The Portland Pounders are back at the Vancouver Invitational and will once again contend! Led by player/coach Kip Johnson, the Portland Pounders enter the 2022 tournament aiming to improving on 2020’s 2nd place finish.
They’re bringing a familiar core back to the Oval with a powerful offensive trio of Justin Beavers, Mike Summerson and Jake Wheeler! Each of their ball handlers bring different strengths to the table which will allow Portland to adapt to different situations.
Beavers (3.5) was named best high-pointer in 2020. His speed and maneuverability are among the tournament’s best and he should be near the top of the scoring charts again this year.
Historically, Portland is one of the best teams in the history of the Invitational. The Pounders have won 8 VI titles across both Division 1 and 2. They always come prepared to compete hard and are never afraid to pop a few tires and dish out big hits.
Whether you like watching the speed of high-pointers like Beavers or prefer honing in on the technical side of the sport, Portland will be a great watch.
Low-pointers Max Woodbury (1.0*) and Kip Johnson (0.5) are two experienced low-pointers to watch out for. They’ve both played in big games and been a part of some truly elite Pounders’ teams over the years.
Keep an eye out for James Menning (1.5) and JD Duran (1.0). Two emerging talents who’s playing time and skills continue to rise.
Schedule
The Pounders are in Pool A. They open competition on Friday versus the Alberta Roughnecks in a rematch of last year’s title game. Portland wraps up the preliminary round with a Cascadia rivalry match against British Columbia 1.
Are you a Portland Pounders fan coming to the Invitational? Let us know you’re here and tag your posts with #VancouverInvitational and #WCRugby
Learn more
To learn more about the Portland Pounders – Follow them on Facebook and visit their website at https://www.portlandpounders.org/
To learn more about Wheelchair Rugby in the United States – Please visit the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association and check out on Facebook and Instagram.