Powell brother showdown takes place this weekend

March 6, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


PORTLAND, March 6, 2007 - Just a year ago both Casey and Ryan Powell were property of the Portland LumberJax. No one ever thought a trade that sent older brother C. Powell to the New York Titans would bring him back to PDX just months later. The two brothers will face-off against each other this Saturday (March 10) in Portland's Rose Garden Arena at 7 p.m. with C. Powell representing the Titans and the East while younger brother R. Powell will compete for the West and the LumberJax.

"We have played against each other a few times in [Major League Lacrosse], but this will be the first-ever match up in indoor lacrosse," R. Powell said. "He's carrying a perfect record against me now, but I plan on changing that this Saturday!"

The brothers grew up in West Carthage, NY and had lacrosse sticks in their hands by the age of nine. As the eldest, C. Powell quickly stole the show with a spectacular high school career, being recruited by almost every program in the country. He chose Syracuse University . R. Powell followed his brother to Syracuse despite thoughts of starting his own path.

"I thought about getting out of Casey's shadow and going to a different school," R. Powell explained. "But in the end, it was important for me to be with CP [his nickname for Casey]. We are really tight and were able to build a great relationship during our years at the 'Cuse. I have no regrets."

Both brothers broke almost every lacrosse scoring record at Syracuse, making a name for themselves individually while establishing their family name as one of the greatest bloodlines to ever to play the game of lacrosse. Younger brother Michael eventually attended Syracuse and followed closely in his two brothers' footsteps. Keeping up a Powell trend, "Mikey" too broke his brothers' records before graduating.

C. Powell entered the indoor lacrosse league in 1998 to compete for the Rochester Knighthawks right after graduating from Syracuse. He played most of his career in the NLL, but didn't play in 2006 to focus on the International Lacrosse Federation World Championships with Team USA.

"This will be my fourth All-Star Game," C. Powell explained. "It's always an honor to be selected for an All-Star team."

R. Powell graduated Syracuse in 2001 and was drafted by the Rochester Rattlers of the MLL where he played until 2005 before spending this past summer with the San Francisco Dragons. He also drafted by the Buffalo Bandits in 2001 to play in the National Lacrosse League, but never selected as an All-Star. R. Powell has been named to the MLL All-Star team on numerous occasions.

"This is my sixth year in the league, and it has always been a personal goal of mine to be named an All-Star in the NLL," R. Powell explained. "To be recognized with so many of the top indoor players in the world is a great accomplishment."

On March 10 at 7 p.m. the two of the legendary Powell brothers will take part in a showdown between their respective divisions. What did they have to say about the upcoming match up?

"I want to fight him! Tell RP to stay out of the corners!" C. Powell said.

"The West will win, but CP better stay out of the corners," Ryan commented. "Ask him what happened last time we dropped gloves!"

The brothers are both looking forward to the weekend and expecting good support from the Powell clan. R. Powell will have around 50 friends and family members in attendance on Saturday in the Rose Garden. C. Powell's wife and daughter Bella are planning to attend the game in to support the East as well.

"They are like my traveling gypsies that accompany me through most of my travels. We are a three-man band," C. Powell explained. "Bella was three days old when she watched me lose to Canada at this past summer's World Championship."

Although the Powell brothers are among the best players in the world, they still expect to improve their lacrosse skills and focus on this weekend's game.

"When you are playing with and against the best players in the game, your mistakes become very apparent," C. Powell explained. "I want to be sure to make the simple play, and my team will help with the rest."

"Being guarded by the defensemen for the Eastern Conference will be the most challenging part of the game for me," R. Powell realized. "I want to focus on getting some shots past the Eastern All-Star goalies!"

"CP and I have done so many things together in our lives that it is just another thing that we will be able to kick back and talk about someday," R. Powell explained. "I am so happy that we have both been nominated to play as NLL All-Stars this year."



National Lacrosse League Stories from March 6, 2007


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