John Ranagan named 2019 NLL Teammate of the Year

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) awarded former Swarm defenseman John Ranagan as the 2019 Teammate of the Year. Ranagan becomes the first Swarm player to win the award since Swarm goaltender Mike Poulin earned it in 2017, which was his second consecutive season winning the honor.

“It’s probably one of the coolest awards I’ve won,” Ranagan said. “A lot of times when you win awards, it’s personal, and having something like this which is voted on by your teammates is pretty special. Obviously, I’ve got a lot of good experience when you have guys in the locker room who are past winners of the Teammate of the Year Award. I’m very humbled, and it’s easy to be a good teammate when you’re a part of a great organization.”

Ranagan wrapped up his fifth season in the NLL and third with the Swarm. In 13 games before an off-floor injury ended his season at the beginning of April, he posted five points (1G, 4A), 25 loose balls and 10 caused turnovers. He was selected in the second round (No. 4 overall) of the 2019 NLL Expansion Draft by the New York Riptide earlier this month.

Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta signed Ranagan to the Swarm’s 2017 roster after he was cut from the New England Black Wolves following training camp. Added the day before the 2017 roster had to be finalized, Ranagan made an immediate impact and helped the Swarm earn their first-ever NLL World Championship in his first year with the squad.

Ranagan evolved into a strong veteran voice in the locker room. Despite being injured, he attended every remaining Swarm game at the end of the season, and his presence was noted by his teammates.

“John is the epitome of a ‘glue guy,’” Poulin said. “It’s no surprise the Swarm have been the closest group of players that I have been around since John showed up in 2017. This award is well deserved!”

Photo Credit: Kyle Hess

Through his three seasons with the Swarm, Ranagan played in 49 games, recorded 21 points (9G, 12A), collected 136 loose balls and caused 31 turnovers.

In 83 career regular season games, the Johns Hopkins University alum has 40 points (16G, 24A), 278 loose balls and 55 caused turnovers.

Also nominated for the 2019 Teammate of the Year were Kyle Buchanan of the San Diego Seals and Chad Cummings of the Calgary Roughnecks.

Sting City Memberships for the 2019-20 Swarm season are on sale now and are available by calling 844-4-GASWARM.