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Swarm Trio Selected to Represent Canada in World Championship

May 6, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - On Tuesday, the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) announced the 24-man roster of the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team, and there is a distinct Minnesota flavor among the names picked. Swarm transition players David Earl, Cam Flint and defenseman Jason Noble will represent Canada at the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championships in Denver July 10-19.

The three players chosen for the Canadian National Team is tied for second most out of any team in the NLL; the Colorado Mammoth led the league with four representatives. All three Swarm players will be competing at the World Championships for the first time.

"You have three standout people, with great personalities, great character and great athletes all representing not only Canada but also the Minnesota Swarm," said Swarm coach Joe Sullivan. "I am certainly confident that they will do us proud."

Earl, 26, is coming off a successful third season in the NLL, and was one of the most reliable forces in Minnesota's defensive end in 2014. In 15 games played, the Simsbury, Conn. native scored 14 points (3g, 11a) while tallying 89 loose balls and 23 forced turnovers. This summer, Earl will be also be playing for the New York Lizards (MLL), in addition to running his own business, 2Way Lacrosse.

"With Dave you have a guy who has come in and learned box and field lacrosse, and who has put a combination of the two together, using his athleticism to become a great player in both the NLL and the outdoor league," said Sullivan.

Noble, 22, was a key cog to Minnesota's 2014 rookie class, and was able to immediately contribute to the Swarm defense. The No. 2 overall pick out of Cornell University tallied an assist and 71 loose balls in 17 games played, and his 23 forced turnovers set a new NLL rookie single-season record. The speedy Orangeville, Ontario is joined on Canada's roster by his younger brother Jeremy Noble, who is projected to be a high pick in the 2014 NLL Entry Draft. The elder Noble will be playing summer ball with the Florida Launch (MLL) and the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks (MSL).

"For Jason it was probably expected that he would make that team, but I know he didn't go into camp expecting to be handed anything, he went into it with the utmost intention of representing his country and he did so," Sullivan explained.

Flint, 23, brought a strong, athletic weapon to the Swarm transition corps. The No. 4 overall pick in 2013 played in 10 games his rookie campaign, and picked up a goal and an assist, along with 33 loose balls. The Georgetown, Ontario native was a standout at Denver University, where he was a First-Team All American his senior year. In the offseason Flint will play with the Denver Outlaws (MLL).

"Cam is just getting better all the time," Sullivan said. "He's a first round draft pick who has continued to study the game and deliver on the floor."

Team Canada head coach Randy Mearns, told the CLA that the group of players chosen for his squad "would be the most extensive group of players with character, talent, lax IQ, experience and athleticism ever assembled for Canada lacrosse."

The 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships will feature 38 teams playing across nine divisions during the 10-day tournament. The Opening Ceremonies will take place on July 10 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.

The inaugural international men's lacrosse tournament was held in 1967 with four participating teams. The event is now held every four years with the previous occurrence taking place in Manchester, England in 2010. The United States defeated Canada in the championship game to win their ninth world title. Canada will be searching for their third championship in 2014, after previous titles in 1978 and 2006.



National Lacrosse League Stories from May 6, 2014


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