Minnesota Swarm Signs Seven Players Including Leading Scorer Ryan Ward

November 21, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Minnesota Swarm General Manager Marty O'Neill today announced the National Lacrosse League (NLL) team has signed G Angus Goodleaf, D Chris Courtney, D Mark Miyashita, D Eric Pacey, D Kyle Ross, D Jon Sullivan and F Ryan Ward. The contracts are subject to league approval.

Courtney, 20 (11/12/87), collected two points (1-1=2) and 21 PIM in 17 games with the Six Nations Arrows (OJLA) this summer. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound native of Hagersville, Ont. was selected by the Swarm in the second round (27th overall) of the 2007 NLL Entry Draft.

Goodleaf, 20 (3/16/87), posted a 5.69 GAA and a .834 SV% in 21 games this summer to help lead the Burnaby Lakers to the BCJLA championship. The 6-foot, 250-pound native of Kahnawake, Quebec was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round (51st overall) of the 2007 NLL Entry Draft.

Miyashita, 26 (2/17/81), recorded eight points (3-5=8) and led the Swarm with 98 loose balls in eight games before suffering a season-ending knee injury on March 18 vs. Philadelphia. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound native of Vancouver, B.C. has collected 54 points (16-38=54) and 281 loose balls in 40 career games during four seasons with Vancouver, Colorado and Minnesota.

Pacey, 29 (5/3/78), collected six points (1-5=6), 27 loose balls and 40 penalty minutes (PIM) in 12 contests with the Swarm in 2007. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound native of Toronto, Ont. has tallied 39 points (15-24=39) and 185 loose balls in 63 career games during six seasons with Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Minnesota.

Ross, 24 (5/12/83), made his NLL debut with Minnesota last season and collected an assist and six loose balls in two contests. The 6-foot-1, 187-pound native of New Westminster, B.C. was selected by the Swarm in the fifth round (44th overall) of the 2004 NLL Entry Draft.

Sullivan, 25 (6/30/82), notched six assists and 53 loose balls while appearing in all 16 games for Minnesota last season. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound native of St. Catherine's, Ont. has tallied 19 points (4-15=19) and 136 loose balls in 41 career games with the Swarm.

Ward, 27 (9/26/80), recorded 75 points (23-52=75) and 44 loose balls in 15 games with Minnesota last season. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound forward ranked first on the team in assists and points and tied for third in goals. The Victoria, B.C. native has led the Swarm in scoring the past two seasons and has accumulated 229 points (84-145=229) in 60 career contests during four seasons with Philadelphia and Minnesota.

Minnesota opens its fourth NLL campaign at Toronto on Friday, Jan. 11 and then hosts the Rock on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center in the home opener. Single game tickets will go on sale in early December. Call 888-MNSWARM or info@mnswarm.com for more information.



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