'Juice' is on the loose
Published on January 18, 2008 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB----The 2007 season was, for the most part, pretty much a forgettable write-off for A.J. Shannon.
Lingering effects from off-season knee surgery kept him out of the Edmonton Rush lineup until well past the midway point. Now 100% healthy, Shannon is hoping the 2008 NLL season brings success for the Rush, and in turn, that he is a big part of making that success happen.
"Missing most of last season was tough, but expected," said Shannon who will lead the Rush into Saturday's home opener against the Toronto Rock. "Mentally, I prepared myself for the arduous rehab and the possibility of not playing at all last year. But fortunately, I was able to suit up for the last couple of games.
"I had kept in the back of mind all the advice people gave me about not coming back to soon. The way I look at it, sitting out one season in 10 years is not a big deal."
What could be a big deal, however, is the impact that Shannon has on the Rush lineup. He went relatively under the radar despite coming back late season and potting five goals and chipping in six assists for 11 points in just five games. With the off-season acquisitions of players like Mike Accursi, Kyle Goundrey and Ben Prepchuk, the Whitby, Ont., native was sort of lost in the shuffle. But when you're a little-known commodity, that's to be expected.
His name may not have come up often when all the forecasting of the Rush's third season was being done, but Shannon certainly got his name out there in a big way in the season opener by netting a hat trick against the Colorado Mammoth. It was just a bit of a nudge to remind everyone out there that he was back and ready to go.
"I expect to have a breakthrough year offensively," said Shannon, who helped the University of Virginia win an NCAA championship before turning pro. "I feel like I have a new lease on life and I want to make the most of it."
A healthy body, particularly two well-repaired knees, is a good reason for that optimism. Beyond that, though, Shannon feels a sense of obligation to the team that gave him a second chance to prove he was an elite-level player.
"I have a lot of pent-up frustration over the last couple of years given the way things have gone, so I feel now is my time to put these emotions on the floor," explained Shannon, who was acquired in a swap of first-round picks between Edmonton and Buffalo.
"I owe the Rush organization for taking a chance on me. I believe many teams would have backed away but they didn't and that underscores the confidence the organization has in my abilities. That's very uplifting."
Shannon's new lease on lacrosse life was certainly evident against the Mammoth and he's expecting it to be at the same level or higher with the Rock coming to town.
"It felt great to be back on the floor again. I have a new-found appreciation for the game which I probably took for granted before. There is no better feeling than going out there with something to prove. Also, I believe I'm more mentally prepared now which hopefully translates into a better performance offensively."
And even returning gunners like Chris Gill, Dan Stroup and Jimmy Quinlan combined with the incoming crew, Shannon figures to be a prominent figure in the Rush's goal-scoring schemes.
"I think my role is pretty straightforward - put the ball in the net and get my teammates open," he explained. "Our offence has a completely different look from last year. I think it will continue to evolve and get better throughout the duration of the season.
"We have many different personalities with many different skill sets which I feel complement each other. The selfless nature of our offence is something you can't teach which adds to the positive chemistry."
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 18, 2008
- Philadelphia Wings remain undefeated - Philadelphia Wings
- Titans Stars Ryan Boyle and Jordan Hall Train with IFL Legend Renzo Gracie - Orlando Titans
- 'Juice' is on the loose - Edmonton Rush
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.
