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Minnesota Swarm Set to Face Rochester in Preseason Action Saturday

December 7, 2012 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm returns to action this weekend for its second training camp session at the Toronto Rock Practice Facility in Oakville, Ontario.

On Saturday, the Swarm will play their only preseason game this winter when the team travels to Rochester to face the defending NLL champion Knighthawks at The Blue Cross Arena at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game live on Swarm Vision at mnswarm.com

The Swarm officially opened training camp last weekend and also squared off against the Colorado Mammoth in an exhibition contest at the Toronto Rock Practice Facility. After making their first round of cuts last Sunday, the Swarm will travel with 33 players this weekend. With several roster spots still up for grabs, tough decisions are soon to follow for the Swarm's coaching staff.

"Everybody has a chance to make it at this point and I think we're living proof that we're not afraid to make changes," Swarm associate general manager and head coach Joe Sullivan said. "I'm looking for all of the little things: guys hustling on every loose ball, finishing every check, and for players that are responsible and get on and off the floor in a timely manner."

After facing one of their toughest division rivals last weekend, the Swarm will now get the chance to play the defending NLL champs in preseason action. Minnesota and Rochester split their regular season series 1-1 last year and also met in the preseason at The Blue Cross Arena last December. Rochester won that evening 19-15 in a high scoring affair.

"They are the defending champions and they are deserving of it," Sullivan said. "We're going to see a lot of their good players during different phases of the game. It will be a great opportunity for our guys to see how they play against the defending champs."

Minnesota will hold one more training camp session next weekend before the team prepares for its season opener on the road against the Buffalo Bandits on Jan. 12. Sullivan said he hopes to have his final roster set after Sunday so that the team can begin implementing its offensive and defensive systems next week.

"After Sunday, it's my intent to have our roster," Sullivan said. "If things go well and the guys put forth the effort, all we'll need to decide is who is going to be on the practice squad and who is going to be in the regular rotation."

Swarm Training Camp Roster Dec. 7 - 9

Forwards (10): Ryan Benesch, Jay Card, Callum Crawford, Matt Gibson*, Joel Henry, Shayne Jackson*, Cody Jacobs, Kiel Matisz*, Pat Smith, Corbyn Tao

Transition (10): Sam Bradman*, Chris Cudmore*, Greg Downing, David Earl, Tyler Hass, Jordan MacIntosh, Brock Sorensen*, Andrew Suitor, Tyler Tanguay*, Andrew Watt

Defense (9): Dan Ball, Mitch Belisle, Nik Bilic, Bryan Campbell*, Ian Crawford*, Alex Crepinsek*, Jeff Gilbert, Michael O'Brien*, Joe Wasson*

Goalies (4): Tyler Carlson, Zach Higgins*, Evan Kirk, Ryan Masters*

*Denotes rookie

Saturday's game against the Knighthawks can also be heard on ESPN 950AM in the Rochester area and online at sportsradio950espn.com

Swarm fans looking to lock up 2013 Season Tickets can take advantage of a Buy 2, Get 2 at 50% offer. By purchasing two season tickets at full price, fans can add an additional two tickets for half the cost. Single Game Tickets start as low as $21 for all eight home games in 2013. For purchasing information on both Season and Single Game Tickets, fans can call 1-888-MN-SWARM or visit mnswarm.com.

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