17 Sports Oakville Beaver 17 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, July 16, 2009 SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009 Ready to Rock Toronto hires Cordingley to lead NLL team back to glory days By Daniel Girard TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE Tavares signs with Islanders Oakville's John Tavares is officially a New York Islander. Tavares signed a three-year entry level contract with the team that made him the first-overall pick in last month's NHL entry draft. "I'm excited to officially become a part of the New York Islanders organization and begin my professional career this upcoming season," said the Oakville native, who is currently taking part in the Islanders' mini-camp for draft picks and prospects. "It's an exciting time for the Islanders organization as we develop our young talent into a contender," said general manager Garth Snow in a statement Wednesday. "John provides another important piece to help us achieve our ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup." Tavares is already featured prominently in Islanders' marketing material, including advertisements for season tickets. Jamie Dawick, the new owner of the Toronto Rock, admits to feeling nostalgic these days. "I remember the good old days when the building was full and coming into Toronto was the toughest place to play," he said Tuesday after announcing the hiring of the team's new coach, Oakville's Troy Cordingley. "That's what I'm looking to bring back." Dawick, an Oakville businessman who bought the team last month, told reporters in a conference call he followed the Rock in their hey-day, attending games "quite regularly" as the team won the East Division of the National Lacrosse League in each of their first seven seasons and captured five championships. Like Rock fans, Dawick is determined to bring back that winning feeling after three straight losing seasons, including two straight missing the playoffs. In Cordingley, the Rock have hired the coach who led the Calgary Roughnecks to this year's NLL championship. "I am very excited and looking forward to this challenge," said Cordingley, who won two championships as a player with Buffalo in the 1990s. "I'd like to see the Toronto Rock back where they belong." Cordingley, named NLL coach of the year last season, said he's thrilled to be back with a team located just 30 minutes from his COMING HOME: NLL coach of the year Troy Cordingley will coach the Toronto Rock after two seasons behind the bench of the Calgary Roughnecks, the team he led to the league championship. home after commuting out west every weekend of the season. "This means a lot to me and my family," he said. "I can go home after every game now and am not going to miss very many (of my kids') hockey games and dance recitals." With the move, Cordingley joins former Roughnecks assistant coach Terry Sanderson, who was recently named Rock GM. Sanderson, who called Cordingley "a players' coach," said as general manager he continues to look at strengthening the Rock roster. MEMO To: Subject: From: Oakville Soccer Club Returning Members Welcome to the Head of the Line The Oakville Soccer Club Advance online registration for our Fall and Winter indoor programs starts July 15 for returning members and siblings Visit www.oakvillesoccerclub.ca to register and to view complete information on fees, days of play and more In-person registration with proof of birth is required for siblings who are currently non-members Open registration starts August 10 1520 Pine Glen Road (Dundas and Third Line), 905-849-4436 The Oakville Beaver A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club A proud sponsor of the Oakville Soccer Club