Written and Compiled by Gary Groob
Lax Philly – A Division Of Edge Of Philly Sports Network
2019-2020 Record: 7-5, 2nd place East Division
New Faces:
F Ethan Walker, F Thomas Sample, F Ryan Lanchbury, D Jeff Henrick, T Robert Hudson, G Laine Hruska, G Craig Wende
Key Losses:
F Randy Staats. F Zed Williams, D Connor Sellars, D Alex Crepinsek. D Leo Stuoros, G Kevin Orleman, G Steven Orleman
Outlook:
Although the Swarm took some major hits losing stars like Zed Williams, Randy Staats, and Connor Sellars, the main nucleus is still intact. When you have Lyle and Miles Thompson on your roster you know that scoring will not be an issue for your team. Throw in Shayne Jackson, and Jordan Hall as veteran leadership for the young players, again you know the team is in good hands.
An interesting battle in training camp will be for the backup goalie spot. The number one position is Mike Poulin, there is no question about that. With the deal for Craig Wende from Rochester, one has to believe that he is the number two goalie. What happens to Laine Hruska, Aden Walsh, and Lukas Coote? All young future NLL calibre goalies. One will hold on as the practice squad goalie, but not all of them. Will there be deals? Outright releases? Stay tuned!
Defense and Transition are still quite powerful with Chad Tutton, Joel White, Adam Weideman, Robert Hudson, Jordan MacIntosh, Kason Tarbell, and Ryan MacSpadyen. With a host of rookies to bolster the squad, the Swarm look to be tough and fast on the back end. Mike Poulin’s accuracy with long lead passes will give this group of transition players plenty of opportunities to shine.
To Sum It Up:
The Swarm will have a nice mix of bonafide NLL players, with young, hungry rookies looking to make a mark on the game. This team will be able to play any style that their opponents throw at them on any night.
Georgia has a good stockpile of draft picks for the next few drafts. Replenishing talent with quality draft picks, or trading them for ready made stars will not be a problem, making this a strong unit for many years to come.
Gary Groob has been involved with Lacrosse for the majority of his life, whether playing, coaching, or covering the sport for the media.
An avid fan, with a real drive about helping to “grow the game”, Gary became part of podcasts about the game in 2010. Through the podcasts, Mr. Groob was given an opportunity to write about lacrosse, and the rest as they say, is history.
Through many miles (flying and driving) Gary has made inroads with the National Lacrosse League, Major Series Lacrosse League, the Ontario Lacrosse Association, as well as the Arena Lacrosse League, covering the leagues, their teams, and players, working for, and in concert with all of them.
In the year 2020, Mr. Groob was made the media person for the Arena Lacrosse League, voted onto the board of directors of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club, as well as being made administrator of the Lacrosse page “Global Lacrosse” with a membership of 9000 members in over 90 Countries. Gary was also made an administrator of Lacrosse History Past Present and Future in 2022.
Mr. Groob co-hosts a weekly Lacrosse show on Spanglish Sports World, and ZingoTV channel 250, as well as writes a weekly lacrosse column for La Portada Canada News (both in print, and online).
Gary also hosts a Lacrosse talk show and podcast for The Edge of Philly Sports Network, seen live Sunday nights at 9pm (ET), and archived on the Edge of Philly YouTube page, as well as Spotify.
Mr. Groob’s other sports interests include Hockey, Football, Boxing, Wrestling, and Baseball, competing competitively in Boxing and Wrestling for many years.
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