TORONTO – The Toronto Rock re-signed star forward Blaine Manning to a one-year deal today, returning yet another key component from last year’s championship winning squad.
Manning, 26, was second in the league in scoring last season with 105 points (39 goals and 66 assists), and was named as a National Lacrosse League first-team all-star. The native of Sherwood Park, Alta., plays the shooter spot on the left side and works as a bond broker in downtown Toronto. Also named as an NLL east-division all-star last season, Manning has 379 career points entering his fifth NLL campaign.

“I’m excited to be able to have a chance to repeat as champions this year. We’re bringing nearly our whole team back from last year,” said Manning. “We’re treated like the best in our league by our management, and our fans at that ACC are just amazing.

“Our fan support is something a lot of people may take for granted, but I certainly appreciate it every time I step on the floor.”

Manning, who has won three championships with the Rock, said he is anxious to return to playing, beginning with training camp on Nov. 11. He’s hoping to help the Rock to an unprecedented sixth NLL championship.

With this signing, the Rock now return 16 players from last year’s squad, which won the fifth championship in the franchise’s short seven-year history.
As per club policy, other terms of the deal were not disclosed.