After eight months of off-season activity, the Portland LumberJax return to game action this weekend, opening the 2008 season at home against the New York Titans. Saturday (1/12) night’s contest starts at 7:30pm at the Rose Garden.

The season-opener marks the first time the Jax and Titans have ever met. It’s also the first opportunity for brothers Ryan and Casey Powell to play against one another in the National Lacrosse League regular season. Ryan, of the Jax, and Casey, with the Titans, are both known worldwide for their lacrosse skills.

The Jax drastically needed an offensive upgrade after scoring a league-low 153 goals last season. To address the issue, General Manager & Head Coach Derek Keenan brought in seven new forwards who will balance both sides.

Dan Dawson, last season’s runner-up in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) point scoring race, joins the Jax for the 2008 campaign. In his six year career, Dawson has averaged 4.5 points per game. The 107 points (47 goals and 60 assists) he put up last season was tied for the sixth most in NLL history.

On the active roster, 12 players return from last season’s team. In addition to the aforementioned Ryan Powell and Brody Merrill, Peter Morgan, goalie Dallas Eliuk, and Team Captain Pat Jones are also on the list of returning players.

For more on the LumberJax, including ticket information, check out www.portlandjax.com.