The Georgia Swarm today announced that it has re-signed its three captains to multi-year contracts. Team captain Jordan MacIntosh is returning on a four-year deal, assistant captain Shayne Jackson signed a three-year deal and assistant captain Jason Noble inked a two-year contract.
“We are extremely excited to re-sign our entire leadership team to multi-year contracts,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “The leadership shown by all three of these players has been a major reason for our success over the last two years, including winning the NLL Championship in 2017.”
“As core members of our leadership, all three of these players lead on and off the floor,” Swarm head coach Ed Comeau said. “Their work ethic and commitment to the team are big reasons for the success of the Swarm. We will continue to look for leadership and key contributions from our captains in 2018-19.”
All three players were drafted by and have spent their entire NLL careers with the Swarm. The 2018-19 season will mark their sixth year playing together.
MacIntosh, 29, was selected No. 4 overall in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft after graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology.
“Mac was the cornerstone of our roster rebuild when I drafted him with our first pick in the 2011 Entry Draft,” Arlotta said. “After an in-depth interview process and multiple reference checks, it became obvious that Jordan was the person I wanted to build the franchise around. Over the years, I have seen him grow into the undisputed leader of our team while at the same time winning multiple league awards. Jordan’s four-year contract ensures we will have the benefit of his talent and leadership as we continue to pursue championships for our organization and the fans of Georgia.”
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, MacIntosh led the Swarm in 2017 to win its first-ever NLL World Championship with a convincing postseason sweep. He was named the NLL Transition Player of the Year and made the NLL All-Pro First Team in 2013 and 2014. Prior to that, MacIntosh made the 2012 NLL All-Rookie Team.
“Jordan has grown into one of the best young captains I have worked with,” Comeau said. “His leadership of our team is a combination of what he says, what he does and how he performs. He is a player that others want to follow and is a great role model for our young players who will one day evolve into leadership roles. Jordan epitomizes what we envision about a Swarm Captain.”
In 119 regular season games over seven seasons, the right-hander has posted 305 points (126G, 179A), 1,173 loose balls, 149 caused turnovers, and won 1,393 faceoffs.
“I’m honored and excited to be back with the Swarm for another four years,” MacIntosh said. “I love our team, coaching staff and the organization. It really is a perfect fit for me. Now it’s time to get back to work and start the journey for our next championship.”
Jackson, 28, was selected No. 4 overall in the 2012 NLL Entry Draft after graduating from Limestone College.
“We are excited to have Shayne Jackson, another one of our captains, signed to a long-term contract,” Arlotta said. “Shayne has been a huge part of our success in Georgia both on and off the floor while representing the Swarm in the Atlanta community. He has been one of the most consistent offensive performers in the NLL over the last three years, and amazingly, he has never missed a game since putting on a Swarm uniform six years ago. He is an unselfish player who makes everyone around him better, and it is great to have him back as a leader of our offense.”
Jackson is a steady offensive weapon for the Swarm, posting four-straight seasons of 75 points or more and 30-plus goals. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Jackson led the Swarm in assists in 2017-18 with 52. The Bowmanville, Ontario was named to the 2017 NLL All-Pro Second Team and the 2013 NLL All-Rookie Team.
“Shayne leads by example and by how hard he plays, but more importantly how hard he practices,” Comeau said. “He plays much bigger than his frame and is willing to do whatever it takes for success. As a leader of our offensive group, he celebrates all the little things that makes the team better. He is a great example of leadership through his actions.”
Jackson has not missed an NLL game in his entire career. Through his 106 career regular season games, the left-hander has 444 points (184G, 260A), 412 loose balls, and 13 caused turnovers.
“I’m extremely happy to be staying in Georgia for the next three seasons,” Jackson said. “We’ve all been playing together for a long time, and our room really feels like a family, so it’s nice to know we will be together for a few more years. I believe with the group we have, coaches and players, we can be in the mix for a championship every year. It’s all about putting in the work as a group now and starting the season off on the right foot.”
Noble, 27, was selected No. 2 overall in the 2013 NLL Entry Draft after graduating from Cornell University.
“Jason is the leader of our defense,” Arlotta said. “He is one of the toughest and smartest defenders in the league and has won multiple league awards, including the 2017 NLL Defensive Player of the Year. He is a shutdown defender who regularly draws the assignment of stopping the other team’s top scorer. He had the reputation coming out of Cornell University of being an outstanding leader, and he has certainly proven that with the Swarm. We’re excited to have him back leading the Swarm defense.”
A native of Orangeville, Ontario, Noble has been one of the Swarm’s most dependable players on the defense. He helped lead the Swarm defense in the second half of the 2017-18 season post a 10.22 GA/GAME. In addition to being named the 2017 NLL Defensive Player of the Year, Noble was named to the 2017 NLL All-Pro First Team.
“What Jason lacks in size he makes up with his extreme work ethic on and off the floor,” Comeau said. “He leads by example, plays much bigger than his size and does whatever the team asks and is needed. His leadership has really assisted in the development of our entire defense, especially the young players over the last couple of years.”
Listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Noble has played in 89 regular season games for the Swarm. During that time, the lefty has recorded 21 points (3G, 18A), 308 loose balls, and 69 caused turnovers.
“I’m excited to be back with the Swarm for two more years,” Noble said. “We have a great group of core players and some new additions that should help us fight for another championship.”
All deals are pending league approval.
Georgia opens its 2018-19 season against the New England Black Wolves on Saturday, Dec. 15. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. The Swarm will be celebrating Star Wars Night presented by Peachtree Orthopedics, and players will wear special Star Wars themed jerseys and shorts.
Following the game, fans will have the opportunity to bid on game-used, autographed Star Wars uniforms. Select proceeds from the uniform auction will benefit the Rally Foundation.
Early-arriving fans will receive light-up Bamstix and have the opportunity to mingle with several dozen Star Wars characters in the 501st Legion, Georgia Garrison throughout the game. Tickets start at just $25, and fans can purchase tickets by visiting GeorgiaSwarm.com/StarWars or calling 844-4-GASWARM.
