Minnesota Lacrosse Names Marty O'Neill General Manager

Published on September 14, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today announced the National Lacrosse League's (NLL) expansion Minnesota Lacrosse team has named Marty O'Neill as the team's first-ever general manager. O'Neill will oversee all aspects of the lacrosse operations department including all matters relating to the club's player personnel, coaching staff and scouting. He will also be fully integrated into the organization's communications, sponsorship, marketing and community relations' efforts.

"Marty's background and knowledge of the National Lacrosse League makes him a great choice to build our franchise into an exciting and competitive team," said Executive Vice President Matt Majka.

O'Neill, 40 (6/6/64), most recently served as general manager of the Philadelphia Wings from 2001-2004. Prior to joining the Wings front office, he played eight seasons in the NLL as a goaltender and was recognized as one of the top goalies in box and indoor lacrosse. O'Neill spent five years with the Boston Blazers (1993-1997), one season with the Syracuse Smash (1998) and two years with the Buffalo Bandits (1999-2000). In 66 career NLL games, the Winnipeg, Manitoba-native posted a 13.27 goals against average (GAA), a .716 save percentage and 32 assists. O'Neill also played thirteen seasons for the Western Lacrosse Association's Victoria Shamrocks, winning three Mann Cup's.

"I am very excited to get the opportunity to build Minnesota Lacrosse into a winner and bring the powerful and high-scoring sport of lacrosse to as many fans as possible in the Xcel Energy Center," said O'Neill.

The former goaltender served on the League's Competition Committee last year and was instrumental in assisting the NLL in developing new goaltending equipment guidelines that went into effect for the 2003-04 campaign. O'Neill also designs goalie equipment with his company Maximum Lacrosse. He and his wife, Danna, have two sons, Kellan and Brady. The family current resides in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Minnesota Lacrosse team will build its roster via an Expansion Draft, the annual NLL Entry Draft and the signing of free agents. Minnesota Lacrosse season ticket deposits are being accepted now at WWW.LACROSSEMN.COM, the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at (651) 989-5151. A $25.00 per seat deposit guarantees your priority for Minnesota Lacrosse season tickets. Lower level eight-game season ticket packages start at $80.00. For more information on becoming a Minnesota Lacrosse season ticket holder please call (651) 222-9453.

The National Lacrosse League is North America's professional indoor lacrosse league, featuring the best lacrosse players in the world. The NLL has eleven teams playing in the major markets of the United States and Canada. NLL teams each play a 16-game regular season schedule (eight home & eight away) that begins in December and runs through April, followed by the Champion's Cup Playoffs. All games are played on the weekends. Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Indoor lacrosse is played inside the confines of a NHL hockey rink, with glass and rink boards intact. The playing surface consists of a green dieter turf carpet that is laid down over the hockey ice. The two teams combine to score a total of 25 goals in the average NLL game.

O'Neill will begin his new role immediately. As per club policy, terms of the multi-year contract were not disclosed.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Lacrosse League Stories from September 14, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central