NLL - Interview with Ryan Powell

As the midway mark of the NLL season rolls by, there is still much debate on who will win the title in 2009. Many questions still to be answered in a league where 3 games separate as many as 8 teams in overall record.

With so much uncertainty, it’s rare to have something constant – unless you are a Portland lumberjacks fan. What New York City tap water is to Manhattan pizzerias, Ryan Powell is to the professional Lacrosse.

Over 7 years, the Syracuse University 4x All American has amassed over 600 career points in both the NLL & MLL leagues combined. He is also the only player to win the MLL MVP award twice which he did in ’01 and ’06. Through thick and thin and as sure as Grandpas denture adhesive, Ryan “Rhino” Powell will show up to play.

WALAX sat down with the Beast from the East for a short mid season Q & A…

Walax: This is your 7th year in the league, what has been the most gratifying moment up until now?

RP: Hands down- Playing in the Championship game last season in Buffalo. We ended up losing that game, which stinks, but playing in that kind of game in front of that amazing crowd is something that I'll never forget. It is something that I think about all the time now, and it drives me to get back to the championship game again this season. It will be great to win this time as well!

Walax: Current Stick of choice?

RP: Nike Dunk head is my #1 choice right now- it's a great new head with a great feel. White head with an all white Nike Sprint shaft makes for an awesome set up.

Walax: Coming from Carthage N.Y what has it been like creating a life in Portland OR?

RP: I'll always have my 315 pride! Portland has been a great place for me to set up shop. I love the city, the people, and all the outdoor activities that I can do living here. I plan on staying in the NW for a long time.

Walax: Favorite and worst part about being in Portland?

RP: favorite- the food, I love to go out to eat....and there is a ton of great restaurants.
worst- can you say RAIN

Walax: You continue to succeed in both the outdoor and indoor game (MLL & NLL). How has one affected the other, in terms of your style of play?

RP: I would say that the NLL has had a huge impact on my shooting- I'm a much better finisher in the outdoor game because of the indoor game. 
You have to be extremely accurate with you shooting in the NLL if you want to score- so that has made my shooting much more accurate than it used to be.

Walax: Favorite pair of shoes, ever?

RP: I'm a Nike guy and there is no way that I can pick a favorite pair. 
Nike has way to many great ones to choose the best- depends on the activity too. Something Nike for sure!

Walax: Worst habit on the field?

RP: Maybe trying to force the ball in to people a bit to much.

Walax: What's in your CD deck right now?

RP: It's all about Talking Heads!  I also like Mikey Powell and Villians Trust, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, and Jason Mariz.

Walax: You spend a lot of time working with top level high school talent
through your Rhino Program, what is the most important thing that you tell them about preparing for the upcoming scholastic season?

RP: Well, I think that it's important to go out everyday and try to become better at something. I tell the Rhino players that they should focus on being a complete player- instead of working on being great at one
thing- think more about being good at everything.

Walax: MLL moving to 6 teams, good or bad for the league?

RP: It's not good taking a step back- but it will make for some great lacrosse this summer. Should be fun!