It might be the National Lacrosse League's off-season, but there sure is a lot going on with the Toronto Rock.
A sale of the team is looking increasingly likely, as is the return of former general manager/coach Terry Sanderson as GM, and reigning coach of the year Troy Cordingley.
Rumours have persisted that the team has been sold and that Sanderson is already on board, but long-time Rock president/co-owner Brad Watters said yesterday that nothing is official ... yet.
Watters said his ownership group was approached about six weeks ago by "very passionate lacrosse people," and talks concerning a sale have been moving along since then with a goal of deciding one way or the other by early July.
Watters sounded like someone who expected a deal to get done.
"Hopefully we can get it resolved," he said.
He also said the potential buyer was a "single entity" and not the owners of the Toronto Nationals field lacrosse franchise.
Watters said while reports of Sanderson or Cordingley's hiring remain premature until the ownership situation is settled, "they are at the top of our list.
'MARVELOUS'
"Look what Troy and Terry did in Calgary," he continued. "They did a marvelous job."
Cordingley led the Calgary Roughnecks to a Champion's Cup title this spring, while Sanderson served as his assistant in charge of the defence.
Both resigned to be closer to their families in Oakville and Orangeville, respectively.
Watters confirmed that interim coach Jamie Batley would not be back, nor would Derek Keenan, who had been considered.
Sanderson led the Rock to the 2005 championship and posted a 30-16 record in just under three years with the club before being fired prior to the 2007 season.
Watters said he would be happy to stay on with the team in some capacity, even following a sale, and would have no issues with bringing back Sanderson.
"Terry and I always had a good relationship," he said.
"I don't think it would be a problem whatsoever."
Sanderson's return and/or a sale might open the door for the repatriation of former Rock greats Colin Doyle and Josh Sanderson.
It has long ben rumoured that Doyle was traded by the Rock because he disagreed with Sanderson's dismissal.
The younger Sanderson, the league's reigning championship game MVP, is a free agent, though Calgary owner Brad Banister recently told Sun Media that he would be back in Calgary next season.
The future of Doyle's San Jose Stealth, the Portland Lumberjax and New York Titans is unclear.
The Rock could upgrade itself significantly in dispersal drafts should any of those teams fold instead of relocate.
