Bateman Back in Action

Published on October 18, 2006 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, Oct. 18, 2006 - The Portland LumberJax have signed forward Ryder Bateman to a one-year contract today. The two-time All-American from Whittier College in California becomes the seventh addition to the extended list of Jax players who will be returning for the 2007 season which begins on Dec. 30 in the Rose Garden (7 p.m.).

Through a midseason exchange between Minnesota and the Jax, Bateman joined the roster for his first game on Feb. 10 against the Buffalo Bandits. After 12 regular season games with the Jax last season, the 6-foot, 195-pound forward scored nine goals and added nine assists for 18 points. He also collected 53 looseballs and became the primary face-off specialists late in the season, winning 37 draws.

"We really like Ryder's versatility," Head Coach and Managing Partner Derek Keenan said. "If given the opportunity, he can score goals and he's athletic enough to both play defense and run the floor in transition. After losing Pat Jones last year to an injury, Ryder filled the role of taking face-offs and did a good job."

The Calgary, Alberta native was selected as a first round pick in the 2005 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft (6th overall) for the Minnesota Swarm. Being named to the 2005 Edge Advanced All-Rookie Team, Bateman recorded 20 goals (tied for second among rookies) and 19 assists for 39 points and picked up 56 looseballs during his rookie campaign.

Bateman competed for Whittier College (NCAA DIII) and was named an All-American during his junior and senior campaigns. During his 2004 senior year, the co-captain led his team to an 8-4 record and a 12th-place national ranking. That year, Bateman also led the country in points per games with 4.7.

The Jax have now signed Adam Bysouth, Rich Morgan, Ray Guze, Mike Hominuck, Jed Prossner and D.J. Driscoll while receiving rights to Scott Stapleford and Tyler Heavenor. Dallas Eliuk, Pat Jones, Brodie Merrill, Peter Morgan and Ryan Powell are entering the second season of their individual two-year contracts. The LumberJax training camp takes place in mid-November in Vancouver, B.C where all returning players and new signees will compete for a position on the Jax roster for the upcoming 2007 season.

The Jax open their second season at home in the Rose Garden on Dec. 30, 2006 at 7 p.m. Season Tickets for the LumberJax start as low as $90. Packages include the eight regular season home games and the 2007 NLL All Star Game. Enjoy the benefits of being a Season Ticket Holder! Also, it's not too early to plan company or friends and family outings. Receive discounts when you bring out a group of fifteen or more. Tickets start at just $10 a seat with no applicable fees. For more information or to reserve your seats call the Jax ticket office at 503.797.9739. Who Wants More?

Tickets for the National Lacrosse League (NLL) 2007 All-Star Game are now on sale. The game will take place on March 10, 2007 at the Rose Garden, home of the Portland LumberJax. Tickets can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box office, all participating Safeway locations, RoseQuarter.com, or by calling 1.877.789.ROSE (7673).

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National Lacrosse League Stories from October 18, 2006


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