Minnesota Swarm Selects Seven Players in 2008 NLL Entry Draft

September 7, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm selected seven players today in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Mass., including three players in the first round. Minnesota selected forward Andrew Watt (8th overall), forward Kevin Buchanan (11th overall) and defenseman Joe Cinosky (13th overall) in the first round, forward Tom Michaelsen (24th overall) in the second round, defenseman Ricky Pages (38th overall) and forward Justin Haworth (40th overall) in the fourth round and goaltender Bruce Bickford (73rd overall) in the sixth round. The Swarm acquired the eighth overall pick in the draft from the Edmonton Rush in exchange for the Swarm's 10th overall pick and defenseman Andrew Biers.

MINNESOTA SWARM 2008 NLL ENTRY DRAFT THUMBNAILS

Andrew Watt, 24 (1/9/84), led Robert Morris University in scoring for the fourth consecutive season in 2008 collecting 55 points (36-19=55) in 15 matches. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound native of Kitchener, Ontario was named to the Colonial Athletic Association's (CAA) Second Team and ranked second in the conference in scoring and seventh in the NCAA.

Kevin Buchanan led Ohio State University in scoring with 76 points (44-32=76) in 17 games in 2008 and ranked fourth in the NCAA in points per game. The 5-10, 185-pound midfielder was named the 2008 Great Western Lacrosse League (GWLL) Player of the Year and was named a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Second Team All American. Buchanan served as team captain during his senior season and finished his career second in Buckeye history with 175 points. The native of Cockeysville, Maryland was named the club's co-Outstanding Freshman in 2005, Offensive MVP in 2006 and Team MVP in 2007.

Joe Cinosky registered two points (1-1=2) and ranked second on his team with 48 ground balls in 16 games for the University of Maryland in 2008. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound native of Boonton Township, New Jersey was named to the USILA All-America Second Team and served as team captain in 2008.

Tom Michaelsen, 22 (9/14/85), was named the St. John University MVP in 2008 after registering 24 points (11-13=24) in 11 contests during his senior campaign. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound native of Bethpage, New York was named to the 2007 All-ECAC Second Team and played in this year's USILA North/South Senior All-Star Game.

Ricky Pages recorded six points (4-2=6) and 34 ground balls in 17 games during in 2008 with the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound native of East Rockaway, New York was a member of the 2006 and 2007 All-GWLL First Teams and was named to the 2008 All-GWLL Second Team. He shared Ohio State's 2005 Outstanding Freshman award with fellow Swarm draftee Kevin Buchanan.

Justin Haworth notched 51 points (35-16=51) and 23 ground balls in 14 games for Limestone College in 2008 ranking third on the team in goals and points. The 6-foot, 205-pound native of Deer Park, New York was named to the 2008 USILA Division II All-American Team.

Bruce Bickford went 13-4 with a 6.99 goals against average (GAA) and a .629 save percentage in 2008 for Drexel University. He was named the 2008 CAA Player of the Year and a USILA Honorable Mention All America and ranked fifth in the nation in save percentage and ninth in GAA. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound native of Providence, Rhode Island was also named to the 2007 All-CAA First Team.

For more information on Swarm season tickets call 888-MN-SWARM or info@mnswarm.com.



National Lacrosse League Stories from September 7, 2008


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