Four Mammoth Players Named All-Star Game Starters
The Colorado Mammoth is the National Lacrosse League’s lone remaining undefeated team. The rest of the league has taken notice. The NLL announced today that Mammoth forwards John Grant Jr. and Adam Jones, defenseman Rory Smith and goaltender Chris Levis have been named West Division starters in the All-Star Game, which will be held on Saturday, February 25 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
“I’m so incredibly proud of our team, and am overjoyed for Rory, Adam, Chris and John,” said Mammoth president & general manager Steve Govett. “It’s taken Rory five seasons, but finally he’s getting the recognition he deserves as an NLL All-Star – and a starter at that.”
Smith has recorded 18 loose balls and six forced turnovers through five games this season. He’s served as an intimidating force on the back-end for Colorado.
“It just kind of fell in my lap,” said Smith, referring to the All-Star honor. “I’m playing the same kind of defense as I did last year.”
Levis is tops in the league in wins (5) and second in save percentage (.783). A 2011 All-Star reserve, the 35-year-old returns to the showcase game for the second time in his career.
“It means a lot to be on the floor with [fellow All-Stars],” said Levis. “I had a great time last year. The whole weekend itself was fun. It was great for the fans and I’m really happy to be a part of that again.”
Adam Jones, the NLL’s Rookie of the Month in January, is third overall and first among rookies in the league in goals (15). He also leads all rookies in points (26). The 22-year-old returns to western New York, where he played college lacrosse for Canisius, for the All-Star Game.
“I’m pretty excited to get a hold of some of my buddies in Buffalo,” said Jones. “I want them to be there [at the game].”
Forward John Grant Jr. will make his eighth All-Star Game appearance. He leads the NLL with 19 goals, 26 assists and 45 points. On pace to shatter the NLL single-season points record, the 37-year-old is the league’s reigning Player of the Month.
“It’s a thrill to play with all three of those guys (Jones, Levis, and Smith),” said Grant, “and it’s nice to go to the All-Star Game when you’re having a winning season.”
Colorado returns to the floor on Saturday, Feb. 18 in St. Paul, Minn., against the Swarm.
The Mammoth’s next home game at Pepsi Center is Friday, Feb. 24 against the Calgary Roughnecks. Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Center box office, all Colorado Dick’s Sporting Goods retail kiosks, online at TicketHorse.com, or by calling 303.53.HORSE.
