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Minnesota Swarm Look to Keep Momentum Going this Weekend

December 12, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm will look to continue its strong play at training camp this weekend when the team takes the floor at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville, Ontario. Minnesota is scheduled to practice Friday through Sunday, and will scrimmage the Colorado Mammoth on Saturday for a 7 p.m. CT showdown at the TRAC.

The Swarm officially opened the season last weekend in Oakville for their first training camp session, and finished 2-0 in preseason action. On Saturday evening, the Swarm stunned a full house in Rochester with a 14-8 victory against the defending champion Knighthawks. The Swarm then took a team bus back to Oakville late that night in preparation for a noon showdown versus last year's runner-ups, the Calgary Roughnecks. Minnesota utilized its speed on both sides of the floor to jump out to a 14-6 lead at halftime, and defeated Calgary by a final score of 19-12.

"The best part about it was we had a quick turnaround from the Rochester game, and I think everyone came out with good energy after a long bus trip and not a lot of sleep," said Jordan MacIntosh, who scored four goals last weekend. "That's really a positive going forward, knowing that we can battle no matter what the situation is."

Minnesota's offense was clicking on all cylinders in both games totaling 33 goals, and the team's stingy defense allowed only 20 scores. The Swarm moved the ball extremely well on offense and featured a balanced scoring attack, striking opponents from all angles. Strong play from both goaltenders (Brodie MacDonald and Zach Higgins) and efficient play in transition also aided the team's victories.

Swarm coaches were particularly impressed with the team's energy level, and ability to push the tempo up the floor. First-year assistant coach Rory McDade, who played with the Swarm from 2006-09, said the team's competitive nature stood out from the get-go.

"I thought we outworked both teams, and that's something that our team has to do every night," McDade said. "The guys brought it, and had high energy."

One of the main storylines from last weekend surrounded the strong play of this year's No. 3 overall pick, rookie forward Miles Thompson, who scored four goals in his NLL debut in Rochester, and added a hat trick against Calgary. Thompson looked very comfortable in the Swarm's offense, and was also effective in dishing the ball to open teammates for several assists.

"He (Miles) played like a man today," head coach Joe Sullivan told MNSwarm.com after the game Rochester game. "He created a lot of space for himself and worked with the guys around him. He was a true team player. There was lots of times that he could have thrown the ball at the net a few more times, but he swung it, and guys were able to play off of him. That is a great trait to have as a goal scorer."

Third-year forward Shayne Jackson also notched four goals in a game and did so versus the Roughnecks on Sunday. Jackson opened the game with a natural hat trick, and helped the Swarm build a 7-1 lead early in the first.

"I was in the right spots at the right time," Jackson said. "The most impressive thing was how well our offense played, and we were moving the ball well."

"Shayne is one of the most underrated players in the NLL in my opinion," MacIntosh added. "He battles every game whether he gets goals or not, and is an awesome guy to have on the team. It's really not surprising to see him have a game like that."

With a full plate of games on the schedule last week, the Swarm will be looking to utilize their practice times this go-around. Introducing new five-on-five sets and building team chemistry will be a priority, Swarm coaches said. The Swarm sees Saturday's opponent, the Colorado Mammoth, back at The Hive for the team's home opener on Jan. 3.

"We just want to develop and keep getting better," McDade said. "During the first weekend we only had one practice before the two games, and this weekend we're going to be able to implement more five-on-five sets on offense and defense."

"It was a great first weekend, and to start the preseason 2-0 is good, but it's just a start," Jackson added. "We have to take it into this weekend, and keep building for the season."

The Swarm returns to Oakville for one final training camp session Dec. 19-21. With the Dec. 18 deadline looming for roster cuts, this weekend will also have big implications on who is selected to the Swarm's final 20-man roster. Earlier this week, the Swarm released F Zach Palmer and D Andrew Casimir. The team also placed defensemen Mike Grimes and Pat Laconi on the Hold Out List, and F Paxton Leroux on the Draft List.

Minnesota opens the 2015 NLL regular season on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center for a 7 p.m. showdown against Colorado. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive Swarm headbands for Yellow Out The Hive Night, where all fans will be encouraged to wear yellow to celebrate the home opener.

Swarm fans looking to lock up 2015 Season Tickets at Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center can take advantage of a Buy 2, Get 2 at 25% off deal. By purchasing two lower level season tickets at full price, fans can add an additional two tickets at 25% off. Call 1-888-MN-SWARM or visit www.mnswarm.com for purchasing information.



National Lacrosse League Stories from December 12, 2014


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