Roik earns NLL defensive player of the week

Published 5:18 pm Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Washington Stealth goalkeeper Matt Roik has been named the National Lacrosse League defensive player of the week after his 48 save performance in a overtime victory over the Buffalo Bandits this past Saturday.

Roik started his first game at goalkeeper for the Stealth since Jan. 14 giving Tyle

r Richards a rest, one night after Richards equaled his career high with 53 saves in an overtime loss to the Toronto Rock.

Roik saved 48 of the 57 shots that came his way against Buffalo, 43 of those saves came in the final three quarters. Roik allowed just four goals in that span.

“There were some cobwebs there in the first quarter,” Roik said. “But we got settled down and I started seeing the ball better. Coach Hall and the boys showed confidence in me and we really came together as a team.

“It was one of the most exciting games I’ve been a part of,” Roik added. “Games like this really provide some mental toughness heading into the playoffs.”

Roik also added an assist on a Rhys Duch goal with precious little seconds remaining in the victory over Buffalo.

Roik, a 10 year NLL veteran, has a 2-2 record with an 11.86 goals against average and a .766 save percentage this season.