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**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:53 PM

NEW YORK -- San Jose Stealth's forward Jeff Zywicki was named both the National Lacrosse League's Overall Player and Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Stealth's 13-12 overtime road win over the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday January 12 at Pengrowth Saddledome.

The Ottawa native netted five goals, including the game-winner 47 seconds into overtime. Zywicki also added four assists and scooped a game-high 14 loose balls. The team's leading scorer in 2007, Zywicki entered this season with 94 regular season goals.

"Jeff Zywicki has proven game in and out that he is not only a tremendous offensive player, but an incredibly consistent scorer," Stealth Head Coach Walt Christianson said. "This is what separates the elite offensive players from the rest. He is not only a lethal shooter, but he has a knack of scoring big goals when the team needs them. His four assists also show how well he sees the floor. He is the total package."

The Stealth pulled off the overtime victory with a goal by forward Luke Wiles, 47 seconds into the extra frame. Wiles also contributed four goals during the night. The Stealth had 48 of the 101 shots on the net during the night.

San Jose opens their home slate on Friday, January 25th at 7:30 p.m. against the Roughnecks. The game will be played at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. Tickets are still available, for more information call (925) 460-8290 or visit ticketmaster.com.

**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:55 PM

Edmonton, AB----The 2007 season was, for the most part, pretty much a forgettable write-off for A.J. Shannon.

Lingering effects from off-season knee surgery kept him out of the Edmonton Rush lineup until well past the midway point. Now 100% healthy, Shannon is hoping the 2008 NLL season brings success for the Rush, and in turn, that he is a big part of making that success happen.

"Missing most of last season was tough, but expected," said Shannon who will lead the Rush into Saturday's home opener against the Toronto Rock. "Mentally, I prepared myself for the arduous rehab and the possibility of not playing at all last year. But fortunately, I was able to suit up for the last couple of games.

"I had kept in the back of mind all the advice people gave me about not coming back to soon. The way I look at it, sitting out one season in 10 years is not a big deal."

What could be a big deal, however, is the impact that Shannon has on the Rush lineup. He went relatively under the radar despite coming back late season and potting five goals and chipping in six assists for 11 points in just five games. With the off-season acquisitions of players like Mike Accursi, Kyle Goundrey and Ben Prepchuk, the Whitby, Ont., native was sort of lost in the shuffle. But when you're a little-known commodity, that's to be expected.

His name may not have come up often when all the forecasting of the Rush's third season was being done, but Shannon certainly got his name out there in a big way in the season opener by netting a hat trick against the Colorado Mammoth. It was just a bit of a nudge to remind everyone out there that he was back and ready to go.

"I expect to have a breakthrough year offensively," said Shannon, who helped the University of Virginia win an NCAA championship before turning pro. "I feel like I have a new lease on life and I want to make the most of it."

A healthy body, particularly two well-repaired knees, is a good reason for that optimism. Beyond that, though, Shannon feels a sense of obligation to the team that gave him a second chance to prove he was an elite-level player.

"I have a lot of pent-up frustration over the last couple of years given the way things have gone, so I feel now is my time to put these emotions on the floor," explained Shannon, who was acquired in a swap of first-round picks between Edmonton and Buffalo.

"I owe the Rush organization for taking a chance on me. I believe many teams would have backed away but they didn't and that underscores the confidence the organization has in my abilities. That's very uplifting."

Shannon's new lease on lacrosse life was certainly evident against the Mammoth and he's expecting it to be at the same level or higher with the Rock coming to town.

"It felt great to be back on the floor again. I have a new-found appreciation for the game which I probably took for granted before. There is no better feeling than going out there with something to prove. Also, I believe I'm more mentally prepared now which hopefully translates into a better performance offensively."

And even returning gunners like Chris Gill, Dan Stroup and Jimmy Quinlan combined with the incoming crew, Shannon figures to be a prominent figure in the Rush's goal-scoring schemes.

"I think my role is pretty straightforward - put the ball in the net and get my teammates open," he explained. "Our offence has a completely different look from last year. I think it will continue to evolve and get better throughout the duration of the season.

"We have many different personalities with many different skill sets which I feel complement each other. The selfless nature of our offence is something you can't teach which adds to the positive chemistry."

**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:57 PM

New York Titans lacrosse stars Ryan Boyle and Jordan Hall geared up for their Thursday, Jan. 31 home opener against the San Jose Stealth at Madison Square Garden training with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and International Fight League star Renzo Gracie. Boyle and Hall trained with Grazie for 90 minutes Wednesday at the IFL star' s gym on 30th street in Manhattan and picked up some tips on mixed martial arts and self-defense techniques.

"Renzo is a legend in mixed martial arts and is in fights and implements self defense every day of his life," said Boyle. "It's good to have a tip or two in my back pocket just in case it is needed." Said Gracie, "Ryan and Jordan are tough kids and good athletes, who now know a trick or two about how to defend themselves with or without sticks or helmets. Let's see who tries to mess with them now, they are now part of my team too."

Gracie and his IFL squad will next compete at the Izod Center on Friday April 4. For details go to Mixed Martial Arts – International Fight League – MMA League Events | IFL.tv.

The Titans take on the Stealth at Madison Square Garden on January 31st at 7:30pm. For information on the New York Titans, including ticket information, go to New York Titans Pro Indoor Lacrosse.

**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:58 PM

PHILADELPHIA - The Wings never trailed in a 15-14 win against NLL defending champion Rochester Friday at the Wachovia Center in front of 9,248 fans. Philadelphia has held the lead for all of its two games this season. Athan Iannucci scored five goals (5G,3A) for the second straight week to lead the Wings. Philadelphia veteran Jake Bergey added four goals and three assists, and goalie Rob Blasdell made 37 saves for the win.

"I thought we had a rough first half with a lot of penalties, but we contained our emotions and came out well in the third period," said Wings' Head Coach Dave Huntley. "We played a great championship team and they really pushed us. We answered and had a great effort from our young team."

Although Philadelphia led for the entire game, the Knighthawks pulled within one goal in the fourth quarter. Rochester outscored the Wings, 7-2 in the quarter, but Philadelphia was able to hold on to move into a tie for first place with Minnesota.

There were 17 penalties in the first half for a total of 45 minutes...Philadelphia was 7-for-12 on the power play, while Rochester only capitalized on three of its 14 opportunities...The Wings outshot the Knighthawks, 67-51.

Athan Iannucci (5G, 3A) led the Wings in scoring with eight points. Four other players scored goals for Philadelphia, including Jake Bergey (4G, 3A), Jamie Rooney (2G, 2A), Kyle Sweeney (1G), and Merrick Thomson (3G, 3A). Goaltender Rob Blasdell made 37 saves.

John Grant led the Knighthawks in scoring with six points (5G.1A). Seven other players scored for Rochester, including Stephen Hoar (1G,3A), Shawn Evans (2G), Shawn Williams (2G, 3A), Ken Millin (1G, 1A), Luke Forget (1G), Matt Lyons (1G), and Scott Evans (1G, 2A). Goaltender Pat O'Toole had 52 saves on 67 shots.

NOTES: The Philadelphia Wings' John Christmas was named the NLL's Transition Player of the Week for his performance in his team's 19-11 win over the Chicago Shamrox in their home opener last Saturday at the Wachovia Center. Christmas recorded five assists and scooped nine loose balls during the contest.

For a complete scoring of tonight's game, log on to Pointstreak.com - Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer Stats - Real-time Scoring and League Management System

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The Wings face the Buffalo Bandits in their next home game Saturday, January 26 vs. at Wachovia Center at 8 p.m. Great seats are still available and can be purchased by visiting Official site of the Philadelphia Wings - Wings or at the Complex Box Office. Pro-rated season tickets start as low as $70 and are available by calling the Wings ticket office at (215) 389-WING(9464).

The Philadelphia Wings are owned and operated by Philadelphia Wings L.P. whose principal owners are Russ Cline, Chris Fritz, and Michael French. Comcast-Spectacor serves as the marketing, promotional, advertising, sponsorship, and publicity arm of the Wings.

**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:58 PM

Toronto - The Rock will travel West to the Rexall Place this weekend looking to even their record at .500 when they face the Edmonton Rush (0-1) on Saturday night.

Toronto (1-2) is coming off a physically and mentally tough home and home series against the Minnesota Swarm. After beginning the season with a win on the road in Chicago, Toronto lost in Minnesota last Saturday night by a score of 11-4 which came after a close 17-16 overtime loss the night before at the Air Canada Centre.

Despite the tough losses the previous week several Rock players have begun the season in great fashion and sit among the league leaders in several categories. Blaine Manning and Josh Sanderson are among the top three in the NLL in both scoring and total points. Heading into the NLL schedule this weekend, Sanderson is tied for the league lead in goals with 8 while also in third place for points at 14. Manning leads the league in points with 17 and is tied for the assist leader with 10. Goalkeeper Bob Watson is second in total saves with 79 thus far after three games played.

The face off in Edmonton on Saturday evening is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EST and will available live on the B2 Network. The webcast can be purchased online for $7 USD. A high-speed internet connection and a current version of Microsoft Windows Media Player will be required to watch the game. Fans can access the webcast by clicking the B2 icon at Toronto Rock ::.

Due to the circumstances involving the NLL decision to suspend Glenn Clark, assistant coach Terry Bullen will step in as the Rock interim head coach alongside Greg VanSickle until further notice. Bullen has been a member of the Rock coaching staff since the beginning of the 2007 season.

**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:59 PM

Buffalo, NY - The New York Titans lost a physical battle 17-13 in Buffalo Saturday night against the Bandits at HSBC Arena, bringing their record to 1-1.

Physical play and penalties were the theme of the night, with the Titans serving a total of 24 minutes in the box and Buffalo serving 72 minutes. Three of the Bandits goals were scored off of power play opportunities. The Titans scored 6 goals off of power plays and finished the night 6-15 on power play opportunities. The Titans are currently the leader in the NLL in power play goals.

Titans Rookie Jordan Hall scored the first goal of the night for the Titans and the first goal of his NLL career 1:45 minutes into the first half off an assist from Titans forward Ryan Boyle. Buffalo answered back quickly with a goal by John Tavares less than two minutes later. The teams exchanged goals throughout the first quarter and ended the quarter tied at four goals apiece.

The game heated up for Buffalo in the second quarter, with the Bandits going on a three goal run to start the quarter. Jordan Hall and Titans Captain Casey Powell answered back with a goal each to bring the score to 7-6. Buffalo forwards Kevin Dostie and Kyle Schmelzle scored two more goals for Buffalo to bring their lead back to three. Powell scored a power play goal for the Titans with less than five minute left in the half to chip away at the lead, but Buffalo answered back a minute later and headed into the tunnel with a 10-7 lead at the half.

Casey Powell opened the second half with a power play goal :33 into the quarter for the Titans. Less than three minutes later, Titans forward Mike McLellan scored another unanswered goal off a different power play, cutting the Bandits lead to 10-9.

Buffalo and New York then exchanged a power play goal apiece, bringing the score to 11-10. With less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Bandits forward John Tavares scored a goal to bring the Bandits a two goal lead at 12-10. The goal was the 17-year NLL veteran's 597th career goal, which broke the all-time NLL scoring record formerly held by lacrosse legend Gary Gait. Tavares finished the night with four goals for the Bandits.

The match continued to be physical in the fourth quarter, with both teams exchanging hits and goals. The Bandits scored the first goal of the fourth quarter, bringing their lead to 13-10. Powell answered back for New York, chipping away at the Bandits lead. Both teams were scoreless for four minutes until Buffalo forward Kevin Dostie scored a goal off an assist by Tavares. Mike McLellan scored two consecutive goals for New York, bringing the Titans back into the game and the score to 14-13.

Buffalo went on a three goal run at the end of the half, however, and ended the game with a 17-13 win. Casey Powell and Mike McLellan tied for the most goals on the night with five a piece. Titans forward Pat Maddalena was the game's leader in points with eight, all off assists. Delby Powless was the leader in points for the Bandits with seven.

The Titans play the Toronto Rock on the road on Saturday, January 26 at 7pm before opening at home against the San Jose Stealth on January 31st at 7:30pm at Madison Square Garden.

Titans 2008 Season and Group Tickets are now available by calling 888-8TITANS or contact the Titans at tickets@nytitans.com. Season tickets start as low as $75 for all five games at the World's Most Famous Arena. Log onto New York Titans Pro Indoor Lacrosse for information on the Titans 2008 season schedule.

**truebluefan** · 01-20-2008, 06:59 PM

The Buffalo Bandits defeated the New York Titans by a 17-13 margin on Saturday night. The victory now moves Buffalo to 2-1 on the season.

Delby Powless less all Buffalo scorers with two goals and five assists for seven points. John Tavares was a close second with four goals and two assists for six points. Mark Steenhuis added six points (2G,4A) and Roger Vyse registered five assists.

Kevin Dostie and Clay Hill led Buffalo with 15 penalty minutes each in the game.

Mike Thompson made 33 save en route to his second victory of the season. The netminder allowed 13 goals off 46 shots on goal.

The Bandits will next square-off with the Philadelphia Wings at the Wachovia Center on Sat., Jan. 26. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo's next home game will be Sat., Feb. 16 against the Minnesota Swarm. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $19 to $29.

Tickets can be purchased at the HSBC Arena Box Office or at participating tickets.com outlets in Tops Markets. To order online visit WELCOME TO BANDITS.COM, the Official Website of the Buffalo Bandits. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 1-888-467-2273.

**truebluefan** · 01-21-2008, 05:37 PM

PORTLAND, January 21, 2008 - Redemption has been the word of the week as the Portland LumberJax have been preparing for their next opponent, West Division rival Colorado Mammoth. The Jax (0-1) host the Mammoth (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24 at the Rose Garden Arena.

This is the first of three scheduled regular season meetings between the two teams. Two games will be played at the Rose Garden and one at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The Jax are 2-3 all-time against the Mammoth. In 2006, it was all Portland as the Jax won both meetings. 2007 was the year for the regular season West Division Champion Mammoth as they won all three meetings over the Jax.

The Mammoth currently sit atop the West Division with a perfect record. Forward Dan Carey has led a very balanced scoring attack that is seventh in the National Lacrosse League in goals scored (24 goals). Carey is one five Mammoth players who have scored at least five points in the first two games. All five are forwards, so the Mammoth will clearly be a very formidable opponent.

Despite the loss to the New York Titans on Jan. 12, the home and season opener was a record setting day for new forwards Dan Dawson and Derek Malawsky. Both players scored eight points each (4 goals, 4 assists). It was the most goals scored and points scored in a season and home opener in team history. The four assists also tied a home opener-high with forward Ryan Powell.

The announced crowd of 10,893 was also a record for a home opener. In 2006, 9,916 witnessed the Jax win its first-ever game. The beginning of the 2007 saw the Jax win over the Buffalo Bandits in front of 8,437 fans at the Rose Garden. Jan. 12's attendance easily shattered the previous home-high and was also the second largest Jax crowd in team history. The all-time Jax high is 11,408, which was on 4/14/06 vs. Edmonton. Saturday's crowd was also larger than the Jax home playoff game in 2006.

Overall, Jan. 12's crowd was the third largest ever to witness a lacrosse game at the Rose Garden. The all-time high is the 12,856 who witnessed the 2007 NLL All-Star Game. It's clearly a sign of the Jax impact on the Portland community and the loyal following that are present at every game.

Dawson and Malawsky will once again lead the Jax attack that will look to maximize the scoring opportunities while staying out of the penalty box.

Of the 14 goals the Jax surrendered in the 14-11 loss to New York, nine were on a power play, including the first five goals of the game that gave the Titans an early 5-0 lead. Overall, the Titans were 9-12 on the power play. When constantly playing a man down, it's quite difficult to lock down every scoring threat.

With the 12-day break, the team's had an opportunity to reflect on what went right and what went wrong. Players have kept the fitness levels high and studied the game film. Head Coach/General Manager Derek Keenan and his expert coaching staff have also dissected the game film and feel very confident playing the Mammoth.

This is the first of two regular season Thursday night home games and the Jax are thirsty for a victory.

**truebluefan** · 01-23-2008, 10:13 PM

Buffalo's John Tavares was named both the Overall Player and Offensive Player of the Week for his four-goal performance in Buffalo's 17-13 victory over New York on Saturday at HSBC Arena. Tavares now tops the all-time career goals list -- his fourth goal, at 13:08 of the third quarter, gave him 597 in his caeer, eclipsing retired great Gary Gait's 596 mark. The 39-year-old forward also added two assists as Buffalo improved to 2-1.

Teammate Pat McCready was named the Transition Player of the Week. The 33-year-old All-Star scored two goals and one assist, and scooped nine loose balls in Buffalo's win over New York.

Philadelphia's Merrick Thomson was named Rookie of the Week. The University of Albany graduate, who was selected second overall in the 2007 Entry Draft by the Wings, scored three goals and three assists as the 2-0 Wings edged the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks, 15-14, on Saturday at Wachovia Center.

Toronto's Bob Watson was named Defensive Player of the Week. The 37-year-old goaltender recorded 37 saves as he and the Rock defense held Edmonton to nine goals in the team's 14-9 road-win on Saturday at Rexall Place to improve to 2-2.

Week 4 Results

Friday, January 18

Rochester Knighthawks 14 at Philadelphia Wings 15

Saturday, January 12

New York Titans 13 at Buffalo Bandits 17

Toronto Rock 14 at Edmonton Rush 9

The Weekly Player Awards are determined by a vote of the General Managers and Head Coaches of the league's 12 teams.

**truebluefan** · 01-23-2008, 10:13 PM

The Rochester Knighthawks announced today their promotional and theme night schedule for the remainder of the 2008 National Lacrosse League season. Fans will take home commemorative items at five of the remaining seven home games.

On Saturday, January 26th, the Knighthawks will honor the memory of Justin Kuhn. The Irondequoit lacrosse player died suddenly on November 8, 2007. The 14-year-old's dream was to play for the Knighthawks. To honor his wishes, the Knighthawks will present a personalized No. 32 jersey to his family before the game. During the game, the Knighthawks will hold a raffle with items from other NLL teams and the Ontario Lacrosse Association. The money raised will go to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong and the Ronald McDonald House. Rochester hosts the Minnesota Swarm at 8:05 p.m.

On February 9th, the first 2,500 fans can take home a poster of Steve Toll and Shawn Williams, courtesy of Molson Canadian. The game follows the Rochester Americans-San Antonio Rampage American Hockey League game at 2:05 p.m. As part of Kids' Night, the Amerks Moose and Rex the Raging Rhino will participate in a halftime contest with their mascot friends.

All the fans of 1980's bands like the Flock of Seagulls and Culture Club will enjoy the Knighthawks' Crazy '80's Night on Saturday, February 16th. Throughout the night there will 1980's music and prizes. The Knighthawks take on the Calgary Roughnecks at 7:35 p.m. On Saturday, February 23rd, the first 9,000 fans will receive light-up thundersticks from Time Warner to cheer on the Knighthawks as they host the New York Titans at 7:35 p.m.

On Saturday, March 22nd, the Knighthawks will hold their Second Annual Teddy Bear Auction to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association. That night, fans can bid on 23 bears, built by the players, at a silent auction held during the Knighthawks-Chicago Shamrox game at The Blue Cross Arena. Build-A-Bear Workshop® will also donate a bear signed by the entire team to help with the charitable event. Last year the event raised nearly $4,500 for CURE. Faceoff is set for 7:35 p.m. The first 10,000 fans will take home a 2008 team photo brought to you by Connors & Ferris.

The giveaways continue as the Knighthawks give out 2,500 bike posters from Kent Ridley Excavating on Saturday, March 29th. On Saturday, April 12th, the Knighthawks will hold their annual Fan Appreciation Night, as the first 5,000 fans will take home replica 2007 NLL Championship banners, courtesy of Connors & Ferris. Rochester will hold its annual Awards Night prior to the game. The organization will name its Unsung Hero, Best Defenseman and Community Service award winners. The Knighthawks will also honor the IKON Office Solutions MVP and the Connors & Ferris Comeback Player of the Year. Game time is set for 7:35 p.m. against the Buffalo Bandits.

On Saturday, April 12th, the Knighthawks will hold their annual jersey auction on Military Night with all proceeds going to Foodlink. That night, Rochester hosts the rival Buffalo Bandits at 7:35 p.m. Go knighthawks.net in the coming weeks to learn more about the camouflage jersey.

Foodlink has a 25-year history of feeding hungry people in the Greater Rochester area. Today, the food bank serves over 550 human service programs in a 10-county service area - especially soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries.

Knighthawks Giveaways

Date Opponent Theme Night/Giveaway Time

Sat., January 26 vs. Minnesota Justin Kuhn Night 8:05 PM

Sat., February 9 vs. Toronto Molson Canadian Poster (2,500) 7:35 PM

Sat., February 16 vs. Calgary Crazy '80's Night 7:35 PM

Sat., February 23 vs. New York Time Warner Light-Up Thunder Sticks (9,000) 7:35 PM

Sat., March 22 vs. Chicago Teddy Bear Auction for CURE 7:35 PM

Connors & Ferris Team Photo (10,000)

Sat., March 29 vs. Philadelphia Kent Ridley Excavating Bike Poster (2,500) 8:05 PM

Sat., April 12 vs. Buffalo Connors & Ferris Replica Banners (5,000) 7:35 PM

Foodlink Jersey Auction on Military Night

Awards Night and Fan Appreciation Night

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