Georgia Swarm Battle Against Eastern Division Threat Toronto Rock, Falling by One

DULUTH, Ga. (February 11, 2023) – The Georgia Swarm (0-6) came up short last night against the Toronto Rock (7-2), battling back from a 7-2 deficit in the second quarter to fall, 11-10.

Brendan Bomberry recorded one assist in the affair, marking his 100^th career point. Shayne Jackson notched four points, clinching his second hat trick of the season. Jackson needs three more points to reach 700 in his career. With the Swarm facing Toronto again next week on the road, Jackson could eclipse that feat in just a few days.

Brett Dobson started in net, totaling 12 saves across 22 minutes played. Craig Wende relieved Dobson during the second quarter, finishing the game with 26 saves, a .866 save percentage, and four goals against.

Toronto outscored Georgia 4-1 in the first quarter, jumping out to a 7-2 lead halfway through the second frame. After the Rock’s seventh goal scored by Josh Dawick, the Swarm went on a four-goal run, from Andrew Kew, Jackson, Seth Oakes, and Lyle Thompson, bringing Georgia within one (7-6).

Following the Swarm’s four-goal streak, Toronto’s Tom Schreiber netted his second of the night to give the Rock a two-goal lead until Lyle Thompson and Jackson scored back-to-back to knot the game at eight a piece.

The Rock then scored three goals within four minutes to take a three-goal lead. Wende and the Georgia defense kept Toronto scoreless for the final 10 minutes of the game with Adam Wiedemann and Kew netting goals to bring the Swarm within one (11-10). Toronto’s backline and Nick Rose stopped every Georgia opportunity in the final minutes of the game, marking the teams seventh win of the year.

Georgia’s defense held Toronto scoreless on both man up opportunities. The Swarm had two power play advantages with Kew converting the only one in the affair. Wiedemann netted the Swarm’s first short-handed goal of the year seven minutes into the fourth frame. TJ Comizio, Jeremy Thompson, Mike Manley, and Lyle Thompson notched one caused turnover each with Jeremy Thompson leading the squad in loose balls, scooping eight.

The Swarm and Rock go head-to-head once again next week on Saturday, Feb. 18, in FirstOntario Centre at 7:00 PM ET. Last season, the two teams split the series with each team taking a win on the road, tune in on ESPN+ to see if that is the case once again.