Ajax-Pickering Rock trade falls through

AJAX -- Wednesday's trade deadline came and went for Ajax-Pickering Rock GM Paul St. John with little to report, but it wasn't from a lack of trying.

St. John did manage to make one deal, shipping goaltender J. Preece to Kahnawake of the Quebec Senior Lacrosse League in a cash transaction that will allow Alex Coutts to assume the number one netminding role.

The cash in the trade with Kahnawake helped formulate another deal with the Ohsweken Warriors that would have seen sniper Jason Henhawk in a Rock uniform. But some three hours after the deal was made, Henhawk decided he didn't want to report to the Rock, and was subsequently dealt to St. Regis of the Major Series League.

"I was very disappointed because the deal was done, everything was in place and we had agreed on the terms," said St. John.

The next deadline comes July 15, when teams are allowed to sign released players, providing they have an open spot on the roster. St. John says he has one card available for the right player if one is available.

Friday night the Rock hosts Brooklin in a game that will go a long way in determining third place. The Rock sits one point behind Brooklin with just five games remaining in the season. Game time at the Ajax Community Centre is 8 p.m. The Rock hosts Wellington on Saturday at 7 p.m.