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Swarm Will Honor Fan Katy Miller this Friday at the Hive

April 3, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - When it came to being a Minnesota Swarm fan, there weren't many who compared to Katy Miller. Every time the team took the floor at The Hive, the Miller family would be in attendance, Katy being front and center. She would always be near the glass, adorned in her blue and yellow attire cheering on her favorite team. Katy, the daughter of season ticket holders Mike and Michele Miller, tragically passed away this September due to a heart condition at the age of 23. The Swarm and captain Andrew Suitor plan to honor her memory this Friday when they meet the Rochester Knighthawks at Xcel Energy Center.

"Our family loved to see how happy she would be when the games began," said Michele. "Katy would always be dancing and singing in her seat to the music; fan participation was a must in Katy's world. Going to Swarm games became a favorite Miller family event."

During the entire game, Suitor will wear the name "K. Miller" on the back of his uniform in lieu of his own. The specialty jersey will then be signed by the entire team and presented to the family during the next home game. The Miller family, which includes Katy's siblings Jacob, Sarah, Michael and Joshua, will also be recognized during the ceremonial ball drop prior to faceoff between the Swarm and Knighthawks.

"It's an honor to represent such a special person and family," Suitor said. "The Swarm and its players and fans are one big family and we all support each other. It will be a night of remembrance at The Hive."

The Miller family and Suitor had the opportunity to connect well prior to Katy's passing. Suitor coached the Minnesota Jr. Swarm when they competed at the Jr. NLL Tournament in Toronto this summer, a team that was led by Katy's younger brother Joshua. Just like his idol and coach, Joshua wore a 'C' on the front of his jersey and the No. 20 on the back, and the two formed a strong bond from that point forward. On April 12, when the Swarm will wear commemorative Jr. Swarm jerseys for their Hive Cares night, Joshua will join Suitor and his teammates in running out on the Xcel Energy Center floor during player introductions.

"The Miller family has been extremely supportive of the Swarm over the years, and we were all deeply saddened when we heard the news of Katy's passing this summer," said Andy Arlotta, Co-Owner and President of the Swarm. "The Swarm family has developed a close relationship with the Miller's, and I know how much joy Katy brought to their family. We wanted to make sure we were able to support them in any way we could, and this Friday we will be paying a special tribute to Katy and her family, whom are some of the most passionate Swarm fans I've ever met."

"We will truly miss our daughter and admire Katy's contagious fan spirit," said Michele. "Many Thanks to the Swarm family that helped us create a life time full of excitement, enthusiasm and memories that truly brought the family together!"

A Minnesota Swarm game is something that has to be experienced live to be fully understood. Fans can get that experience in The Hive for as low as $22 for a lower-level seat. Fans looking to lock up pro-rated season packages can still take advantage of a special Buy 2, Get 2 25%-Off promotion for the remainder of the 2014 Season. Visit mnswarm.com or call 888-667-9276 for more information.



National Lacrosse League Stories from April 3, 2014


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