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Undefeated Minnesota Swarm Hosts Pair of Games This Weekend

February 6, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - One quarter into its 2008 season, the Minnesota Swarm is in mint condition. At 4-0 overall, Minnesota is one of three National Lacrosse League (NLL) franchises that currently sports a perfect record. The Philadelphia Wings at 3-0 join the Swarm as the two remaining unbeaten clubs in the East Division while the Colorado Mammoth paces the West Division at 4-0.

This weekend, Minnesota will make the second and third appearances of the season at Xcel Energy Center, almost four weeks after derailing the Toronto Rock 11-4 in St. Paul. The Swarm hosts the New York Titans on Friday at 7 PM before colliding Sunday with the Portland LumberJax at 3 PM. Minnesota is 2-0 (1-0 at home) all-time against the East Division Titans and 2-1 (0-1 at home) in three previous meetings with the West Division LumberJax.

Opportunistic play has the Swarm among the league leaders in offensive production, averaging 15 goals per game. With 22 points each, forwards Andy Secore and Ryan Ward lead the Swarm in points. Ward tied a team record -- and his own personal best -- with five goals in the 17-16 season-opening overtime win over the Rock Jan. 11 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ont. Secore matched his career high for points in a season after collecting five points (3-2=5) in the 14-12 road victory over the San Jose Stealth this past Saturday. Those two are the only ones putting up some big numbers, though.

If the first four games of the season is any indication of things to come, then rookie forward Craig Point will fit in just fine with the Swarm. The NLL has taken notice too. It was announced on Wednesday that Point has been selected as the league's Rookie of the Week for the second time this season in recognition of his seven-point performance (2-5=7) at San Jose.

Defensively, Ryan Cousins is up to his usual tricks -- clogging up the defensive zone with speed and staying tuned in on offense -- which are a few of the reasons why he was named NLL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. Cousins and Ryan Sharp each have six points (5-1=6) to lead Swarm defenseman. In net, goalie Nick Patterson has started every contest this season with an 11.88 GAA and .770 save percentage.

Friday night is Date Night so bring your sweetie! The first 5,00 fans will receive a Swarm chapstick and halftime entertainment will feature a couples dance contest. Sunday is Minnesota Lacrosse Association Day. The first 10,000 fans 18-and-under will receive a Swarm Rally Rag. Fans will have the opportunity to play Radio Disney games on the concourse and get your face painted for free. Swarm single game tickets are on sale now and range from $12 to $32 per game. Call 888-MNSWARM or info@mnswarm.com for more information.



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 6, 2008


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