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Minnesota Swarm Acquire Giles and Picks in Two Separate Deals

August 23, 2010 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm today announced that the team has traded the rights to F Kevin Buchanan and their fourth round selection in the 2010 NLL Entry Draft to the Boston Blazers in exchange for F Mat Giles and a first round selection in the 2012 NLL Entry Draft. Giles, 34, recorded 54 points (20g, 34a), 14 PIM, and 69 loose balls last season with the Boston Blazers and the Philadelphia Wings.

The Wings traded Giles to the Blazers last March in exchange for T Dave Cutten, a second round selection in the 2010 Entry Draft and future considerations. Giles posted a season-high six points (2g, 4a) with the Blazers last season in a 13-8 victory over the Swarm.

"Mat brings a lot of leadership to the table," said General Manager Marty O'Neill. "He's a dynamic player that can do a lot of things. He can play offense or defense and he also brings a lot of size to our lineup. We are excited to use his versatility next season."

As a member of the Wings in 2009, the 6-foot-4 245-pound forward posted career highs in points (70) and in loose balls (102). In his 11-year career, Giles has scored 420 points (193g, 227a), 280 PIM and has collected 672 loose balls.

Buchanan, 24, was selected 11th overall by the Swarm in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft after playing at Ohio State University. In his rookie season in 2009, Buchanan was named to the 'NLL All-Rookie Team' and finished the season with 45 points (22g, 23a), two PIM and 58 loose balls.

"With Kevin's current work situation, we felt it was in the best interest for the both of us to make this move," said O'Neill. "We wish him the best as he continues his career in Boston."

In a separate trade on Monday, the Swarm traded the rights to T Jay Thorimbert and D Scott Self to the Buffalo Bandits in exchange for a first round selection in the 2012 NLL Entry Draft and a second round selection in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft.

Self, 31, recorded 12 points (1g, 11a), 12 PIM and 76 loose balls in 2010. Thorimbert, 24, tallied 14 points (8g, 6a), nine PIM and collected a personal and Swarm franchise record 152 loose balls in 2010.

"Id like to thank Jay and Scott for their contributions on the field last season," said O'Neill. "We have a backlog of defensive players and with Travis Hill and Ryan Cousins coming back, we felt it was necessary to make some room.

"In regards to the draft picks we acquired, they are nice to have in case injuries due occur during the season. They are attractive pieces to other teams come the trade deadline. If we don't touch these picks until then, we are going to have three first round picks in 2012, which puts us in a great position."



National Lacrosse League Stories from August 23, 2010


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