The Shamrox Dance Team enters the field before player introductions before the Shamrox Home Opener on Saturday, January 5.
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HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Everything was exciting except the final result for the Chicago Shamrox on Saturday night. Chicago opened its second season with a back and forth contest with the Toronto Rock that featured four lead changes and six ties. Eventually Toronto overcame a second half deficit to defeat the Shamrox 11-9 in front of 6,116 fans at the Sears Centre.

In the third quarter Chicago’s (0-1) offense came alive. Trailing 8-6, the Shamrox scored three unanswered goals within three minutes to take a 9-8 lead entering the final quarter.

However, the Rock (1-0) answered back with a vengeance. Toronto forward Aaron Wilson first tied the game at 9-all and with 6:47 in the period Blain Manning gave the Rock a 10-9 advantage. Twenty seconds later Kasey Beirnes found the back of the net. The Rock shut out Chicago in the fourth quarter.

“We came out and played really well and we were missing some key guys,” Shamrox defender Kevin Fines said. “When we get a few of those guys healthy and back in the lineup we will be a team to contend with this year.

Chicago had to play most of the game with backup goaltender Derek Collins because its regular starter Brandon Miller had equipment problems.

#26 from the Chicago Shamrox Mike Kirk chases after the ball during the Shamrox Home Opener on Saturday, January 5 in front of 6,116 people.
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Miller’s string on his pads broke and it caused the pads to expand and become too wide. A new rule in the league makes this illegal. Once the referees measured the width and ruled that it was too wide, Miller could not fix it and return to the game.

“I thought the backup [Derek Collins] played great. We have all the confidence in the world putting him in the back of the net,” Chicago coach Jamie Batley said. “He would be a number one goalie for many other teams [in the NLL].”
Kasey Biernes and Blaine Manning each recorded hat tricks for the Rock while Kevin Fines scored three goals for Chicago.

“The fans, they’re loud and it’s exciting to play here.” Fines said. “I’m extremely excited to be part of Chicago this year and I look forward to play in front of these fans.”

Chicago will play its first road game on Saturday, January 12 against the Philadelphia Wings. The Shamrox return home on January 26 to take on the Edmonton Rush.