The Georgia Swarm today announced that it has re-signed defensemen Alex Crepinsek and John Ranagan each to two-year contracts. The signings lock up two stable fixtures of the Swarm’s defense through the 2019-20 season.
“It’s great to have these two players back on our defense for the next two years,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “They have both been a big part of our defensive success over the last two years, including our World Championship in 2017.”
Crepinsek and Ranagan both played in all 18 regular season games and one postseason contest in the Swarm’s 2017-18 season.
The tandem were integral parts of the Swarm’s defense turning in a strong season in 2017-18. In the second half of the season, the Swarm’s defense averaged 10.22 GA/GAME. Its stellar second half lowered the season GA/GAME to 11.94, close to the World Championship-winning defense in 2017 which posted a season 11.83 GA/GAME.
“Crep and Ranny are not only impact players on the field, but they are also great teammates who bring consistency and hard work to the Swarm culture,” Arlotta added.
“Alex and John are both important parts to our defense and team,” Swarm head coach Ed Comeau said. “Alex plays steady D and makes huge contributions on our faceoff team. John also is a big part of our faceoff team and helps our transition game by playing big defense and running the floor.”
The 2017-18 season was the sixth season in the NLL for Crepinsek. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, the 29-year-old notched seven points (2G, 5A), collected a career-high 88 loose balls, and caused 10 turnovers. The Rochester Institute of Technology alum matched a career-low in penalty minutes with only four PIM.
Crepinsek running for the loose ball | Photo Credit: Kyle Hess
Over 104 career regular season games, the right-hander has 50 points (13G, 37A), 441 loose balls, and 82 caused turnovers. In eight career postseason contests, he has an assist, 26 loose balls, and two caused turnovers.
“I was excited to get back and get another offer from the Swarm for the next couple of years,” Crepinsek said. “It was an easy decision to come back and play with the Swarm again. We’ve had something good going for the last little while. I think everyone just wants to get back and build on where we were last year and try and get back to where we were two years ago.”
Ranagan, 27, finished the 2017-18 season with seven points (3G, 4A). The Johns Hopkins University alum collected 55 loose balls and caused 12 turnovers.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, the left-hander has 70 career regular season games under his belt, has recorded 35 points (15G, 20A), collected 253 loose balls, and caused 45 turnovers. In seven career postseason games, Ranagan has an assist, 20 loose balls, and four caused turnovers.
“I’m very excited to sign on for another two years with the Swarm,” Ranagan said. “The biggest factors contributing to my decision to sign back with the Swarm were the men in the locker room and the coaching staff. I’ve learned so much from Eddie, Sean, Laddy, and my teammates the past two years, and I look forward to continuing to improve my indoor game.”
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