Portland LumberJax
NicknameJax
SportBox lacrosse
Founded2005
Disbanded2009
LeagueNational Lacrosse League
DivisionWestern
LocationPortland, Oregon
ArenaRose Garden
ColorsBlack, Gold, Red, White
       
Head coachDerek Keenan
General managerDerek Keenan
Championships0
Division titles1 (2006)
Local mediaTV Comcast SportsNet

The Portland LumberJax (sometimes referred to as the Jax) were a professional box lacrosse team based in Portland, Oregon, which played in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) starting in the 2006 season and ending operations after the 2009 season. Angela Batinovich, the owner of the team, entered the league as the youngest owner of a professional sports franchise at the age of 24. Announced by the NLL on May 11, 2005, the LumberJax played their home games at the Rose Garden. It was announced on May 4, 2009 that the team would be leaving Portland after four seasons of play[1] and on July 7, 2009 the NLL held a dispersal draft for the Lumberjax players.[2]

Franchise history

The expansion LumberJax got off to a slow start in their first year, but later turned their season around and made it to the playoffs with an 11-5 record. The LumberJax finished first in their division, becoming the only expansion team to win their division in the 20-year history of the NLL. The LumberJax season ended with a loss in the opening round of the playoffs to the Arizona Sting.

The LumberJax were less successful in their sophomore season, finishing last in the West Division with a 4-12 record.

In their third year, the LumberJax finished with a sub-500 record for the second straight year (6-10), but were able to enter the playoffs as the fourth-seed in the West.

The LumberJax won their first playoff game in franchise history on May 4, 2008, an 18-16 victory over the San Jose Stealth at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. Dan Dawson scored 7 goals and added 5 assists for a total of 12 points. They then defeated the Calgary Roughnecks in the Western Division Final 16-12, to earn their first ever trip to the Champion's Cup, which took place Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York against the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 PM Eastern. The LumberJax lost 14-13.

On May 4, 2009 the team announced it would be leaving Portland after four seasons of play due to financial concerns.[1] Future options included moving the franchise to another city or selling it to new owners; however on July 7, 2009, a dispersal draft was held for Portland's players, essentially shutting down the franchise.[2]

Awards and honors

Brodie Merrill (left) and Richard Morgan (right) in 2008
YearPlayerAward
2006Brodie MerrillRookie of the Year[3]
Brodie MerrillDefensive Player of the Year[4]
Derek KeenanLes Bartley Award[5]
Derek KeenanGM of the Year[6]
Angela BatinovichExecutive of the Year[7]

All-time record

SeasonDivisionW-LFinishHomeRoadGFGACoachPlayoffs
2006Western11–51st5–36–2188177Derek KeenanLost in Division semifinals
2007Western4–126th3–51–7153199Derek KeenanMissed Playoffs
2008Western6–104th3–53–5179194Derek KeenanLost in Championship Game
2009Western9–72nd5–34–4181177Derek KeenanLost in Division semifinals
Total4 seasons30–3416–1614–18701747
Playoff Totals3 appearances2–30–22–16162

Playoff results

SeasonGameVisitingHome
2006Division SemifinalsArizona 14Portland 11
2008Division SemifinalPortland 18San Jose 16
Division FinalPortland 16Calgary 12
ChampionshipPortland 13Buffalo 14
2009Division SemifinalSan Jose 20Portland 16

See also

  • Portland LumberJax seasons
  • Portland LumberJax players

References

  1. 1 2 "LumberJax will move from Portland". Portland Tribune. May 4, 2009. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
  2. 1 2 "Merrill Selected First Overall By Edmonton". NLL.com. 7 July 2009. Archived from the original on 12 July 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  3. ↑ "Merrill Wins Edge Active Care Rookie of the Year". NLL website. May 9, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
  4. ↑ "Merrill Wins Belmont.com Defensive Player of the Year". NLL website. May 2, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
  5. ↑ "Derek Keenan Wins Les Bartley Award". NLL website. May 4, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
  6. ↑ "Derek Keenan Wins Vonage GM of the Year". NLL website. May 5, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
  7. ↑ "Batinovich Named Executive of the Year". NLL website. May 8, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-07.


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