Minnesota Swarm re-sign four players for 2010 season

The National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Minnesota Swarm have re-signed forward Kevin Buchanan as well as defensemen Josh Funk, Ricky Pages and Andrew Watt to one-year contracts for the 2010 season. General Manager Marty O’Neill also announced the signing of free agent defenseman Jay Winder to a one-year contract.

After a rookie season that led to “NLL All-Rookie Team” honors, Kevin Buchanan will remain a fixture in the Swarm lineup in 2010. Buchanan recorded 45 points (22G, 23A) and collected 58 loose balls in eleven contests last season. He was also named “NLL Rookie of the Week” twice and finished third among rookies in points.

“Kevin is obviously someone who we see having a big role in the future plans of this team,” stated O’Neill. "He really blossomed last year and we are hoping to build on that moving forward.”

On defense, the Swarm will return three young players, Josh Funk, Ricky Pages and 2008 first round draft pick Andrew Watt. Last season, Watt finished with 17 points (6G, 11A) and collected 68 loose balls. He was named “Rookie of the Week” in Week 1 when he recorded an assist and picked up six loose balls in an 11-7 victory over the Portland LumberJax.

“Andrew got a lot of great experience with us last year,” said O’Neill. “We are looking for him to play a bigger role this year and become a cornerstone on our defense for many years to come.”

Funk, was signed as a free agent during the middle of last season and appeared in four games with three goals scored in 2009. Pages, spent last season on the practice squad after the Swarm drafted him in the fourth round (38th overall) in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft.

“Josh showed flashes of brilliance in transition play when he was on the field last season and we feel that he will come into this season with more confidence,” stated O’Neill. “Ricky is coming off a great summer with the Long Island Lizards of the MLL. We are looking at giving him a really good shot to make the 23-man roster this year.”

To round out the signings, the Swarm signed free agent Jay Winder, who appeared in eleven games and collected 38 loose balls for the Toronto Rock in 2008.

“Jay is a transitional left-handed defender who caught my eye in the past. He has good size and athleticism. He will have the opportunity to crack our lineup with a solid camp,” said O’Neill.

Courtesy: Minnesota Swarm