Original Swarm GM Won't Return in 2012
from press release
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The National Lacrosse
League’s (NLL) Minnesota Swarm today announced general
manager Marty O'Neill will not return to the team after his current
three-year contract concludes in September. O'Neill will be
available to the Swarm for consultation, but effective immediately
he will be residing in Victoria, BC.
"Marty has been an integral part of the Swarm organization since
its inception seven years ago making this is a difficult decision
for both sides,” Swarm owner and governor John Arlotta
said. “The organization is indebted to Marty for what
he has accomplished from the start up of the team in 2005 through
leading the team to five playoff appearances and two home playoff
games during his tenure."
O’Neill was named the first-ever general manager of the Swarm
on September 14, 2004 after serving in the same role for the
Philadelphia Wings from 2001-2004. During his time with the Swarm,
O’Neill was named NLL General Manager of the Year in 2007 and
2008. Prior to joining the Wings front office, he played
eight seasons in the NLL as a goaltender and was recognized as one
off the top goalies in box and indoor lacrosse. O’Neill spent
five years with the Boston Blazers (1993-1997), one season with the
Syracuse Smash (1998) and two years with the Buffalo Bandits
(1999-2000). He was named Boston Blazer team MVP for both the 1994
and 1995 seasons.
"I'd like to thank John Arlotta and Bob Naegele for providing the
chance to manage the Swarm and especially Matt Majka for hiring me
back in 2004,” O’Neill said. “I’ve
thoroughly enjoyed my seven years in Minnesota working with many
wonderful people in the organization. I'm going to stay a little
closer to home and spend more time with my family and work on some
outside projects. I wish the Swarm the best of luck in the
future.”
Arlotta also added, "In addition to many other strengths, Marty was
an incredible judge of talent. What I will remember most about his
skill in this area was what he accomplished prior to the 2010
season when his trades brought the Swarm two young stars in Ryan
Benesch and Callum Crawford. He saw the potential of these
two players when they had not yet played to their full
capabilities.
"My son Andy and I would like to thank Marty not only for his
service to the Swarm, but also for sharing his wealth of knowledge
about lacrosse and the National Lacrosse League with both of
us. We will miss his many contributions and sincerely wish
him well on his future endeavors."
Moving forward, the general manager duties will be split among a
number of coaches and employees of the Minnesota Swarm
organization.
