by SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Swarm knocked off the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks in convincing fashion Saturday night by a score of 14-8 at The Blue Cross Arena in preseason action.
In front of a packed house — close to 10,000 fans — the Swarm went on a 5-0 run in the third quarter to take an 11-5 lead, and gain control of the contest. No. 3 overall pick, forward Miles Thompson, scored a game-high four goals in his Swarm debut, and assisted on a few other Swarm scores. Thompson scored two goals in both the second and third quarters to help turn the game in the Swarm’s direction.
“He played like a man today,” head coach Joe Sullivan said. “He created a lot of space for himself and worked with the guys around him. He was a true team player. There was lots of times that he could have thrown the ball at the net a few more times, but he swung it and guys were able to play off of him. That is a great trait to have as a goal scorer.”
After leading the nation with a record-setting 82 goals during his senior season at UAlbany in 2014, Thompson showcased his ability to put the ball in the net on the pro level Saturday evening. The Onondaga, N.Y. native wowed the crowd with his shooting accuracy, and managed to snipe in a few outside goals on Rochester goalie Matt Vinc in the first half.
“(Andrew) Suitor said in the huddle when we first got out there, ‘Change those nerves into good feelings’,” Thompson said. “To be honest, I was a little nervous going out there, but I realized what he was talking about. After my first shift I was a little nervous, but then I started to get the hang of it, and it started clicking after that.”
On the other side of the floor, goalie Brodie MacDonald also made his debut in net for Minnesota, and limited the high-powered Knighthawks offense to four goals in the first half. Third-year goalie Zach Higgins finished the game for the Swarm and likewise was impressive, limiting Rochester to four goals in the second half.
“The win felt good. I really like everyone here so far,” MacDonald said. “It’s a good group of guys, and I’m excited to move forward.”
Sullivan said afterward that he was impressed with the play of both goalies in net, especially considering the Swarm’s opponent.
“Those two guys saw a ton of shots, and good quality ones,” Sullivan said. “Rochester has one of the most dynamic offenses around. They were missing a few guys here and there, but for the most part they generated good shots. Our defense played well, and boxed them out, but our goalies stood up.”
Minnesota utilized its speed all night, and pushed the ball up the floor with a sense of urgency. Reigning NLL Transition Player of the YearJordan MacIntosh scored two goals, and T Kiel Matisz also added two goals in the third quarter. Earlier in the week, Sullivan noted that this year’s team would leverage its youth and speed all season long. After the game, Sullivan said his team “did exactly that” against Rochester.
“They did it with confidence and enthusiasm,” Sullivan said. “I was really happy to see the transition side of the game.”
With a handful of new faces on the roster, the one question mark heading into Saturday’s matchup was how well Minnesota’s unit would gel on the floor. Considering the Swarm only had one practice thus far heading into The Blue Cross Arena, it’s safe to say that Saturday’s end result was a success. Swarm coaches also changed the team’s lineup at halftime to ensure that all players got an opportunity to showcase themselves on the floor.
“The competitive level and nature with these guys being so young really showed today,” Sullivan said. “You then mix them with the veteran players we have who really stepped up and played like we hoped they would, it’s a good sign. If we can continue to do those things, we’re going to build off good things. I don’t expect every game to go this way, but when you can get a bunch of guys coming together this early in the season, and digging in for each other, and starting to bond this quickly, it’s a difference maker.”
While the win certainly was a good way to start the season, Swarm players and coaches alike were quick to point out that it was just the preseason, and that there’s still work to be done.
“It feels pretty good, but I look at it as only preseason,” Thompson said in regards to the win. “It makes me more anxious to play a regular season game when the games actually count.”
Minnesota returns to action Sunday for an 11 a.m. tilt against the Calgary Roughnecks at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre to wrap up the first weekend of camp.
“Calgary, they always bring it hard,” said MacDonald, who is quite familiar with the Roughnecks after playing with the Edmonton Rush over the years. “If we stick to our system and if we can play like we did tonight, with some improvements of course, it should be a good battle.”
The Swarm returns to Oakville, Ontario for their final two weekends of training camp Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21. Minnesota will also scrimmage the Colorado Mammoth on Dec. 13 at the TRAC.
Swarm fans looking to lock up 2015 Season Tickets at Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center can take advantage of a Buy 2, Get 2 at 25% off deal. By purchasing two lower level season tickets at full price, fans can add an additional two tickets at 25% off. Call 1-888-MN-SWARM or visit www.mnswarm.com for purchasing information.
