The Vancouver Warriors snapped their two-game losing streak with a 13-8 victory over the Toronto Rock. It was the first game for star goaltender Christian Del Bianco since being acquired last week, and he made 49 saves in his Warriors debut. The Warriors played well in all facets, got stellar goaltending from Del Bianco, and scored 13 goals with contributions throughout the lineup, but it was hard to ignore how well the defence played. The Warriors held the Rock to only two goals in the first half. The defence has been a bright spot for Vancouver, as it has allowed the third-fewest goals in the National Lacrosse League this season.
Big win, bigger smiles! 😄 pic.twitter.com/GoHiQMY6VM
— Vancouver Warriors (@VanWarriors) March 15, 2025
Del Bianco was impressed with the composure of his new defence. “There’s just so many veterans, it’s so easy to communicate, and there are a lot of guys I have pre-existing experience with. Obviously, getting to play with guys like Owen Grant and (Ryan) Dilks for the first time. But guys like Steph Charbonneau, I think (he) had a terrific night. Building that chemistry and trust, there’s a lot that goes with that. It’s not going to be day one, but if that’s our starting point, it’s hard not to be happy.”
The Warriors defence is anchored by Dilks, who is a two-time NLL Defensive Player of the Year. He is second in the NLL in caused turnovers this season with 25. Grant has also been great all season, as he is fourth in the NLL in blocked shots and fourth in caused turnovers. Veteran Matt Beers and free-agent addition Jeff Cornwall are also bright spots. Even though Vancouver lost Brayden Laity in the Del Bianco trade, other players like Reid Bowering and captain Brett Mydske stepped up their game against the Rock.
We rocked tonight. 😏 pic.twitter.com/nCHVMCFSvY
— Vancouver Warriors (@VanWarriors) March 15, 2025
Head coach and general manager Curt Malawsky was pleased with the effort he saw from the defence, with so many stepping up in Laity’s absence. “I made it pretty known that losing a guy like Brayden Laity (is) tough, it challenges the group of guys (that are here). But we said, ‘Hey listen, (Brayden Laity’s) gone, but there are minutes available.’ We need everybody to play to your potential, and kind of ride it from there.”
Just like his new goaltender, Malawsky also liked the compete level of his defence,
“Steph Charbonneau had a phenomenal game. (Jackson Suboch) was really good too. (Reid) Bowering had some huge loose balls. I talked to some of those guys in the room about it, and they stepped up. With the minutes that were there, they took advantage of it. So, I liked our (defence). We got in (shooting) lanes, blocked a lot of shots, our guys box out really well and I liked how they competed back there.”
Friday’s game against the Rock was the fifth time the Warriors had held their opponent to 10 goals or fewer this season, and the addition of Del Bianco should only help the defence continue to have success. With only five games left and multiple teams fighting with them for a playoff spot, the Warriors will need their defence to continue to dominate if they hope to earn a post-season berth. Vancouver has a huge game next Saturday against the Georgia Swarm, which is a game ahead of it in the standings.