MINNESOTA SWARM
In: F Kevin Buchanan, F Andrew Watt, D Kevin Fines, D Joe Out: F Andy Secore (drafted), F Keith Cromwell (unsigned), D Ian Rubel (unsigned)Minnesota returns 17 players from their 2008 squad, a team that went 10-6 and had a share of first-place in the East Division. The Swarm used a balanced attack in 2008, and the same is expected in 2009. All-Star Ryan Ward and 2008 Rookie of the Year Craig Point lead the charge, with 20 goal scorers Chad Culp and Sean Pollock returning as well. Back-to-back Defenseman of the Year Ryan Cousins, transition star Ryan Sharp, and pure defender Jon Sullivan are all returning in front of All-Star goalkeeper Nick Patterson. Not much has changed (besides the division, the Swarm will play in the West in 2009) in Minnesota, but the Swarm are hopeful that first-round rookies Kevin Buchanan, Andrew Watt and Joe Cinosky can contribute quickly. Travis Hill is expected to continue to take the majority of faceoffs for the Swarm.
