Disher And Merrill Named All-Star Starters

Published on February 16, 2009 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, February 16, 2009 - The fans, media, and Head Coaches/General Managers have spoken and Portland LumberJax goalie Matt Disher and defenseman Brodie Merrill have been named starters to the 2009 National Lacrosse League All-Star Team, as was announced by the league today. Disher and Merrill will be joined by San Jose Stealth forward Colin Doyle, Edmonton Rush forward Dan Teat, Calgary Roughnecks forward Josh Sanderson and Colorado Mammoth defenseman Bruce Murray as starters for the West Division. The NLL's ninth All-Star Game will be held at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, March 7th at 6 p.m. PST.

This is the first All-Star nod for Disher. The 10-year veteran leads the league with 299 saves and is third in save percentage (.810). The Hamilton, Ontario native has made at least 32 saves in every game this season and has made 45 saves or more in every Portland (4-3) win. Disher's goals-against-average of 10.02 is also fifth in the NLL.

"I am very happy to see that Dish is getting the recognition that he clearly deserves," said Head Coach/General Manager Derek Keenan. "He's been outstanding in net for us all season and is a big part of our good start."

Arguably the league's top defenseman, this is the fourth time Merrill has been named an All-Star. Merrill started for the West last season and scored one goal and added two assists. In 2007, Merrill was named an All-Star but missed the game due to an injury. As a rookie in 2006, Merrill added an assist and collected 13 loose balls.

The Orangeville, Ontario native is once again leading the league with 115 loose balls collected. The human vacuum has also amassed 17 points on five goals and 12 assists while controlling much of Portland's transition game.

"Brodie is on top of his game and I don't really see that changing," added Keenan. "He's made a tremendous impact for us from day one and continues to get better each game."

Voting was determined by a combination of fan, league media and Head Coaches/GM's. Reserves will be selected by each All-Star coach and will be announced later this week. Each All-Star Team will have 18 players, which includes 16 runners and two goalies. All of the league's 12 member clubs will be represented by at least one of their players in the All-Star Game.

The Jax continue their homestand on Saturday, February 28th at 7:30 p.m. against the Philadelphia Wings.

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