The Norfolk Admirals and Manitoba Moose announced today that Graham Sward was sent down to the Admirals to begin the 2024-25 season. Heading into training camp, Sward signed with the Moose on a Player Tryout (PTO). On Thursday (Oct. 10), the 21-year-old was signed to a one-year contract by the Moose. The Langley, British Columbia native was drafted 146th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators.
On his way to hitting the professional ranks, Sward spent five seasons in the Western Hockey League between the Spokane Chiefs, Winnipeg Ice/Wenatchee Wild. Throughout his junior hockey career, the 6-foot-4 defenseman was a major offensive threat. In a little over three seasons with the Chiefs, he tallied 14 goals and 52 assists in 132 games. Though his point production was stellar, his defensive numbers took a bit of a hit as he was a minus-eight with the Chiefs. With the move to the Ice who eventually became the Wild, he learned to balance out the offensive side and defensive side of the game. In 118 games played, he notched 19 goals and 95 assists with an insane +83. During playoff appearances in 2022, 2023, and 2024, he played 28 games, totaling 19 points and a plus-eight rating. In his final two seasons, Sward was named assistant captain for the Chiefs and Wild.
Sward will be a very key player along the blue line for the Admirals this season. His defensive play is solid, and will be able to help the Admirals more by creating offensive chances from the back end.
Sward and the Admirals open up their 2024-25 ECHL campaign on Oct. 18 when they welcome the Adirondack Thunder for the first of a two-game weekend series.
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