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Minnesota Swarm Strive to Keep Momentum Going this Weekend

April 3, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - After making some roster moves this week and coming off a win over the New England Black Wolves (3-7) last Sunday, the Minnesota Swarm (4-8) is focused on collecting two victories this weekend to say alive in the playoff race. The Swarm faces two divisional opponents, New England and Rochester (7-4) in the final back-to-back of the season.

Minnesota takes the floor this evening in front of its home fans for Family Night at The Hive, and wraps up the regular season series against the Black Wolves. The Swarm leads the series 2-1. Faceoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center. Fans can catch the game on NLL Live by visiting live.nll.com (U.S.) and TSNGo (Canada).

"We want to get the season series against the Black Wolves and it's going to take a 100-percent effort; we had a battle last Sunday," assistant coach Aime Caines said. "It's going to be another battle especially with the trades and the personal battles that'll be going on. I think it's going to be exciting and the crowd's going to be into it for sure."

Minnesota will look to utilize the hot stick of F Shayne Jackson (21g, 32a) who was a huge contributor in the recent win against New England, putting up two goals and four assists. Jackson and teammate T Jordan MacIntosh (16g, 20a) have been major factors in Minnesota's wins this season, as MacIntosh notched a hat trick in the win as well. In addition to its core players, the recent acquisitions of both T Joel White and F Johnny Powless give the Swarm two talented players who can immediately make an impact on the floor.

"I think he's going to come in and make an immediate impact," Caines said in regards to Powless. "He's a very talented player, he's a proven winner and he's won three championships... He knows what it takes to win and we're going to look for him to have some production right away."

Goalie Zach Higgins and the Swarm's defense played lights out against the Black Wolves last weekend, limiting New England to just nine goals. In the win, Higgins made a season-high 50 saves on 59 shots. With two critical games this weekend, Minnesota's coaching staff is taking it game-by-game.

"We're not looking ahead of Friday night's game," Caines said. "We need those two points and then we have to beat teams that we're chasing so when we come into Rochester we're battling for a playoff life and we're going to put everything on the line."

After tonight's matchup, the Swarm will head to Rochester for their one and only visit of the season to take on the Knighthawks (7-4) who was recently beaten by Edmonton 16-3. Faceoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. and fans can watch the game on NLL Live by visiting live.nll.com (U.S.) and TSNGo (Canada).

To get past Rochester, the Swarm will need continued scoring from not only both Jackson and MacIntosh but also F Miles Thompson (21g, 25a) and F Callum Crawford (15g, 27a). Both played crucial roles in helping Minnesota defeat the Knighthawks, 7-6, in overtime earlier this season at The Hive.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance for the 7:30 p.m. faceoff tonight will receive Swarm bracelets courtesy of Swannys. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-888-MN-SWARM or by visiting www.mnswarm.com .



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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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