Jax Swarm Back Into Action

The three Rose City favorites were acquired by the Philadelphia Wings in the Anaheim Storm Dispersal Draft before being traded to Minnesota and finally to the Jax.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

PORTLAND - The Portland LumberJax (2-3) are back in the Rose Garden Friday when they face-off against the Minnesota Swarm (1-3) at 7:00 PM.

The Jax and Swarm split last season’s series with one win apiece and are looking to rebound after consecutive losses.

“Minnesota is an extremely fast and athletic team,” Head Coach and General Manager Derek Keenan explained. “Much like us, they will be pushing hard for a win. This should make for a very intense game.”

Last season the LumberJax acquired forward/transition player Ryder Bateman through a mid-season trade with the Minnesota Swarm.

This Friday’s contest marks the one year anniversary of the February 2nd trade which brought Bateman to the Jax.

He has played a crucial role in Portland ’s offensive unit this season and compiled six goals and four assists for 10 points thus far.

His point totals are good for second on the team in both goals and assists, and he ranks third in overall points.

One interesting note is the fact that Jax players Peter Morgan, Pat Jones and Ryan Powell all came to the Portland LumberJax from a 2006 pre-season trade with the Swarm.

The three Rose City favorites were acquired by the Philadelphia Wings in the Anaheim Storm Dispersal Draft before being traded to Minnesota and finally to the Jax.

In return, Portland gave the Swarm Brock Boyle, their third round selection in the 2005 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft, and a first round pick in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft.

The Jax first squared off against the Swarm in the Rose Garden on March 17th last season and enjoyed an early 6-4 halftime lead.

Minnesota fought back in the third though and managed to tie the game at 7-7.

Portland responded with four of the final five goals in the quarter to retake the lead and carry 11-8 advantage heading into the fourth.

However, the Swarm overpowered the Jax in the final quarter and tallied five unanswered goals to clinch a 14-12 win.

Jax forward Bateman scored a hat trick in the game while three other Portland players scored two goals apiece.

On April 15th, 2006 these two teams matched-up again for their final regular season game at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota.

That night the Jax clinched the regular season Western Division Title with a 13-8 victory, giving them a home-turf advantage in the post-season.

Jax goalie Matt King was the key to success in the win, as he held the Swarm scoreless in the final 22 minutes of play.

Meanwhile Portland erased a 8-7 deficit with six straight goals.

Mike Hominuck led the Jax in scoring with four goals and two assists.

Morgan also contributed a hat trick and three assists in the win.

Individual tickets for all LumberJax games are on sale now starting at $10 with applicable fees.

Tickets can be purchased through the Jax ticketing office at (503) 797-9739 or at www.PortlandJax.com.

Season Tickets for the LumberJax start as low as $70.

Packages include the six regular season home games and the 2007 NLL All-Star Game.

Also, it’s never too early to plan ahead for friends and family or company outings.

Receive discounts when you bring a group of fifteen or more.

Tickets for the National Lacrosse League (NLL) 2007 All-Star Game are also now on sale.

The game will be played on March 10th at the Rose Garden, home of the Portland LumberJax.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (866) 983.5656, at the Rose Quarter Box office or all participating Safeway locations.

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