Minnesota Swarm
Encyclopedia
Minnesota Swarm is a box lacrosse
team in the National Lacrosse League
. The team plays on Treasure Island Field at Xcel Energy Center
in Saint Paul, Minnesota
.
The team's previous owners (Minnesota Sports & Entertainment) who also own the NHL
's Minnesota Wild
purchased the rights to the inactive Montreal Express
team on August 10, 2004. The name Swarm was selected over Thrill, Rush and Bullheads on October 25, 2004.
On July 16, 2008, John J. Arlotta and his son Andy Arlotta were officially announced as the team's new owners.
. The team drew over 14,000 fans — a record for an NLL preseason game, though most of the tickets were free. The Swarm's first regular season game was in Rochester
against the Knighthawks on January 1, 2005, in which the Swarm won 12-11. Craig Conn
scored the first goal in franchise history. Their first home regular season game was January 21, 2005 against the Buffalo Bandits
. The coach of the team for the first season was Mike Simpson and the general manager was Marty O'Neill
.
Forward Craig Conn and defenseman Ryan Cousins
were named reserves for the East Division All-Star Team at the 2005 NLL All Star Game
. Ryder Bateman
ranked tied for second among NLL rookies in goals and third in scoring. The team finished the season with a 5-11 record. In August 2005, Adam Mueller was named as the head coach of the team.
The Swarm made the NLL playoffs after the 2006 season
with an 8-8 record. In July 2006 Adam Mueller resigned as coach and was replaced on August 1 by Duane Jacobs. In 2007
the Swarm improved to a 9-7 record, again making the playoffs. General Manager Marty O'Neill
was named NLL GM of the Year
. Nate Lowery has been a high valued prospect attackmen that the Swarm have really been after. However, he has declined their offer to go pro and is going to Hood College to up his draft status.
In Week 7 of the 2008 NLL season
, the Swarm established a league record by running up a 12-0 lead before the New York Titans broke their scoreless streak in the third quarter of the contest. For the third year in a row, the Swarm improved their record over the previous season, finishing with a 10-6 record. They lost to the New York Titans in the division semi-finals, but GM Marty O'Neill was once again named NLL GM of the Year, becoming the only multiple winner of this award.
Minnesota finished the 2009 season with a 6-10 record. The team failed to make it to the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. Kevin Buchanan led all Swarm rookies in goals (22), assists (23) and points (45). He received NLL Rookie of the Week honors twice and was named to the All-Rookie Team. After serving as an assistant coach from 2008-09, Mike Lines
was named as head coach of the Swarm in August of 2009.
The Swarm finished the 2010 season with a 5-11 record, and advanced to the postseason were it fell 14-10 to the eventual NLL Champion Washington Stealth in the first round of the playoffs. During the 2010 season, Minnesota had three of the league’s Top 10 scorers in Callum Crawford
, Aaron Wilson
, and Ryan Benesch
. Callum Crawford
also set two Swarm records by tallying 96 points and 64 assists during the season.
Improving to an 8-8 record in the 2011 season, the Swarm advanced to the playoffs and was defeated 14-8 by the Washington Stealth for the second consecutive year in the first round of the playoffs. Ryan Benesch
led the league as the Top Scorer with 95 points and also led the league with 46 goals, setting a new Swarm record. Representing the Swarm in the Western Division All-Star game, Ryan Benesch
and Nick Patterson
were selected as starters for the team and Callum Crawford
and Andrew Watt were named as reserves.
signed a one-game contract to play for the Swarm. Commercials were aired on NBC showing Perkins at a news conference taunting the Chicago Shamrox. He did end up getting 8 seconds of playing time in the 11-10 loss. In 2008, The Swarm announced that they would be retiring Perkins' number 66.
Box lacrosse
Box lacrosse, also known as indoor lacrosse and sometimes shortened to boxla, LAX or simply box, is an indoor version of lacrosse played mostly in North America. The game originated in Canada, where it is the most popular version of the game played in contrast to the traditional field lacrosse game...
team in the National Lacrosse League
National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League is a men's professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. It currently has nine teams; three in Canada and six in the United States. Unlike other lacrosse leagues which play in the summer, the NLL plays its games in the winter and spring. Each year, the playoff...
. The team plays on Treasure Island Field at Xcel Energy Center
Xcel Energy Center
The Xcel Energy Center is a multi-purpose arena located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is named for its locally-based corporate sponsor Xcel Energy. With an official capacity of 18,064, the arena has four spectator levels: one suite level and three general seating levels. The arena is owned by the...
in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul is the capital and second-most populous city of the U.S. state of Minnesota. The city lies mostly on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the area surrounding its point of confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Minneapolis, the state's largest city...
.
The team's previous owners (Minnesota Sports & Entertainment) who also own the NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
's Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
purchased the rights to the inactive Montreal Express
Montreal Express
The Montreal Express was a member of the National Lacrosse League during the 2002 season. They played at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. They were inactive during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The team remained inactive and the franchise was returned to the NLL after the 2004 season...
team on August 10, 2004. The name Swarm was selected over Thrill, Rush and Bullheads on October 25, 2004.
On July 16, 2008, John J. Arlotta and his son Andy Arlotta were officially announced as the team's new owners.
History
The Minnesota Swarm played their first exhibition game on December 10, 2004 against the Colorado MammothColorado Mammoth
The Colorado Mammoth are a member of the National Lacrosse League. They have played at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, United States, since the 2003 season....
. The team drew over 14,000 fans — a record for an NLL preseason game, though most of the tickets were free. The Swarm's first regular season game was in Rochester
Rochester Knighthawks
The Rochester Knighthawks are a professional lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. They play in Rochester, New York at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. The Knighthawks were previously members of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1995 to 1997...
against the Knighthawks on January 1, 2005, in which the Swarm won 12-11. Craig Conn
Craig Conn
Craig Conn is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Washington Stealth in the National Lacrosse League.-High school career:...
scored the first goal in franchise history. Their first home regular season game was January 21, 2005 against the Buffalo Bandits
Buffalo Bandits
The Buffalo Bandits are a team in the National Lacrosse League . They play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The Bandits played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1992 to 1997, until the MILL turned into the NLL in 1998....
. The coach of the team for the first season was Mike Simpson and the general manager was Marty O'Neill
Marty O'Neill
Marty O'Neill, born June 6, 1964 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a former lacrosse player and current general manager of the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League . O'Neill, a goaltender, first joined the Pittsburgh Bulls of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1991, but did not play...
.
Forward Craig Conn and defenseman Ryan Cousins
Ryan Cousins
Ryan Cousins is a lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League. He was selected to play in the National Lacrosse League All-Star Game in both 2004 and 2005 Cousins plays for the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA in the offseason.Cousins was awarded the National...
were named reserves for the East Division All-Star Team at the 2005 NLL All Star Game
National Lacrosse League All-Star Game
National Lacrosse League All Star Game is a lacrosse game played each year between two teams representing the two divisions of the National Lacrosse League .-1991 :...
. Ryder Bateman
Ryder Bateman
Ryder Bateman is a professional lacrosse player. He plays for the Portland LumberJax of the National Lacrosse League and the Victoria Shamrocks of the Western Lacrosse Association . In 2005 Bateman made his debut in the NLL, playing for the Minnesota Swarm...
ranked tied for second among NLL rookies in goals and third in scoring. The team finished the season with a 5-11 record. In August 2005, Adam Mueller was named as the head coach of the team.
The Swarm made the NLL playoffs after the 2006 season
2006 NLL season
-All-Star game:The 2006 All-Star Game was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on February 25, 2006. The West Division defeated the East Division 14-13. The MVP of the game was Lewis Ratcliff of the Calgary Roughnecks, who scored 4 goals, including the game winner...
with an 8-8 record. In July 2006 Adam Mueller resigned as coach and was replaced on August 1 by Duane Jacobs. In 2007
2007 NLL season
The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:...
the Swarm improved to a 9-7 record, again making the playoffs. General Manager Marty O'Neill
Marty O'Neill
Marty O'Neill, born June 6, 1964 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a former lacrosse player and current general manager of the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League . O'Neill, a goaltender, first joined the Pittsburgh Bulls of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1991, but did not play...
was named NLL GM of the Year
National Lacrosse League GM of the Year Award
The General Manager of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League general manager who has done the best job of ensuring his team's success.-Past winners:...
. Nate Lowery has been a high valued prospect attackmen that the Swarm have really been after. However, he has declined their offer to go pro and is going to Hood College to up his draft status.
In Week 7 of the 2008 NLL season
2008 NLL season
The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008....
, the Swarm established a league record by running up a 12-0 lead before the New York Titans broke their scoreless streak in the third quarter of the contest. For the third year in a row, the Swarm improved their record over the previous season, finishing with a 10-6 record. They lost to the New York Titans in the division semi-finals, but GM Marty O'Neill was once again named NLL GM of the Year, becoming the only multiple winner of this award.
Minnesota finished the 2009 season with a 6-10 record. The team failed to make it to the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. Kevin Buchanan led all Swarm rookies in goals (22), assists (23) and points (45). He received NLL Rookie of the Week honors twice and was named to the All-Rookie Team. After serving as an assistant coach from 2008-09, Mike Lines
Mike Lines
Mike Lines is the current head coach of the National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm.-2010:Despite leading the Swarm to a 5-11 record during the 2010 regular season, it was good enough to earn the fourth playoff spot in the Western Division...
was named as head coach of the Swarm in August of 2009.
The Swarm finished the 2010 season with a 5-11 record, and advanced to the postseason were it fell 14-10 to the eventual NLL Champion Washington Stealth in the first round of the playoffs. During the 2010 season, Minnesota had three of the league’s Top 10 scorers in Callum Crawford
Callum Crawford
Callum Crawford is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. He has played for the Edmonton Rush, Calgary Roughnecks, San Jose Stealth, and the Chicago Shamrox during his career.-NLL:...
, Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson is a lacrosse player for the Edmonton Rush in the National Lacrosse League.Wilson began his career with the Toronto Rock. After six seasons with the Rock, including a Championship in 2005, Wilson was traded to the Rochester Knighthawks...
, and Ryan Benesch
Ryan Benesch
Ryan Benesch is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League...
. Callum Crawford
Callum Crawford
Callum Crawford is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. He has played for the Edmonton Rush, Calgary Roughnecks, San Jose Stealth, and the Chicago Shamrox during his career.-NLL:...
also set two Swarm records by tallying 96 points and 64 assists during the season.
Improving to an 8-8 record in the 2011 season, the Swarm advanced to the playoffs and was defeated 14-8 by the Washington Stealth for the second consecutive year in the first round of the playoffs. Ryan Benesch
Ryan Benesch
Ryan Benesch is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League...
led the league as the Top Scorer with 95 points and also led the league with 46 goals, setting a new Swarm record. Representing the Swarm in the Western Division All-Star game, Ryan Benesch
Ryan Benesch
Ryan Benesch is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League...
and Nick Patterson
Nick Patterson
Nick Patterson is a goaltender for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. Patterson has won the Defensive Player of the Week award four times, and was named to the second All-Pro team in both 2006 and 2007.-NLL:-References:...
were selected as starters for the team and Callum Crawford
Callum Crawford
Callum Crawford is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. He has played for the Edmonton Rush, Calgary Roughnecks, San Jose Stealth, and the Chicago Shamrox during his career.-NLL:...
and Andrew Watt were named as reserves.
Awards & honors
| Year | Player | Award |
| 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... |
Ryan Benesch Ryan Benesch Ryan Benesch is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League... |
NLL Scoring Title |
| 2009 2009 NLL season -Pre-season:* August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota Swarm would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven.... |
John J. Arlotta | Executive of the Year National Lacrosse League Executive of the Year Award The Executive of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League executive who is chosen as having the most positive impact on his or her team.-Past winners:... |
| 2008 2008 NLL season The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008.... |
Marty O'Neill Marty O'Neill Marty O'Neill, born June 6, 1964 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a former lacrosse player and current general manager of the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League . O'Neill, a goaltender, first joined the Pittsburgh Bulls of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1991, but did not play... |
GM of the Year National Lacrosse League GM of the Year Award The General Manager of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League general manager who has done the best job of ensuring his team's success.-Past winners:... |
| Tom Garrity | Executive of the Year National Lacrosse League Executive of the Year Award The Executive of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League executive who is chosen as having the most positive impact on his or her team.-Past winners:... |
|
| Ryan Cousins Ryan Cousins Ryan Cousins is a lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League. He was selected to play in the National Lacrosse League All-Star Game in both 2004 and 2005 Cousins plays for the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA in the offseason.Cousins was awarded the National... |
Defensive Player of the Year | |
| Craig Point Craig Point Craig Point , is an Iroquois lacrosse player who currently plays for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League... |
Rookie of the Year | |
| 2007 2007 NLL season The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:... |
Marty O'Neill Marty O'Neill Marty O'Neill, born June 6, 1964 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a former lacrosse player and current general manager of the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League . O'Neill, a goaltender, first joined the Pittsburgh Bulls of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1991, but did not play... |
GM of the Year National Lacrosse League GM of the Year Award The General Manager of the Year Award is given annually to the National Lacrosse League general manager who has done the best job of ensuring his team's success.-Past winners:... |
| Ryan Cousins Ryan Cousins Ryan Cousins is a lacrosse player for the Rochester Knighthawks in the National Lacrosse League. He was selected to play in the National Lacrosse League All-Star Game in both 2004 and 2005 Cousins plays for the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA in the offseason.Cousins was awarded the National... |
Defensive Player of the Year |
All time Record
| Season | Division | W-L | Finish | Home | Road | GF | GA | Coach | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 2005 NLL season The 2005 National Lacrosse League season began on January 1, 2005 and concluded with the championship game on May 14. The Toronto Rock won their fifth NLL championship, defeating the Arizona Sting 19-13 in Toronto.... |
Eastern | 5-11 | 5th | 2-6 | 3-5 | 188 | 231 | Mike Simpson | Missed playoffs |
| 2006 2006 NLL season -All-Star game:The 2006 All-Star Game was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on February 25, 2006. The West Division defeated the East Division 14-13. The MVP of the game was Lewis Ratcliff of the Calgary Roughnecks, who scored 4 goals, including the game winner... |
Eastern | 8-8 | 4th | 3-5 | 5-3 | 158 | 171 | Adam Mueller | Lost in division semifinals |
| 2007 2007 NLL season The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:... |
Eastern | 9-7 | 3rd | 4-4 | 5-3 | 200 | 207 | Duane Jacobs | Lost in division semifinals |
| 2008 2008 NLL season The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008.... |
Eastern | 10-6 | 1st | 6-2 | 4-4 | 199 | 176 | Duane Jacobs | Lost in division semifinals |
| 2009 2009 NLL season -Pre-season:* August 19, 2008: The NLL announced that the Minnesota Swarm would be moving from the East division to the West division, giving the West six teams to the East's seven.... |
Western | 6-10 | 5th | 2-6 | 4-4 | 174 | 198 | Duane Jacobs | Missed playoffs |
| 2010 2010 NLL season The 2010 National Lacrosse League season, the 24th in the history of the NLL, began on January 8, 2010 and ended with the Championship game on May 15.-Team movement:... |
Western | 5-11 | 4th | 3-5 | 2-6 | 189 | 201 | Mike Lines | Lost in division semifinals |
| 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... |
Western | 8-8 | 2nd | 5-3 | 3-5 | 187 | 180 | Mike Lines | Lost in division semifinals |
| Total | 7 seasons | 51-59 | 25-31 | 26-30 | 1,295 | 1,364 | |||
| Playoff Totals | 0-5 | 0-2 | 0-3 | 44 | 64 |
Playoff Results
| Season | Game | Visiting | Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 2006 NLL season -All-Star game:The 2006 All-Star Game was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on February 25, 2006. The West Division defeated the East Division 14-13. The MVP of the game was Lewis Ratcliff of the Calgary Roughnecks, who scored 4 goals, including the game winner... |
Division Semifinal | Minnesota 10 | Buffalo 11 |
| 2007 2007 NLL season The Knighthawks had the overall top seed in the playoffs, but were unable to host the Championship game due to a scheduling conflict at the Blue Cross Arena.-Team Movement:... |
Division Semifinal | Minnesota 8 | Buffalo 14 |
| 2008 2008 NLL season The 2008 National Lacrosse League season, the 22nd in the history of the NLL, began on December 29, 2007 and concluded with the Buffalo Bandits winning the championship game over the Portland LumberJax on May 17, 2008.... |
Division Semifinal | New York 11 | Minnesota 8 |
| 2010 2010 NLL season The 2010 National Lacrosse League season, the 24th in the history of the NLL, began on January 8, 2010 and ended with the Championship game on May 15.-Team movement:... |
Division Semifinal | Minnesota 10 | Washington 14 |
| 2011 2011 NLL season The 2011 National Lacrosse League season, the 25th in the history of the NLL, began January 8, 2011 and ended with the Championship game, won by the Toronto Rock 8-7.-Team movement:... |
Division Semifinal | Washington 14 | Minnesota 8 |
Team Records
Single Season| Category | Player | Count | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | Ryan Benesch Ryan Benesch Ryan Benesch is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League... |
46 | 2011 |
| Assists | Callum Crawford Callum Crawford Callum Crawford is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. He has played for the Edmonton Rush, Calgary Roughnecks, San Jose Stealth, and the Chicago Shamrox during his career.-NLL:... |
64 | 2010 |
| Points | Callum Crawford Callum Crawford Callum Crawford is a Canadian lacrosse player who plays for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. He has played for the Edmonton Rush, Calgary Roughnecks, San Jose Stealth, and the Chicago Shamrox during his career.-NLL:... |
96 | 2010 |
| PIM | Travis Hill | 86 | 2008 |
| Loose Balls | Jay Thorimbert | 152 | 2010 |
| Saves | Nick Patterson Nick Patterson Nick Patterson is a goaltender for the Minnesota Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. Patterson has won the Defensive Player of the Week award four times, and was named to the second All-Pro team in both 2006 and 2007.-NLL:-References:... |
598 | 2008 |
Publicity
As a promotional stunt for the 2007 season opener, local sports newscaster Eric PerkinsKARE
KARE, digital channel 11, is an NBC-affiliated television station licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and serving the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota and portions of western Wisconsin. It also operates KARE WX NOW, formerly known as NBC Weather Plus on its second digital subchannel...
signed a one-game contract to play for the Swarm. Commercials were aired on NBC showing Perkins at a news conference taunting the Chicago Shamrox. He did end up getting 8 seconds of playing time in the 11-10 loss. In 2008, The Swarm announced that they would be retiring Perkins' number 66.