NLL Insider

Alex Gajic stands 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. He is the youngest of four star Gajic brothers that have come out of Burnaby Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse behind Milan, Nenad and Ilija. After the jump, read more on why Colorado is excited to have united three of those Gajic brothers in Colorado with last weekend’s big trade.

First, you have to understand the Gajics created a legacy in the B.C. Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League (BCJALL). Each brother was a leader for the Burnaby Junior Lakers and captured the prized Minto Cup. In ‘04 and ‘05, Nenad and Ilija also respectively won Minto Cup MVPs.

The youngest Gajic, 22-years-old, was selected fifth overall by the Mammoth in this year’s NLL Entry Draft. At the time of the draft, Colorado GM Steve Govett wrote, “Nenad says that his young brother will be the best of all of them.”

“Very big and very strong with outstanding hands, a pure goal scorer that will be a mainstay on the crease of the Mammoth powerplay right away and hopefully for years to come,” said Govett.

“Being the youngest of the brothers helped me get tougher and more competitive,” added Alex. “I looked up to my brothers throughout my hockey and lacrosse careers and tried to be as good as or better than them.”

“They also all had very different styles in lacrosse, and I try to take a little bit away from all of them. Milan was more of a gritty, fighter type. Nenad is a born leader who doesn’t need the ball to make others better, and Ilija can change a game by himself, and treats each game like it’s his last.”

Nenad, an ‘07 NLL All-Rookie Team selection, has dealt with injuries over the last two summers – but is expected to be ready in 2010 – while Ilija has won back-to-back Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) playoff MVP honors.

Milan is in the National Hockey League (NHL) Carolina Hurricanes’ sytem, living in Florida and playing minor league hockey for the Florida Everblades.

Alex adds he has also learned from the players he has competed with over the past couple years, guys like Garrett Billings and Dane Dobbie.

Coach Curt Malawsky was also a big help in his development while at Burnaby. “He demanded perfection from us all, and helped each player out individually with what he thought would help us,” said Gajic.

“I don’t know who I could compare my game to, but I enjoy watching players like Dan Dawson (last year’s NLL MVP),” added Alex. “He’s a big offensive player with lots of skill, and he attacks the net with a lot of confidence. I played a lot like that in Junior, and hopefully can continue with that into the NLL.”

Alex Gajic was named the BCJALL’s MVP in 2008, leading the league in scoring with 95 points in just 19 games.

“I am going into training camp knowing that I don’t have a spot on the team yet, and I still have to prove myself. So I am mostly working on my speed and quickness. I think I have the size and skill to be a good player in the league, so I know that I just have to want it and work really hard every time I am on the floor.”

“I’m excited to come into the NLL,” added Ilija. “Being able to play professionally with my brothers is a dream come true for me…and my family. Not many people get to play at the pro level, let alone with their brothers. I hope it works out. There are big shoes to fill.”

The Colorado Mammoth opens its 2010 regular season on the road against Washington on January 9. Their home-opener is one week later as Colorado hosts the Edmonton Rush at Pepsi Center on Saturday, January 16.

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