Jax Franchise Disher And Malawsky

July 31, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, July 31, 2008 - The Portland LumberJax have designated goalie Matt Disher and forward Derek Malawsky as their franchise players for the 2009 season, Head Coach/General Manager Derek Keenan announced today. National Lacrosse League teams can designate up to two players from the current roster as franchise players. By placing the franchise tag on Disher and Malawsky, both players are kept from becoming unrestricted free agents.

"Matt and Derek were both integral parts in our run to the championship game", said Keenan. "Matt gives us stability in goal for years to come and Derek will once again lead our offense from the left side of the floor."

Disher was acquired on March 25th in a trade with the Edmonton Rush that sent goalie Matt King, defenseman Ian Crashley and a Conditional First Round Selection in the 2009 Entry Draft to the Rush. Edmonton also sent Portland a Conditional Fourth Round Selection in the 2009 Entry Draft in the deal.

In four games with the Jax, Disher went 2-2 with a Goals-Against-Average of 10.82. The nine-year veteran was also a key part of Portland's run to the Edge NLL Championship Game. In three postseason games, Disher went 1-1 and stopped 71% of the shots he faced.

Malawsky was Portland's third leading point scorer during the 2008 season. In 16 games, the nine-year veteran scored 25 goals and added 35 assists for his ninth straight 50+ point season. In the playoffs, the New Westminster, British Columbia native scored two goals and added 12 assists.

Disher and Malawsky become the second and third players in team history to earn the franchise tag.



National Lacrosse League Stories from July 31, 2008


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