Photo Credit: Khoi Ton
(Sept. 21, 2016) – This past weekend, the Georgia Swarm continued to strengthen its roster with the acquisition of veteran left-handed forward Jordan Hall and a second-round selection in the 2019 NLL Draft from the New England Black Wolves. The Swarm sent the 8th, 14th and 24th overall selections in this year’s draft and a first-round selection in the 2017 NLL Draft to New England.
Georgia also made two transactions at the goaltender position by re-signing Adam Shute to a one-year contract and releasing Zach Higgins from the active roster.
Hall, 32, has totaled 536 points (185G, 351A) over his nine-year NLL career and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NLL Draft by the New York Titans. In 17 games with New England and Rochester last season, the Delaware University product scored 59 points (22G, 37A) and collected 101 loose balls. Hall joins the Swarm with a plethora of playoff experience as his teams have appeared in the postseason in all but one season during his NLL career.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound lefty has totaled 45 postseason points (10G, 35A) and won a championship with Rochester in 2012 and appeared in the Champion’s Cup with New York in 2009 when he played under Swarm coaches Ed Comeau and Sean Ferris. In 2014, Hall posted a career-high 34 goals to go along with 42 assists and 95 loose balls as a member of the Philadelphia Wings.
“Jordan is a perfect addition to our offense with his experience in the NLL,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “We’ve always admired how Jordan plays the game and he comes highly recommended by members of our coaching staff and players. His character and playoff experience will be welcomed additions in our locker room.”
“Our staff is very excited to have the opportunity to work with Jordan,” Swarm head coach Ed Comeau said. “I was fortunate to work with Jordan with the Titans and with Team Canada field and box. He brings a great skill set along with veteran leadership and character. We believe his integration to our team will be seamless and our players are looking forward to seeing Jordan in a Swarm jersey.”
Shute, 25, was on the Swarm’s practice squad last season after previously spending time with Saskatchewan and Vancouver. The New England College product gained valuable playing experience as the primary goaltender for the WLA’s Victoria Shamrocks this summer.
“We really enjoyed having Adam as a member of our goaltender group last season,” Arlotta said. “He worked hard to improve his game this summer and we’re looking forward to seeing him compete for a roster spot in training camp.”
Higgins, 25, spent four seasons in the Swarm organization and posted a 9-18 record with a 12.47 GAA and .751 SV%. In 2015, the Courtice, Ontario native appeared in a team-high 830 minutes and tallied a career-best five victories, 11.70 GAA and .765 SV%.
The Georgia Swarm opens the 2017 NLL Season at home on Saturday, Jan. 7 against the two-time defending champion Saskatchewan Rush at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena. Fans can take advantage of a special Home Opener Ticket & T-Shirt Package for only $99! Fans will receive (3) Lower-Level Sideline Tickets and (3) Swarm T-Shirts (a 4th Ticket and T-Shirt can be added to the package for only $20!). Call 844-4-GASWARM to purchase your Home Opener package today!
