Photo Credit: Micheline Veluvolu
(DULUTH, Ga.) – The Georgia Swarm today announced that it has re-signed forward Jesse King to a one-year contract. The left-handed sniper rejoins an already dangerous and unselfish Swarm offense poised to defend the Champion’s Cup.
"Jesse was an instrumental part of our team during his rookie season in 2016," Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. "We're looking forward to having him back healthy in our lineup this season as he adds another dimension to our left side. He is a natural scorer and an outstanding passer as well, which fits extremely well with our style of play. Despite his injury he came to Atlanta last year to be part of the team, which shows his character and commitment to the Swarm. It's great to have him back."
King missed all of last season due to a season-ending lower body injury he suffered during the 2016 offseason. Even though he was unable to play, King attended all the Swarm’s home games and practices in support of his teammates as they made their successful run for the franchise’s first-ever Champion’s Cup.
“I am extremely excited and honoured,” King said. “I know we have a team that is filled with guys who are hungry for another Champion’s Cup even after winning the first one. I cannot wait to get started again with this group of amazing men. The leadership and dedication that every single one of these guys has is motivation on its own.”
In the 2015 NLL Draft, the Swarm selected the Ohio State University product No. 3 overall as part of the talented rookie crop Arlotta garnered that year. King finished third in scoring on the Swarm with 77 points, second-most among rookies league-wide and 18th-most overall. He also finished second in assists (55) and fourth in goals (22) on the team, plus fifth among rookies in loose balls (83). King posted three or more points in 15 games, which was highlighted by four hat tricks and five games with six-plus points in 17 games played.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward finished second in NLL Rookie of the Year voting, behind teammate Randy Staats. The two were also a part of the 2016 NLL All Rookie team, along with teammates forward Lyle Thompson and defenseman Chad Tutton. King was named NLL Rookie of the Month in February of 2016 after scoring 24 points (8G, 16A) in four games, including a career-high 10 points (4G, 6A) against New England on the last day of the month.
Before his NLL career, King played at Ohio State University, finishing fourth all-time in program history with 208 points and 119 goals. He was a three-time USILA All-American and Tewaaraton Trophy finalist.
King becomes the second person the Swarm has inked following its Champion’s Cup victory. Defenseman Alex Crepinsek was re-signed at the beginning of July to a one-year contract, his sixth year in the NLL and with the Swarm.
This contract is currently pending league approval.
VIDEO: Jesse King Highlights
2018 Swarm Season Tickets are now available! See your World Champion Georgia Swarm in action at The Hive as the team looks to ‘Defend the Cup’ in 2018. Deposits start as low as $50. Call 844-4-GASWARM for more information.
