Minnesota Swarm GM Marty O'Neill Will Not Return for 2012

 In a move that comes as a bit a surprise, the Minnesota Swarm have announced that General Manager Marty O'Neill will not return for the 2012 season. He will stay with the team through the conclusion of his contract in September, and act as a consultant to the team, though he will move home to Victoria, British Columbia effective immediately.

O'Neill was the first, and only, General Manager in the history of the team, and built the club from a struggling franchise into a playoff team and into a popular ticket in the Twin Cities. O'Neill brought in popular players such as Ryan Benesch, Nick Patterson, and Andrew Suitor. 

The Arlottas, John and Andy have issued a statement praising O'Neill for his work with the team:

"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. 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."

Arlotta's statement goes on to say:

"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 Nation."

O'Neill's statement reads:

"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. 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."  

Bob Naegele, is of course, the former owner of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Minnesota Wild. When Naegele sold the company to Craig Leipold, MSE sold the Swarm to the Arlottas. Matt Majka is the Chief Operating Officer of MSE.

The press release from the Swarm says that the GM duties "will be split among a number of coaches and employees of the Minnesota Swarm organization."

More on this story as details are known or news develops.