Jax Turn Offensive at Entry Draft

September 1, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


DENVER, Colo., September, 1, 2007 - The Portland LumberJax selected transition player Tyler Codron with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft, as was announced by Head Coach/General Manager Derek Keenan and Assistant GM Daren Fridge. Codron was one of six players the Jax selected during the Entry Draft at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The Jax began the day with five picks but finished it by selecting six players due to trades.

Early on, the Jax swung a deal with the Minnesota Swarm by trading forward Kelly Hall to the Swarm for two second round selections (No's 16 and 24). With the additional picks, the Jax selected forwards Cory Conway and Peter Jacobs.

The Jax and Swarm hooked up on another deal when the Jax acquired forward Spencer Martin and defenseman Michael Kilby in exchange for the No. 23 pick (second round) and a conditional first round selection in 2008.

The Jax finished the draft by selecting the first goalie in the draft, Joel Weber, in the fourth round (No. 44) and then drafting forward Jason Mainer in the fifth round (No. 58) and transition player Brodie Barfoot in the sixth round (No. 72). Both Mainer and Barfoot played with Orillia in the Ontario Lacrosse Association's (OLA) Junior A League.

Keenan was very adamant about the Jax need for offense. Overall, the Jax selected three forwards, two transition players, and a goalie.

"We came here looking for offense in the first round," said Keenan. "When it came to our pick we felt he (Codron) was the best player. He was the most athletic player in the draft and we could not pass on him. I think he can come in right away and contribute."

"This was a very exciting draft," added Fridge. "It's great to see the team begin to develop."

Codron led the Port Coquitlam Saints to a 9-12 record during the 2007 season in British Columbia's Junior A League. Codron led the Saints with 35 assists and 48 points. He also scored 13 goals on the season. A big, tough, physical runner, Codron will compliment the LumberJax lineup that already features Brodie Merrill and Ryan Powell.

"I felt that he was the best athlete in the draft," added Keenan. "I view him as a right-handed Brodie Merrill."

Conway played collegiate lacrosse at Stony Brook University before forfeiting his remaining eligibility in the NCAA to enter the NLL Entry Draft. Conway played for the Victoria Shamrocks this past summer in BC's Junior A League. Conway finished tied for the team led with 68 points (38 goals and 30 assists).

"Conway is another big body who has the chance to come in and compete for a spot," said Keenan.

Jacobs played with Akwesasne of the OLA. Jacobs played in 18 games, finishing second on the team with 46 points (27 goals and 19 assists).

"Jacobs is a young left-handed player who is very skilled," said Keenan.

Martin played in three games last season, scoring four points on four assists. Kilby played in all 16 games, scoring two goals and adding six assists for the playoff Swarm.

"Both of these guys from Minnesota will come in and be part of the everyday roster and produce," said Keenan. "They are both tough and have already established themselves in the league."

Weber went 7-4-1 this past season for the Whitby Warriors in the OLA with a goals-against-average of 7.32.

"I wanted to develop a third goalie this season and I saw a great opportunity with Weber," said Keenan. "I am very familiar with him and I think he can be a very good goalie in the NLL."

Mainer led Orillia with 43 points. He scored 13 goals and added 30 assists in 16 games of action.

"Mainer is a good scorer and he will eventually be a good player in this league," said Keenen.

Barfoot played in nine games, scoring a goal and adding an assist for Orillia. He also logged 17 penalty minutes playing.

"For a sixth round selection, Barfoot was a very nice pick," said Keenan. "Overall, we are a lot better than we were yesterday."

Jax season tickets for the 2008 season start as low as $90. Nine game ticket packages include eight regular-season home games and a home playoff game. For more information or to reserve your seats call the Jax ticket office at (503)797-9739.



National Lacrosse League Stories from September 1, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central