ATLANTA (July 16, 2019) – The National Lacrosse League (NLL) bestowed Swarm forward Lyle Thompson with the 2018-19 Sportsmanship Award. Thompson earned the Sportsmanship Award in back-to-back seasons, and the Swarm have had a player win the award in each of the last three seasons (Jordan Hall in 2017).
“Looking at this award, I like to think it’s an example of my teachings, the way my father taught me to play the game and the way my culture instilled the teachings of the game and respecting yourself, your opponent, and the game and everything that comes with it on and off the floor,” Thompson said. “This award has been a result of that. It’s definitely something special, and I hope that kids can look at it, and they’re able to see the way I play and all the good that comes with it.”
Once again, Thompson led the Swarm in points (105), goals (43) and assists (62). He finished second on the team in loose balls with 94 and tied for second in caused turnovers with 16. His season 19.55 S% is a new career-high for the youngest Thompson brother.
In the Swarm’s lone postseason game this season, Thompson finished with seven points (3G, 4A), seven loose balls, and a caused turnover.
The University at Albany product’s work with fellow forward Randy Staats on the right side during the 2018-19 season resulted in one of the most dangerous offensive tandems in the NLL. The productive pair put up a collective 201 points (80G, 121A).
Thompson surpassed the 300-points threshold after a seven-point (2G, 5A) night against the Saskatchewan Rush on Jan. 26. He reached the career milestone in just 61 games.
“Lyle perfectly embodies playing the sport of lacrosse the right way,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “As incredible as he is on the floor during a game, Lyle is an even better ambassador for lacrosse and role model for future generations. Kids who will grow up watching him play will learn how to conduct themselves properly during a game, treating their teammates, referees, and opponents with the utmost respect and playing their best at all times.”
Thompson has played in every Swarm game since being drafted first overall by the Swarm in 2015. In 72 regular season games, Thompson has 367 points (161G, 206A), 424 loose balls, 65 caused turnovers and a career 18.96 S%. Across seven postseason contests, the Six Nations, N.Y. native has 37 points (14G, 23A), 45 loose balls, and seven caused turnovers.
The youngest Thompson brother joins some prestigious company as a back-to-back winner of the Sportsmanship Award. Gary Gait (2005-2006 with the Colorado Mammoth) and Garrett Billings (2013-2014 with the Toronto Rock) are the only other players to win the award in consecutive seasons since the Sportsmanship Award was created in 2002. Hall is the only other player to have won the award twice, in 2011 with the Rochester Knighthawks and with the Swarm in 2017
Also up for the 2019 NLL Sportsmanship Award were Tom Schreiber of the Toronto Rock and Dan Dawson of the San Diego Seals.
Sting City Memberships for the 2019-20 Swarm season are on sale now and are available by calling 844-4-GASWARM.
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