Jax get home field advantage in playoffs

April 15, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


The Portland LumberJax defeated the Edmonton Rush, 11-7 at the Rose Garden tonight. With the victory, the LumberJax have clinched a home playoff game that will take place next Saturday, April 22 at 7:30p. Portland is also in a position to win the West Division title, which they can clinch with a victory tomorrow night at Minnesota. Four Jax players had two goals each in the last regular season home game; Peter Morgan, Shawn Cable, Bruce Alexander and Mike Hominuck.

Portland led Edmonton 4-1 at halftime, with Dallas Eliuk recording 15 saves and allowing only one goal in 30 minutes of action. Backup Aaron Bold started the second half and finished the game for the Jax, earning his first win of the season. Bold finished with 19 saves on 6 goals against. Jamey Bowen (3 goals, 2 assists) led the Edmonton offense. Portland native, Dwight Maetche recorded 49 saves in goal for the Rush.

The Jax have won five straight games; two on road and three at home. Brodie Merrill crossed the 200 loose ball mark and now records 205 for the season. He is only the second player in league history to scoop more than 200 loose balls; Jim Veltman of the Rock surpassed the mark last weekend against the Wings. Heading into the final game of the season, Merrill is nine loose balls behind Veltman.

Going in to tomorrow's game Peter Morgan is the leading points scorer for the Jax with 48 followed by Mike Hominuck (47) and Brodie Merrill (44).

Portland can clinch the West Division title by winning tomorrow night's game against Minnesota, and at least one Colorado win over Calgary. - OR - The LumberJax can clinch the West Division title by winning one of their games this weekend along with two Colorado wins over Calgary.

Portland's last regular season game will be played tomorrow in Minnesota against the Swarm at 6p PST. The LumberJax will play their first playoff game in the Rose Garden on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30p. Fans can watch the game live on their computers via B2 networks for $6.00. Go to PortlandJax.com and click on the B2 link. A high-speed connection is required. Live game night scores can be found at: http://pointstreak.com

Tickets for the LumberJax playoff game are on sale now range from $10.00-$30.00 in advance (Prices increase by $2.00 on the day of the game), with additional VIP seating available. Students with valid ID can purchase $5.00 general admission tickets (no additional service charges). Jax 4 Packs are available for $50 (no additional service charges) and include four general admission tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 503.797.9739. Individual tickets can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box Office (M-Sa 10a-5p), all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 503.224.4400 or at PortlandJax.com. For single event suites call 503.963.3800. Prices do not include service charges.



National Lacrosse League Stories from April 15, 2006


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