SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced today that goaltender Nick Patterson has been named Defensive Player of the Week and forward Craig Point has been named Rookie of the Week for Week 3 of the NLL season. Minnesota swept the Toronto Rock in a home-and-home series last weekend and are 2-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Swarm won 17-16 in overtime at Air Canada Centre Jan. 11 and 11-4 at Xcel Energy Center Jan. 12.
Patterson, 25 (12/8/82), backstopped the Swarm to both victories last weekend making 41 saves in Friday's overtime win and holding Toronto to three power play goals in 10 chances. He then stopped 40 of 44 shots faced in Saturday's victory holding the Rock to their lowest goal total in franchise history. The four goals scored by Toronto was one goal shy of tying the NLL record for fewest goals allowed in a regular season game set in 1992 when Detroit beat Pittsburgh 12-3. Patterson leads the NLL with a 9.88 goals against average (GAA) and ranks second with a .802 save percentage.
Point, 21 (1/19/86), led the Swarm in scoring with eight points (2-6=8), collected eight loose balls and won 5 of 10 face-offs in his first career NLL contest Friday and added two points (1-1=2) and two loose balls Saturday. He recorded six power play points (1-5=6) over the weekend.
The Weekly Player Awards are determined by a vote of the General Managers and Head Coaches of the league's 12 member clubs.
Minnesota next game is Jan. 26 at the Rochester Knighthawks and the Swarm's next home game is Feb. 8 against the New York Titans. Swarm single game tickets are on sale now and range from $12 to $32 per game. Season ticket packages start at $80 and lower level 4-game plans start at $44. Call 888-MNSWARM or
info@mnswarm.com for more information.