Swarm's Ryan Cousins Named Edge NLL Defensive Player of the Year

Published on May 12, 2008 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced today that Minnesota Swarm defenseman Ryan Cousins has been named the Edge NLL Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

"Much of the Swarm's success over the last four years is due to the leadership and effort Ryan has supplied," said Minnesota Swarm General Manager Marty O'Neill. "The Award is a credit to his dedication to the sport and our team."

"This is a huge honor to receive the Edge Defensive Player of the Year Award," said Cousins. "There are so many talented players in the NLL that could have been selected for this award, it is amazing to be put in that group of players. I want to thank all of my teammates who make it much easier for me and enable me to play my game at the highest level."

Cousins, 27 (4/1/81), who has served as the Swarm's team captain the last four years, helped lead Minnesota to a franchise best 10-6 record, a second place finish in the East Division this season and the club's first-ever home playoff game. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman collected 14 points (9-5=14), 36 penalty minutes (PIM) and 87 loose balls while appearing in all 16 games in 2008. He tied his career-high for goals in a season and notched a pair of overtime goals, the first two game-winning markers of his career. The Toronto, Ontario-native has represented the Swarm in the last four NLL All-Star Games and was named a starter in this year's contest. Cousins was named the NLL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and a First Team All-Pro after recording a career-high 23 points (9-14=23) and 108 loose balls in 16 matches.

He has tallied 54 points (25-29=54) and 308 loose balls in 62 games during four seasons with the Swarm, helping lead the team to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. He was acquired by Minnesota with Chad Culp from Arizona in exchange for Brock Robertson and the Swarm's first round pick in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft on Nov. 5, 2004.

The award winners are chosen by a vote of the leagues coaches, general managers, and executives. Voting for the awards took place following the conclusion of the regular season and prior to the start of the playoffs. Previous winners of the Edge Defensive Player of the Year Award include: Cousins (2007), Brodie Merrill (2006), Andrew Turner (2005), Cam Woods/Taylor Wray (co-winners 2004) and Jim Moss (2003).

The National Lacrosse League will continue to announce the winners of the league awards for the 2008 season through May 15. The announcements continue on Tuesday with the Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team. The announcements will continue this week, leading up to the announcement of the Most Valuable Player for the 2008 NLL season on Thursday, May 15. The MVP announcement comes just prior to the 2008 Edge NLL Championship Game on Saturday, May 17, as the Buffalo Bandits host the Portland LumberJax at 6:30 p.m. Central at HSBC Arena.

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

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