Swarm signs three players from 2016 Draft Class

Byrnes getting the Swarm back on offense. | Photo Credit: Kyle Hess

Brayden Hill | Photo Credit: Graig Abel

    (DULUTH, Ga.) – The Georgia Swarm today announced that the team has re-signed transitions players Liam Byrnes and Lauchlin Elder to two-year contracts and signed free agent transition player Brayden Hill to a two-year deal.

“We're excited to see so many of our 2016 draft picks come back to challenge for roster spots this year,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “Competition always makes a team better, and these players will have a chance to fill some voids left by personnel changes as well.”

Byrnes, 24, saw action in two games for the Swarm in 2017, recording an assist while collecting six loose balls and causing one turnover. The right-hander spent most of the season on the Swarm’s practice squad. Byrnes was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NLL Draft, No. 44 overall. The Marquette University alum is the school’s all-time leader in ground balls with 218 and caused turnovers with 102.

Georgia drafted Elder, 22, in the third round of the 2016 NLL Draft, No. 22 overall. At the Swarm’s preseason camp last December, the left-hander impressed coaches and players with his effort and pushes in transition. A multi-sport player, Elder was on the Holdout List for the 2017 season due to his hockey commitments.

Elder is currently playing with the Owen Sound North Stars, an Ontario Sr. B Lacrosse League team making a run for the Presidents Cup. He recorded 15 points (12G, 3A) in 14 regular season games and six points (5G, 1A) in three postseason games.

Hill, 21, was drafted by the Swarm in the third round of the 2016 NLL Draft, No. 25 overall. The left-hander was released from the practice squad in March, and the Rochester Knighthawks added him to its practice squad. The Six Nations, Ontario native played for the Six Nations Arrows (Ontario Jr. A Lacrosse League) over the summer, recording three assists in 20 regular season games.

 “We are excited to have these young players back with the Swarm,” head coach Ed Comeau said. “As we know from past experience, success in this league often comes through the draft. We are happy to have all of these 2016 draft picks back to try to earn a spot in 2018.”

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