GUZE NAMED NLL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK

The National Lacrosse League announced today that Colorado Mammoth defenseman Ray Guze has been named the league’s Defensive Player of the Week. The five-year veteran, Guze, who spent the past three seasons with Portland, played a gutsy, key role in Colorado’s playoff-clinching win over Edmonton this past weekend.

Guze underwent successful hand surgery this past Monday morning to repair a broken thumb. The injury happened on the second shift of Friday night’s game. Because of the injury, he was forced to leave the game (and had changed into street clothes) – only to change back into his uniform and return to play after teammate Rich Catton sustained a knee injury with 7:15 left in the second quarter. Guze played the remainder of the game using only one hand on his stick.

Doctors anticipate a full recovery for Guze and are optimistic that he will be available for the May 3rd playoff game in Calgary.

“Ray’s performance last Friday night was inspirational. We were already very thin on defense and when Rich went down, Ray sacrificed his own well being for the good of the team. That shows what kind of guy he is,” said Mammoth General Manager Steve Govett. “It’s nice to see him get some recognition around the league for his heart and commitment.”

Colorado travels to top-seeded Calgary on Sunday, May 3 for a 3pm contest with the Roughnecks. Fans can watch the game free-of-charge online at ColoradoMammoth.com. Plans are in the works for a viewing party in Denver as well. Details will be announced soon.