Jalbert placed on Mammoth's inactive roster

[Sonny]

Denver, CO – The Colorado Mammoth announced on Thursday that it has placed defenseman Jay Jalbert on the inactive list. He will be out indefinitely.

Jalbert, a second-team National Lacrosse League All-Pro selection last season, led league defensemen and set a career-high with 19 goals. However, he suffered a concussion during the season and feels it is in his best interest not to play.

“Choosing to sit out is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I think some time off is necessary to prolong my career,” Jalbert said.

Jalbert, who signed with the Mammoth as a free agent prior to the 2004 season, made three straight NLL All-Star Game appearances and endeared himself to fans with his physical play, scoring capability and tenacity at both ends of the floor.

“We are certainly disappointed in the news that Jay has decided he is not ready to play, but we want to make sure that he is 100 percent comfortable with playing before he returns,” Mammoth general manger Steve Govett said. “We would like him around for a very long time in the future.”

The Mammoth will announce its 23-man roster and practice player list for the 2007 season on Thursday, Dec. 14.

“We’ve got some tough decisions to make, because we have several very good players vying for just a couple of positions,” Mammoth coach Gary Gait said. “Jay is a one-of-a-kind player, but I’m confident that the players we have will step up to the challenge of filling in for him until he returns.”