Joe Cinosky of Minnesota Swarm Selected for US Men's National Lacrosse Team

SAINT PAUL, MN – Minnesota Swarm defenseman Joe Cinosky has been selected to the final 23-man roster for the U.S. Men’s National Lacrosse Team that will compete in the 2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championships in Manchester, England. Cinosky, along with fellow Swarm forward Kevin Buchanan were originally one of 84 players invited to try out for the national team, which was later narrowed down to a field of 40 for the final round of cuts.

“Playing professionally has obviously been a major step in my career, but as far as being able to represent your country, that’s certainly the pinnacle for any athlete in any sport.  I’m obviously very happy and very proud to have this opportunity,” explained Cinosky.

Cinosky, 23, a graduate of the University of Maryland was the 13th overall pick in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft and finished with two assists along with 21 loose balls in five contests during his rookie season with the Swarm last year. This past offseason, Cinosky played a pivotal role for the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Champion Toronto Nationals and was also selected to his first MLL All-Star game. The native of Boonton Township, New Jersey served as the team captain his senior season at the University Maryland and was named to the All-America Second Team.

In addition to his professional lacrosse career, Cinosky is one of a handful of Swarm players that call Minnesota “home.” In 2009, Cinosky served on the coaching staff for the White Bear Lake Boys Lacrosse team and worked locally with multiple lacrosse camps and clinics.

“We are thrilled to hear that Joe has been named to the final roster for the U.S. National Team. To have the chance to represent the United States in the World Lacrosse Championships is a special honor for any athlete, and our entire organization is very proud of what he has accomplished,” stated Owner John Arlotta.  “We wish him well throughout his preparation and the championships.”

The FIL World Lacrosse Championships (WLC) are held every four years and a record thirty-one nations including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Korea and Japan are expected to compete next summer at the Manchester University Sports grounds from July 15th-24th. In the 2006 WLC title game in London, Ontario, Canada handed the U.S. its first loss since 1978, winning 15-10. Prior to their loss in 2006, the U.S. had won 38 games in a row and captured six straight championships from 1982-2002. From its inception in 1967, the U.S. has won eight of the ten World Lacrosse Championships.

Current Bryant University Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Mike Pressler will coach Cinosky and the rest of the U.S. National Team in 2010. Pressler was the college coach of recent Swarm draft pick Zack Greer.

In an interview with Lacrosse Magazine, Pressler stated, “Joe Cinosky and fellow teammate (Shawn Nadelen) are big, physical right-handed defensemen that can play those left-handed guys internationally.”

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