JAX RE-SIGN MERRILL
November 21, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release
PORTLAND, November 21, 2007 - The Portland LumberJax have re-signed top defenseman Brodie Merrill to a two-year contract, as was announced today by Head Coach/General Manager Derek Keenan.
The first draft pick in franchise history, Merrill will enter his third season with the Jax in 2008. The former Georgetown University product is the fifth leading goal scorer in franchise history (21), third all-time in assists (51) and fourth all-time in points (72). Merrill is also the team's career loose ball leader with 410.
In 2007, Merrill led the Jax and the National Lacrosse League in loose balls collected with 196. Since the statistic became official in 1992, Merrill is one of only three players to lead the NLL in loose balls (Jim Veltman and John Tavares).
The two-time NLL All-Star also scored four goals, added 19 assists and logged 49 penalty minutes during the 2007 season.
"Brodie has been the cornerstone of the LumberJax from the moment we drafted him first overall two seasons ago," said Keenan. "He is the premier defensive/transition player in the NLL."
Merrill also boasts an extensive field lacrosse resume in only three professional seasons. He is the two-time defending Defensive Player of the Year in Major League Lacrosse and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2006.
"The fact that Brodie has signed for two more years in Portland shows his commitment to the franchise and the city of Portland," said Keenan. "It's going to be an exciting season of lacrosse in Portland and Brodie will be leading the charge."
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National Lacrosse League Stories from November 21, 2007
- San Jose Stealth Opens Training Camp December 1 - San Jose Stealth
- Buffalo Bandits Individual Game Tickets To Go On Sale Saturday, December 8 - Buffalo Bandits
- Minnesota Swarm Signs Seven Players Including Leading Scorer Ryan Ward - Minnesota Swarm
- JAX RE-SIGN MERRILL - Portland Lumberjax
- Top guns re-sign with Mammoth - Colorado Mammoth
- Wings Release Third-Year Defenseman Ian Rosenberger - Philadelphia Wings
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