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Minnesota Swarm Acquires Forward Ryan Ward From Philadelphia

February 8, 2005 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Swarm general manager Marty O'Neill announced today that the National Lacrosse League (NLL) team has acquired forward Ryan Ward and the Philadelphia Wings fourth round draft pick in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft in exchange for Shawn Nadelen and the Swarm's first round draft pick in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft.

"We are very excited to add a player of Ryan's caliber to our team," said O'Neill. "This trade solidifies our future needs for right handed scoring. Ward proved in his rookie season last year that he will be an impact player in this league for years to come after being ranked the top player in the 2003 draft by his peers."

Ward, 24 (9/26/80), tallied seven points (5-2=7) including two power play goals in five games with Philadelphia this season. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound forward collected 37 points (18-19=37) and 45 loose balls in 13 contests during his rookie campaign with the Wings last year and was named to the 2004 NLL All-Rookie Team. He ranked fourth on the team in goals and sixth in scoring. The Victoria, British-Columbia-native was originally selected by Philadelphia in the first round (3rd overall) of the 2003 NLL Entry Draft. Ward will wear jersey number 44 with Minnesota.

He was a member of the Victoria Shamrocks 2003 Mann Cup Championship team scoring 88 points (41-47=88) in 17 regular season games and 28 points (12-16=28) in 13 playoff contests. Ward was named the winner of the Commission Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) and was named to the WLA's First All-Star Team. He played college lacrosse at Butler University where he was a named to the All-GWLL First Team three times (2001-2003). Ward finished his collegiate career with 130 points (69-61=130) and holds the Butler University career assists record.

The Swarm returns to action on Friday, February 11 when it hosts the Toronto Rock at 7:00 PM at Xcel Energy Center. Fans that purchase tickets for this game will have $5.00 from their ticket price donated to the Minnesota Military Family Foundation. The Ticketmaster.com code for this promotion is "TROOPS". Minnesota Swarm single game tickets are on sale now at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information on becoming a Minnesota Swarm season ticket holder please call (888) MN-SWARM.

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