Jax Open 2008 Season On Saturday

January 10, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, January 10, 2008 - After eight long months, the Portland LumberJax finally return to action. To begin the 2008 season, the Jax (0-0) host the New York Titans (0-0) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 12 at the Rose Garden Arena.

This is the first time the Jax and Titans have ever met. It's also the first opportunity for Ryan and Casey Powell to play against one another in the National Lacrosse League regular season. Both Syracuse alums are known worldwide for their lacrosse skills, so both will be on center stage as they lock sticks. Brothers Patrick and Brodie Merrill will also be playing each other for the first time in the NLL regular season.

The Jax drastically needed an offensive upgrade after scoring a league-low 153 goals last season. To address the issue, GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan brought in seven new forwards who will balance both sides.

Last season's runner-up in the National Lacrosse League point scoring race (107), Dan Dawson, joins the Jax this season after being selected with the first pick in the Dispersal Draft. In his six year career, Dawson has averaged 4.5 points per game. The 107 (47 goals and 60 assists) points he put up last season was tied for the sixth most in NLL history.

Dawson's right-hand man, Derek Malawsky was also acquired by way of the dispersal draft. The nine-year veteran has scored at least 50 points per season in his last eight seasons. More so than has scoring ability, Malawsky is known for his artistry with the stick. His 35 assists last season paced the Sting to the Champion's Cup Final.

Two of the Minnesota Swarm's premier forwards also join the Jax this season after being acquired in separate trades. Spencer Martin (14 goals, 27 assists) was picked up on draft by the Jax. The six-year veteran is listed as a forward, but the British Columbia native will quickly show his defensive tenacity. Scott Stewart (17 goals, 23 assists), who played with the Jax for the first four games of the 2006 season, was also re-acquired after spending last season with the Swarm. Stewart adds additional support on the right side. Derek Lowe also joins the team after putting up impressive numbers in the Western Lacrosse Association.

On the active roster, 12 players return from last season's team. Powell, Merrill, Peter Morgan and goalies Dallas Eliuk and Matt King all return and will enter their third year with the franchise this season. Scott Stapleford and Adam Bysouth are back once again to move the transition game. Last season's big surprise, Matt Holman, returns and will put his four consecutive hat trick streak on the line.

To mix in with a loaded, veteran lineup, Keenan and his coaching staff even brought in four rookies who will compete for time. Forwards Cory Conway and Peter Jacobs will all get valuable NLL experience this season. Highly touted transition player and first round draft pick, Tyler Codron, will instantly step in and see significant playing time this season. Even goalie Joel Weber will see action as the season grows.

On the defensive side, the Jax have added some additional speed and skill to last year's squad. Mike Kilby was a draft day acquisition from the Swarm and Brad MacDonald was selected in the third round of the Dispersal Draft. Richard Morgan, Ray Guze, Ian Crashley, and Team Captain Pat Jones are all back to anchor the back line.

This season is filled with high hopes. After succeeding in 2006 and struggling in 2007, the Jax figure that the third year will be the charm.



National Lacrosse League Stories from January 10, 2008


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