Matt Roik comes out of his shell

This post was originally intended to be part catch-up, part "I told you so." A third of the way into the 2012 National Lacrosse League season, the Toronto Rock's Matt Roik has been one of the league's best goalies. He was picked to the Eastern all-star team, and last week was named the league's defensive player of the week. He's third overall in wins, second in goals-against average, and fourth in save percentage; he leads the Eastern division in all three categories.

Before the season, Eh Game talked to Roik about the challenge of replacing Bob Watson, and of shaking off the reputation for being a hothead. In that interview, he was mature, humble, and somewhat sedate. So when we reached out to him last week to get an update on how the season's gone, we expected more of the same. We were planning on a post that basically said "Matt Roik gets the last laugh, quietly."

What we got, instead, was some of the funniest, most honest, and insightful commentary we've ever seen from a pro athlete, on what it's like to be a member of the Toronto Rock in 2012. In a screed that's best described as part roast, part meditation, Roik riffs on his defence, his teammates, his coaches, and just about everything else.

This is the Matt Roik that those of us who know him really know; he spent a lot of time and, in his words, "wasted a few brain cells" putting these words together. If he was humble before, it's apparent he's comfortable with his role with the Rock now, and is ready to let his personality shine through.

We've edited some of the grammar, and broken his comments up into categories so they're more readable, but otherwise, here's Matt Roik, in his own words.

On being named an All-Star

Any time a goaltender is selected for this opportunity, it reflects the defence as a core. Without the incredible depth and athleticism of the men in front, my job description becomes increasingly difficult. Fortunately, due to a very efficient defensive schematic put in place every night by the coaching staff, it makes my job a lot easier.

On his D crew

Numerous guys on this back end don't get the recognition they deserve due to the system we play; guys like Rob Marshall, Bill Greer, Cam Woods, Ryan Sharp, Glenn Bryan, Bruce Codd, Steve 'the Animal' Hoar, Jesse Gamble, Sandy Chapman, Mike Hobbins and even the flamboyant Patrick Merrill. (Phil Sanderson doesn't need to be mentioned; he lives with press camping out on his front lawn.)

It's quite admirable the way these guys play through injuries, and constantly step in front of the shooting lanes and contest shots with bodies. Also, knee injuries usually deter players from returning to regular form, but Drew Petkoff and Ryan Sharp have proven otherwise as well. They have shown no hesitation in their game, and that is rare after serious injury setbacks like these.

Without these guys, we don't have the success that we have been showing the last few weeks. Oh yeah, the O guys may have a small part in it, but I think the lacrosse community knows most of those guys. If not, I'm sure (Garrett) Billings lets them know how good they are, on his twitter account*.

On the glue of the Toronto Rock

One aspect I was looking forward to in the trade, was going to an older demographic in the dressing room. The guys have been very receptive from the beginning, and I can't thank them enough for allowing me into such prestigious group of guys - with the exception of Sharpie (Ryan Sharp), but then again I don't think he appreciates anything that breathes. Despite Robbie Hellyer's shenanigans and coach Cordingley's terrible jokes, it's a great dressing room, held together by a very undervalued gentleman in Paddy Campbell.

On Paddy Campbell

Paddy, has been great to me from the start, and has been one of the few Excelsior players to not show me their ring collection from 2008-2010**. The man always has a smile on his face, and has a heart of gold. Truly, one of the best goalie partners I've had the opportunity to play with - and trust me, I've had a few dozen in my career. Whether it's tucking me in the night before a game, or keeping the boys entertained either with his antics or his acrobatic saves, Paddy always knows how to put a smile on your face.

On winning Defensive Player of the Week honours

The success from our previous game against Philadelphia derives from every guy in that room. When the guys are consistently giving that type of effort and making smart decisions on the floor, it makes my job a lot easier, and a pleasure to be a part of.

On the Rock's recent Father-Son trip (and 15-6 win over Philadelphia)

The only emotion that stemmed from that win was relief, because I don't think any of us wanted to disappoint our fathers on a such a special day…with the exception of Shooter (Josh Sanderson). I think Terry*** took his GI Joes away on the plane. But then he went off for ten (actually nine) points, so I really don't understand that relationship...

What's next?

I'm really looking forward to playing Philly this weekend. I'm sure their confidence is high after getting a win against Buffalo, and they will be looking for redemption after our last meeting. Should be a great contest.

*Garrett Billings doesn't have a Twitter account.

**Roik was a goalie with the New Westminster Salmonbellies, who lost three consecutive Mann Cup finals (for the Canadian lacrosse championship) from 2008-2010. There are 12 players on the Rock from the Peterborough and Brampton teams that beat Roik those three years in a row.

***Josh Sanderson is Toronto's 2nd-leading scorer. His dad Terry is the Rock's general manager and assistant coach.

For more lacrosse coverage, follow Andrew McKay on Twitter: @apmckay