NLL Pre-Season Preview
With a year under their belt, Jax hope to make playoff run in 2007
In 2006, the Portland LumberJax became the first expansion team in NLL history to win a Division Title, winning their final six regular season games to finish with an 11-5 record. Rookie of the Year Brodie Merrill made an immediate impact on both sides of the floor, while Peter Morgan and Mike Hominuck both flourished in their new role on the expansion LumberJax.
With a year of experience under their belt, Derek Keenan's troops are hoping to continue that success and make a playoff run in 2007. The LumberJax were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Arizona Sting in 2006.
Fan-favorite Ryan Powell is also returning for Portland, as well as Del Halladay and Bruce Alexander.
Ryan Sharp, Scott Stapleford and Adam Bysouth all join Merrill on the defensive unit. Defenseman D.J. Driscoll, a Notre Dame graduate who resides in Portland, was the team's top draft pick and has made the team's 23-man roster.
42-year old Dallas Eliuk has looked as impressive as ever in training camp, and will be backed up by 25-year old Matt King in goal.
Portland LumberJax - 2006 Recap
Finish: Lost to Arizona in a first-round playoff game
Regular Season Record: 11-5
Post Season Record: 0-1
Home Record: 5-3
Road Record: 6-2
Goals For: 188
Goals Against: 177
2007 Roster (As of December 23)
2 - Ray Guze, Defenseman
3 - Del Halladay, Forward
4 - Jed Prossner, Forward
5 - Scott Mazuran, Defenseman
7 - Graham Palmer, Defenseman
8 - Ryan Marshall, Forward
9 - Matt Holman, Defenseman
11 - Scott Stapleford, Defenseman
12 - Pat Jones, Defenseman
14 - Ryder Bateman, Forward
17 - Brodie Merrill, Defenseman
20 - Adam Bysouth, Defenseman
22 - Ryan Powell, Forward
26 - Ryan Sharp, Defenseman
30 - Matt King, Goaltender
33 - Richard Morgan, Forward
36 - DJ Driscoll, Defenseman
44 - Peter Morgan, Forward
49 - Bruce Alexander, Defenseman
55 - Ian Crashley, Forward
63 - Tyler Heavenor, Forward
77 - Dallas Eliuk, Goaltender
90 - Mike Hominuck, Forward
