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Minnesota Swarm Select Zack Greer Third Overall

September 10, 2009 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm selected former Duke University standout Zack Greer with the third overall pick in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft. The native of Whitby, ON finished his collegiate career as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer.

"Greer will give us the offensive star power that we have been searching for," stated General Manager Marty O'Neill. "He is going to improve our power-play immediately and all that goal scoring prowess that he has developed in his years at college will now be on display in a Minnesota Swam jersey."

Greer, 23 (2/12/1986), is a 6'2" 190-pound left-handed forward that was touted as one of the top prospects in the draft. Last season, he led Bryant University in scoring with 68 points (42g, 26a) and was a Second Team All-American selection. During his time at Duke University from 2005-08, Greer was a two-time First Team All-American and led the nation in goals scored during three different seasons. In 2008, he was the recipient of the prestigious Jack Turnbull Award given to the nations top collegiate attackman.

"This year we felt like we needed to add a punch to our offense and Greer is a well recognized player that the state of Minnesota can really get excited about," stated Owner John Arlotta.

Minnesota held the 9th, 13th and 23rd overall picks, but later packaged them in trades on draft night. The Swarm sent the 9th overall pick to the Edmonton Rush in exchange for sixth-year defenseman Richard Morgan.

"He brings some real size and a lot of NLL experience, which was something we were looking for. It's not often that you get to pick up a 6'8" player for your defense," explained first-year Assistant Coach Joe Sullivan.

After trading with Edmonton, the Swarm then sent their two second round picks (13th and 23rd overall) to the Washington Stealth in exchange for forward Alex Turner and goaltender Aaron Bold.

To round out the draft, the Swarm selected forward Kevin Colleluori from Colgate College in the fourth round (36th overall), forward Cody Johnson from the Six Nations Arrows in the fifth round (44th overall) and defenseman Matt Kelly from the University of Virginia in the sixth round (54th overall).

Morgan, 30 (7/2/1979), is a 6'8" 260-pound defenseman from Boise, ID. Morgan spent the last four seasons with the Portland LumberJax and recorded 16 points (7g, 9a) along with 68 loose balls in 16 contests in 2009. In his career, Morgan has recorded 133 points (71g, 62a) and 418 loose balls in 98 NLL contests with the LumberJax and Anaheim Storm.

Turner, 22 (1/22/1987), is a 6'0" 200-pound forward from Kamloops, BC. In his rookie season in 2009, Turner was a member of the San Jose Stealth and recorded 16 points (7g, 9a) and collected 21 loose balls in 7 NLL contests.

Bold, 24 (4/22/1985), is a 6'2" 210-pound goaltender from Victoria, BC. He will be entering his fifth NLL season in 2010 after spending the last three seasons with the San Jose Stealth. In his career with the Stealth, Bold appeared in 37 NLL contests and posted a 3-4 record with 260 saves. Bold was also a member of the Portland LumberJax in 2006 and appeared in 3 contests.

Colleluori, 22 (10/29/1986) is a 5'7" 180-pound forward from Bethpage, NY. In his senior season at Colgate College in 2009, Colleluori started all 14 games and was named to the All-Patriot League Second Team after finishing with a career-high 51 points (38g, 13a).

Johnson, is a 5'9" 170-pound forward from Six Nations, ON. For the last five years, Johnson played in Six Nations with the Arrows of Junior 'A" (2008-09) and the Rebels of Junior "B" (2005-08).

Kelly, 22 (10/26/1986), is a 6'0" 200-pound defenseman from Kenilworth, IL. Kelly joins the Swarm after playing at the University of Virginia from 2006-09.

In celebration of the draft, the Swarm are now offering a new season ticket package, "Section 88", in recognition of Zack Greer. The package includes two season tickets, two Zack Greer "Section 88" t-shirts, two Zack Greer autographed photos and two invitations to a private "Section 88" meet and greet session. For more information on "Section 88", please call 888-MN-SWARM.

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