“I was just hoping that the Minnesota Swarm would take me as one of there draft picks.” says Kiel Matisz, one of the newest members of the Minnesota Swarm. Matisz was selected as the third overall pick, the second pick from Minnesota, on Monday night at the NLL draft in Toronto.
“They are such a great organization from the players, to the coaches and to the front office.” Matisz continued. “I had many pre-draft conversations with Minnesota and I know they are a professional organization that cares to see there lacrosse players success on and off the floor. I am truly honoured to be a member of this team and I can wait to get into this big family.”
Matisz is a member of the MSL’s Brooklin Redmen and he played his college lacrosse with Robert Morris University. He says he tried to stay even keeled before draft night.
“I tried to not have any expectations going into the draft! I was very surprised that once the draft started my heart started racing, pounding in my chest- I have never felt anything like that before! Let’s just say I am laid back, calm guy on the floor playing the game I love, so I was not expecting to be so anxious.”
Matisz is thrilled to join a Swarm organization with such a focus on young players, and a focus on winning. “Many of the current Swarm players have welcomed me with open arms and I am just as excited to join the family. It helps that I know many of the guys on the team (MacIntosh, Suitor, Kirk, Tao, Smith, Ball, Gilbert) or played against them growing up, so they have all been very supportive. Many formalities have been sent out since the draft and I just can’t wait to get to training camp and compete.
“I am happy to be apart of such a great organization. I hope that I can help contribute to the team in any way in order to win the Champions Cup. Along the way, I hope to help out and be involved in Minnesota lacrosse and community.”
