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Rock, T-Birds advance to NLL semifinals via quarterfinal upsets
SASKATOON — The Toronto Rock and Halifax Thunderbirds will carry Canada’s hopes into the next round of National Lacrosse League playoffs.
The sixth-seeded Rock, led by Chris Boushy’s five goals and an assist, upset the third-seeded Saskatchewan Rush 16-13 in a single-elimination quarterfinal game on Saturday at SaskTel Centre.
The eighth-seeded Thunderbirds, who trailed the top-seeded Vancouver Warriors 7-1 at halftime on Friday, rallied to post a 10-7 win in B.C.
On Saturday, the Rock jumped out to a 6-2 first period lead, and led 8-7 at halftime.
Josh Dawick had three goals and three assists for the Rock, while C.J. Kirst scored three times. Brad Kri, Hugh Kelleher, Mark Matthews Elijah Gash and Latrell Harris netted singles. Matthews and Owen Hiltz also chipped in with four assists.
Austin Shanks led the Rush with three goals and four assists, while Robert Church had three goals and three assists. Ryan Keenan scored twice in the loss, while Zach Manns, Connor McClelland, Brock Haley, Ryan Barnable and Levi Anderson netted singles.
The Rock will advance to the best-of-three semifinals and will face the San Diego Seals, who upset the second-seeded Colorado Mammoth 13-12 in overtime on Saturday.
The Thunderbirds will play the Georgia Swarm, which knocked off the Buffalo Bandits 17-10 on Saturday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2026.
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