The Toronto Rock's Pat Coyle has been selected as the National Lacrosse League's Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced today.

The award was voted on by the NLL's Board of Governors and general managers.

Coyle, a six-year pro, often drew the assignment of covering the league's top forwards and rose to the occasion, helping the Rock to a league-low 176 goals allowed this season.

Coyle scored four goals and assisted on twelve others this season, but his top quantifiable contribution to the Rock was in recovering loose balls. His 109 scoops this season was third-best on the team, behind human vacuum Jim Veltman and transition wizard Steve Toll.

The Rock (12-5, 1-0) visits Albany (15-2, 1-0) on Saturday in the NLL Champion's Cup final. It will be the first postseason game the Rock ever plays away from home.