Minnesota Swarm Return to the Hive for a Showdown with the Knighthawks

Published on February 6, 2015 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Looking for its first home victory in 2015, the Minnesota Swarm (2-2) will face the three-time defending champion Rochester Knighthawks (2-2) Friday night on Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Swarm cowbell courtesy of Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin in celebration of Native American Heritage Night. Faceoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.

This will be the Swarm's first game back at The Hive since the home opener on Jan. 3 when close to 9,000 fans were in attendance. Fans can catch the game for free online at UniversalSports.com (U.S.) and TSNGo (Canada).

Minnesota concluded its road trip with a 15-12 loss to the Buffalo Bandits last Friday night. The Swarm finished their three-game road trip with a 2-1 record, and recorded wins against Edmonton and New England before losing to Buffalo. Resiliency was one major factor that was present in all three games of the road trip for the Swarm.

In the game against Edmonton, Minnesota overcame a 9-3 deficit and won 14-10. Against New England, the team let an early 6-2 lead slip but then answered back to win 19-13. This past weekend against the Bandits, Minnesota fought back from a 12-3 deficit to get within three goals before time ran out and the Swarm was handed its first road loss of the season.

"I think we kind of ran out of time, but it was a big character builder for us," Swarm assistant coach Aime Caines said. "Of course we want to get the win but it just shows the heart of our guys in that locker room."

Minnesota will need to play well on both sides of the ball as the team tries to secure its first win against Rochester since the 2012 season when the Swarm won in a low scoring affair at The Hive, 9-6. Both teams played each other three times last year with the Knighthawks sweeping the series. In their one matchup in St. Paul last season, the Swarm lost a thriller in overtime, 15-14.

Minnesota is led by forward Callum Crawford (10g, 19a) who has 29 points so far this season and has put up eight points in each of his last three games. His points total is tied for sixth best in the NLL and he's also tied for third in the league in assists with 19. Forward Miles Thompson is ranked No. 1 in this week's ILIndoor.com Rookie Rankings and he's also second in the league in scoring amongst rookies with 17 points (10g, 7a).

"It's hard to key on just one guy so if we're going to be successful, it'll be by committee and with all those guys working together," Caines said. "I'm so happy to see those guys flourish this year."

Goaltender Zach Higgins has come up big for the Swarm recently, and leads the league with a .785 save percentage and also currently sits third in the league with a 10.82 GAA. Reigning Transition Player of the Year Jordan MacIntosh leads the Swarm with 42 loose balls and 50 faceoff wins.

"It's exciting to be back home and obviously playing the defending champs, it's always going to be a game you are going to be up for," MacIntosh said.

Despite starting the season 0-2, the Knighthawks have won their last two games and are back to .500. The Swarm's defense will have their hands full with Knighthawks forwards Cody Jamieson (8g, 14a), Dan Dawson (3g, 17a), Cory Vitarelli (10g, 3a) and transition player Jordan Hall (6g, 7a). Both goalies Matt Vinc and Angus Goodleaf have seen time in net this season for the Knighthawks and each have a victory. This will be the first of two visits to The Hive for the Knighthawks. The second game will be the last game of the regular season for the Swarm on Saturday, May 2.

The Minnesota Swarm returns to Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center on Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. CT to face the Toronto Rock for Heroes and SuperHeroes Night. Fans are encouraged to dress-up as their favorite SuperHeroes for the game. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-888-MN-SWARM or visit www.mnswarm.com for purchasing information.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 6, 2015


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