NLL: LumberJax Still Seeking First Divisional Win

Salem-News.com SPORTS

PORTLAND - The Portland LumberJax (2-4) wrapped up a week of well-deserved rest and will now take on Western Division rival Colorado Mammoth (6-1) at the Rose Garden this Thursday at 7:00 PM.

The Jax are hungry for a win on their home turf and are ready to take on the 2006 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Champions as part of Great Outdoors Night at the Garden.

“This is obviously a big game for us. We are playing a divisional opponent and we are winless in division games so far,” explained Derek Keenan, Head Coach and General Manager for the LumberJax.

“Edmonton won last weekend, and we need to keep pace since they are now a half game ahead of us in the standings. It’s getting close to that point in the season where winning becomes crucial because playoff spots are being determined.”

This is the second meeting between the teams this season, the first of which took place on Jan. 25th in the Pepsi Center Arena in Denver, Colo.

In that game Portland went on a five goal mid-game scoring run which tied the game at 7-7 and was able to draw even at 9-9 but the Jax never could overtake Colorado.

Portland did come within one goal with five minutes remaining in the game, but Colorado netted four goals over a 70-seconds span in the fourth to secure a 15-11 win.

Both Jed Prossner and former Jax forward Mike Hominuck led the team in scoring on the night with two goals and three assists, while five other Jax players scored at least one goal.

The all-time series record between the two Western Division rivals now stands at 2-1 favoring Portland.

The LumberJax completed two key player transactions last week which Keenan expects will quickly impact Portland’s roster.

Last Wednesday, Portland and Minnesota swapped forwards, sending Hominuck to the Swarm in return for Kelly Hall.

The Jax then traded All-Star Ryan Sharp to the Swarm in order to pick up free-agent and former San Jose Stealth defenseman Darren Reisig.

“I think the changes to our roster will give us a much needed spark,” Keenan added.

Thursday is Great Outdoors Night, and fans can get five dollars off any LumberJax seat* now through game day by showing their Mt. Hood Meadows 2006-2007 Season or Day Pass to the Rose Quarter box office.

Twenty day passes and two season ski passes for Mt. Hood Meadows are available to win throughout the night as well.

*Excluding VIP seats. Applicable fees apply

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