Minnesota Swarm Re-Sign Andrew Watt, Travis Hill, Nick Patterson & Matt Kelly

Published on November 22, 2010 under 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 re-signed F Andrew Watt and F Travis Hill to two-year contract extensions. The Swarm also re-signed G Nick Patterson and D Matt Kelly to one-year deals.

Watt, 26, appeared in 14 games for the Swarm in 2010. He recorded 11 points (7g, 4a) and collected 81 loose balls. In two seasons with Minnesota, Watt has participated in 27 games and tallied 28 points (13g, 15a) and 149 loose balls.

"Andrew Watt is quickly becoming an explosive player on the NLL scene with his transition skills and goal scoring ability," said O'Neill. "We drafted Watty as a forward and made him into a defenseman, and he's responded quite well. 2011 should be the breakout season for Andrew."

Hill, 28, has appeared in 43 career games since being acquired by the Swarm in 2005. He has collected a total of 276 loose balls and recorded 30 points (5g, 25a). Hill sat out the 2010 season on the Injured Reserve List after he tore his ACL while playing summer ball with the Six Nations Chiefs.

"Getting Travis back on the field and in the dressing room is a big plus for the Swarm," stated O'Neill. "It's important to have players like Travis in the fold. He truly cares about every aspect of the organization and has proven it on and off the field. The fans at Xcel can once again watch the hustle and gritty play of T.Hill."

Patterson, 27, a native of Victoria, Ontario, is an eight-year veteran of the NLL. He appeared in all 16 games for the Swarm last season and recorded 459 saves, a 12.29 GAA and a 0.748 SV%. Patterson has played in 102 games with Vancouver and Minnesota, tallying a record of 32-27 with a 12.03 GAA and 0.760 SV%.

"We are glad to get Nick into camp under a new contract," said O'Neill. "With any team in this league, a huge key to success is consistent goaltending and that is what we are needing again from Nick this season. Patterson has been a big part of this team's past successes and we expect that to continue this season."

Kelly, 24, was selected 54th overall by the Minnesota Swarm in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009. During his collegiate career, he helped his team win the NCAA Championship in 2006 and was a 2009 Honorable Mention All-American.

"Matt Kelly has a substantial athletic background that has peaked our interest, so he will attend camp and compete for a job," said O'Neill.

Swarm fans looking to lock up season tickets in 2011 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. Call 888-MN-SWARM or visit mnswarm.com for more information.

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