SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE!! PICK YOUR SEATS NOW!

×
Powered By
MGM Logo
Scores / Schedule
Game Recaps

Second Swarm training camp weekend highlighted by exhibition win

Swarm downed Bandits 17-13 on Saturday night

The second Georgia Swarm training camp weekend is in the books, and the men in blue and yellow punctuated the weekend with a 17-13 win against the Buffalo Bandits at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The Swarm defense showed notable improvements in the exhibition game compared to last Sunday’s loss to the Halifax Thunderbirds, holding the Bandits to just one goal across the second and third quarters. Nine different Swarm players found the back of the net, with Brendan Bomberry leading the way with four goals.

“In our practice sessions, we made some not necessarily adjustments, but just pointed some things out, and guys worked on them. Things like our spacing, our shot selection, and swinging and sharing the ball on offense, and that translated into the game tonight,” Swarm assistant coach Dan Ladouceur said.

Mike Poulin played in net for the first half of the game, settling into a groove after the first few Bandits’ goals and stymieing plenty of multiple possession opportunities for the North division team. The Orleman brothers closed out the back half of the contest, with Kevin Orleman playing for the first 20 minutes and Steven Orleman tasked with the final 10 minutes.

Mike Poulin looks to clear the ball in Friday’s session | Photo Credit: Shane Wilson/Georgia Swarm

K. Orleman and the defense frustrated the Bandits offense all throughout the third, preventing them from finding the back of the net at all in the quarter.

The Swarm opened up the scoring in the contest before trading blows with the Bandits to end the first quarter down 5-4. A 5-1 second quarter and six-goal third quarter blew the game open for the Swarm.

Diversity was the name of the game for the offense as nine different Swarm players recorded a goal. Lyle Thompson, Jordan Hall, Zed Williams, and Miles Thompson all had a pair of goals apiece, but Bomberry was the man of the hour, if not the Swarm star of the two exhibition games.

Against Halifax and Buffalo, the sophomore transition player scored seven goals, including a shorthand goal against the Bandits in the fourth quarter. His early success is welcome following his 2019 NLL All-Rookie Team honors.

Chad Tutton defends Brendan Bomberry during a drill | Photo Credit: Shane Wilson/Georgia Swarm

“It’s huge,” Ladouceur said about the depth Bomberry adds to the Swarm’s right-handed weaponry. “You never know going into a season when you’re going to have to tap into your depth. So, to have that value there and just use him throughout the game to push the ball, stay in transition (is great). Guys can’t really get a real book on him cause he doesn’t play that many sets, so he’s always effective out there.”

Saturday’s game came after two training camp sessions Friday night and Saturday morning. The men were noticeably more comfortable heading into Saturday’s contest, and they closed out the weekend with one last short practice on Sunday morning.

The Swarm will end their three-week training camp in Atlanta from Nov. 22-24. Before their Season Opener against the Rochester Knighthawks at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday, Nov. 30, the coaches plan is to hammer home what made them successful this past weekend.

“It’s just reinforcing principles,” Ladouceur concluded. “(Swarm assistant coach) Sean (Ferris) mentioned it in our postgame – it’s principles. We have to stick with them. Cliché as it sounds, when you go over and over them, it just becomes more natural, and then their creativity starts to come out of that.”

Ed Comeau addresses the team during Friday’s session | Photo Credit: Shane Wilson/Georgia Swarm

The Swarm will hold an open training camp for fans to come watch on Sunday, Nov. 24 at Infinite Energy Arena. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., and after the practice’s conclusion, fans can participate in a post-practice Q&A with Swarm head coach Ed Comeau.

The Swarm will also host a post-practice autograph session with select Swarm players, and the Swarm Shop will be open and stocked with the newest Swarm merchandise.

Fans can RSVP for the event at GeorgiaSwarm.com/TrainingCamp. For fans that RSVP, they will be automatically entered to win a Sting City Membership. Current Sting City Members can pick up their membership packets and season tickets at the open practice, as well.

Parking for the open training camp is free.

The Swarm’s Home Opener against the Philadelphia Wings takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena. Fans can secure their seats to the beginning of the Swarm’s fifth season in Georgia by visiting GeorgiaSwarm.com/Tickets or by calling 844-4-GASWARM.

Georgia Swarm Pro Lacrosse Team