NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Minnesota Swarm Host Buffalo on National TV this Sunday

March 26, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - For the first time in team history, the National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm (5-5) will play LIVE on national television on VERSUS when it hosts the Buffalo Bandits (7-3) on Treasure Island Field at Xcel Energy Center this Sunday at 1 p.m. CDT.

"To be on national television is great for our league, our organization and for lacrosse in general in Minnesota," coach Mike Lines said. "This is an opportunity for us to showcase what we are all about and the exposure is only going to help our league."

Minnesota faced Buffalo earlier this season on Feb. 4, but fell to the Bandits in a physical road contest 15-12. Forward Ryan Benesch led the Swarm that evening with seven points (3g, 4a), but hat tricks from forwards Mark Steenhuis (3g, 1a) and Chad Culp (3g, 2a) sparked a Bandits victory.

Buffalo enters Xcel Energy Center having won three straight games, while sitting in second place in the East Division. Minnesota on the other hand, dropped to third place in the West Division after a heartbreaking 14-13 loss to Edmonton (3-9) on Friday night. Despite the loss, the Swarm still remains one win away from clinching a playoff spot for the fifth time in team history.

Both teams will enter Sunday's game with plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball. After tallying four goals against Edmonton, Benesch became the league's leading scorer with 31 goals. The fifth-year pro is now just two goals away from setting a new career-high (33), which he notched as a rookie with Toronto in 2007.

Minnesota's fourth ranked offense also showcased its balanced attack in Friday night's loss, as forwards Callum Crawford (16g, 29a) and Mat Giles (13g, 19a) posted hat tricks and Aaron Wilson (13g, 22a) added two goals. Transition player Andrew Watt continued to stay hot as well, adding his 14th score of the season on a breakaway.

The Bandits are led on offense by F John Tavares, who is playing in his 20th season with Buffalo in 2011. Tavares has 48 points (21g, 27a) through 10 games, and posted eight points (2g, 6a) in the first meeting between the two teams. Tavares' 2011 season has been one for the record books, as he surpassed both the 700 goal and 1,500 point marks earlier this year. On the other side of the ball, G Mike Thompson holds the league's second best record at 7-1 and also ranks second with a 9.30 GAA. Buffalo's defense ranks first in penalty kills at 68.5%, while the Swarm sits close behind in third at 65.1%.

"Buffalo is a solid team and they're playing very well right now," Lines said. "They've been running the same system for years now and they're always a well prepared and coached team. They present a tough matchup and will also come in with a hot goaltender."

Minnesota's defense received a boost Friday night when captain Ryan Cousins returned the lineup for the first time in 2011. The two-time NLL Defensive Player of the Year missed the first half of the season due to work commitments. All-star G Nick Patterson will start in front of the net on Sunday for the Swarm with a 5-4 record and .778 SV%.

Minnesota is 2-12 all-time against Buffalo, with both of its wins coming on the road. The Swarm's most recently defeated the Bandits at HSBC Arena 16-15 on Feb. 28, 2009.

Sunday's nationally televised game will celebrate "Family Day at the Hive" where the first 5,000 fans will receive a free blinking "Go Swarm" pin. For one low ticket price of $6, fans can also watch the game with their dogs from the upper bowl. Radio Disney will host a pre-game party and a local mascot game will take place at halftime. For more information on Sunday's game, visit mnswarm.com or call 888-MN-SWARM.

• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...

National Lacrosse League Stories from March 26, 2011


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