjustment, but a good one,” said White. “We play similar styles of defence and that was a good thing, so I just want to contribute to the new team and get a few more wins here.” And he has. He’s played an important role in the first three games, helping to hold two of three opponents under double digits (Edmonton Rush, Philadelphia Wings) and a 2-1 start.
ROCK REPORT
20 • TORONTO ROCK 2013
“Going out west and getting those two wins was unbelievable. It was a good start to the season and the mind set is that it’s just that — a good start. We want to keep things rolling here,” said White. “We have a lot of solid veterans on the back end and there are some good rookies that can push the ball up the floor. When you have a good goalie like Nick Rose, it makes it easier for us in our end.” When Rock GM Terry Sanderson made the move to sign White to the team, he knew he was getting another solid veteran player who could provide some leadership to the younger players on the back end. “We always like a veteran presence on our team. Chris brings that aspect and we like that about him,” said Sanderson. “He’s that stay-at-home guy and he’s been good for us to this point,” he added. “He doesn’t speak much, but when he does guys listen and that’s something you can draw from.”
CHRIS WHITENLL HISTORY2001 Drafted in the 2nd round, 20th overall
by San Jose.2002 Signed with Albany Attack as a
Free Agent.2004 Traded to Buffalo after the season for
Buffalo’s first round selection in 2005.2008 Selected as a reserve player for the
All-Star game; won Champion’s Cup defeating Portland 14-13.
2009 Served as acting Captain for the injured Rich Kilgour for four games; Selected as a starter for the All-Star game.
2010 Named team Captain replacing Rich Kilgour.
2011 Selected as a starter to play in the All-Star game.
2012 Selected as a starter to play in the All-Star game; Signed as a free agent with Toronto Rock prior to the start of the 2013 season.
NLL STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTSMost Points: (11) 2011 Season with BuffaloMost Goals: (3) 2008 season with Buffalo and 2004 season with San JoseMost Assists: (11) 2011 season with BuffaloMost Loose Balls: (84) 2011 season with BuffaloMost Penalty Minutes: (59) 2008 season with BuffaloChampion’s Cup Wins: (1) 2008 with Buffalo
