He then spent four seasons at Colorado College, and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 1999.

While at college, his rights were traded to the New York Rangers and briefly played for their AHL affiliate the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 1998–99 season.

In 2003, he signed with the Atlanta Thrashers, but just played two games for them as he spent most of the season in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves.

On July 30, 2009, after spending four years with the Ice Tigers, Brian signed a one-year contract with fellow DEL team, Iserlohn Roosters.

[1] On July 14, 2010, Swanson returned to North America after 6 years, signing a one-year contract with Alaska Aces of the ECHL.