Player Spotlight


Player Spotlight highlights the finer details and elements while supplying insight to the fans on what a player's thought process may be pertaining to a certain play, game or situation. It brings the intensity, passion, and inner most thoughts of the individual player that otherwise may not be felt or heard.

In the Player Spotlight this week is Bob Watson. Toronto played a thrilling game Friday night in defeating the Philadelphia Wings 9 - 7 in front of a home town Maple Leaf Gardens crowd of 10,100. Bob Watson was spectacular in goal for the Rock in a big win. Bob was able to sit down with our PLPA correspondent Spence Litmore after the game.

Question What has it been like to play for the expansion Toronto Rock this year?
Answer It has been a great thrill to have a chance to play at the "grand old lady" on Carlton Street. I have enjoyed playing with the returning players from the Raiders and the new promising additions to the team.


Question What was the crucial play in the tonight's game that led to the win?
Answer Dan Stroup's go ahead goal late in the fourth quarter.


Question You have rebounded from a career threatening eye injury last season. Are you 100%? Are you ever worried about the same type of situation arising again?
Answer My eye is not 100%, however I do not feel it is a hinderance to my performance. Putting on my helmet is always a constant reminder of the injury, but once I start playing the game, I try not to dwell on it and focus more on the game. There is always a risk of injury to any player but that is the chance we are all willing to take.


Question What did the team learn from last year's season when you were located in Hamilton?
Answer The team learned to adapt to the NLL game with some of the different rules and regulations. We matured as a team and became familiar with each other's style of play.


Question Will this team make the playoffs this year? Who will be heavily relied upon?
Answer We are very determined as a team to accomplish this goal. This team cannot rely on one or two players to make us successful, we have to work together and have everyone contributing during the game in order to win.


Question Is there an advantage that your team is filled with traditional Canadian box players?
Answer I believe it is easier for a box player to adapt to the professional indoor league than a field player, since we are use to working within the confines of the "box" and not a wide open field. However, we still have to adjust to the NLL game since it is different from the Major Senior game.


Question You have been named to represent Canada in the All Star Game tomorrow night. What are your thoughts coming into the game? What is your prediction on the score?
Answer I am very happy to be selected to represent Canada and have a chance to play with the elite players of the game today. I think the game will be a lot of fun for the fans, but a nightmare for the goalies. I feel there will be at least 50 + goals scored with Canada coming out on top.


Question What does the NLL need to do to improve the overall quality of the game?
Answer They need to keep the game played at a high tempo pace and have consistent referring/rule calls. This will help the fans understand the game more and keep them coming back. They need to increase the number of games played in order to maintain fan interest. One/two home games per month is not enough.


Question What has been the highlight of your career?
Answer Being name to the second team All-Pro last season.


Question Will you be playing in the Canadian summer league and for what team?
Answer Yes. The team is yet to be determined.




Next week Philadelphia Wing's Jake Bergey will be in the "Player Spotlight" Don't Miss It!