Inside Lacrosse published a very interesting article about the planned NLL outdoor league which looks set to launch in 2008.  Each existing NLL indoor franchise will have the rights to an outdoor team if they wish.  Does that mean we'll see an outdoor LumberJax team?  Possibly.  FIrst, we have to get the lease signed at the Key Arena, to get the NLL in town to start.  Definitely read the article though, it looks to have some possible knock-on affects towards the MLL and players wishing to play MLL and NLL!

The LumberJax head into their second home game this Saturday with a 2-0 record after beating the Wings 14-12. Game time is 7pm with a great deal for students who want to attend.  Take your student ID to the box office and receive half price tickets!

Inside Lacrosse will be producing the most compelling television programs ever developed for the nation’s fastest-growing sport in 2007. 

Inside Lacrosse TV will debut with two one-hour specials that will air originally on ESPN2, with repeat airings on ESPNU.  The first special is scheduled to premiere on ESPN2 at 4:00 pm (EST) on Thursday, February 22. 

It's not entirely new news, we brought you this story earlier in the year but once again NLL Commissioner, Jim Jennings has spoken about the potential new NLL teams for the 2008 season as well as the possibility of the summer outdoor season.

PORTLAND, Dec. 30, 2006 – In their home opener, the Portland LumberJax handed the Buffalo Bandits a much anticipated payback from last year’s 16-6 loss. Jax transition player Scott Stapleford (two goals) scored the game-winning goal in overtime to make the final score 11-10 at the Rose Garden in front of 8,437 people. Rookie Jed Prossner (two goals, two assists) sent the Jax into overtime scoring the team’s final two goals of regulation.

From News International

Organizers of the 2006 world lacrosse championships in London have decided to declare bankruptcy, leaving creditors out hundreds of thousands of dollars and the prospect of a city lacrosse complex in shambles.

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

PORTLAND, Dec. 22, 2006 – Portland LumberJax players Adam Bysouth, DJ Driscoll and Ryan Sharp helped spread some holiday cheer to the children at Shriners Hospitals of Portland on Tuesday by distributing 200 toys. The Jax collected the toys through their holiday party at On Deck Sports Bar & Grill on Dec. 9, 2006.

Victoria, British Columbia, Dec. 16, 2006 – The Portland LumberJax emerged from a see-saw battle with the Minnesota Swarm tonight at the Save On Foods Memorial Centre with a 15-13 pre-season win in Victoria, British Columbia. Forward Peter Morgan paced the Jax offense and led all scorers with four goals and two assists for six points on the night. Next in line on Portland’s leader-board was forward Del Halladay who scored two goals and set up three others for five total points. Rounding out the top-three scorers was forward Ryan Powell, who earned a fourth quarter hat trick (goals at 0:59, 2:46 and 5:21) to help solidify the win. The LumberJax played aggressively and racked up 37 penalty minutes to Minnesota’s 23 in front of the 4,633 in attendance.