Wings 2008 Game 1 (1-12-08 vs. Chicago)

By Tom Hoffman

The Philadelphia Wings open their 22nd season of play January 12 when they host the Chicago Shamrox at 7:30 PM. The game marks the return of Dave Huntley behind the Wings bench for the first time since the league's inaugural season in 1987 when he also served as the team's General Manager and suited up as a player due to injuries. The Shamrox enter the game 0-1 after losing their opener at home 11-9 to the Toronto Rock on January 5.

History

The Wings and Shamrox split their season series in 2007. The Wings shutout Chicago in the 4th quarter and scord the game's final six goals in a thrilling 12-11 comeback win on March 24 at the Wachovia Center. Kyle Fiat's first NLL goal with 40 seconds remaining in regulation won the game for Philadelphia. The Shamrox took the rematch on the regular season's final night (April 14) in Chicago 17-11 to keep the Wings out of the NLL playoffs. Sean Greenhalgh and Athan Iannucci led the Wings in the two games with nine points each while Ridley Park, PA native Bill McGlone scored five goals for the Shamrox in the two matchups.

New Faces

In addition to Huntley replacing Lindsay Sanderson behind the bench, the Wings have several other new faces. The key newcomers are D Taylor Wray (acquired from Calgary), G Rob Blasdell (dispersal draft) and top draft pick Merrick Thomson (University of Albany). In Wray, the Wings are getting a former Rookie of the Year and Co-Defender of the Year (2004) while Blasdell gives them a goaltender who was a First Team All Pro in 2002 and has led two teams to the NLL title game (Albany 2002, Arizona 2007). The Wings also added forwards Jamie Rooney and Brenden Thenhaus in the dispersal draft of Boston and Arizona players along with draft picks David Mitchell (2nd round) and Jim Borell (3rd round). Jason Crosbie was acquired from Buffalo in the Sean Greenhalgh deal while Pat Heim won a roster spot as a free agent.

Home Sweet Home ??

For the first time since 2000 (vs. Albany), the Wings are opening a season at home. The Wings are 11-10 in season openers, last season's loss at Edmonton breaking a streak of three straight opening wins. At home, though, it's been more of a struggle. While the Wings home opener record is 12-9, the Wings have lost their last four since their 2003 home opening win over Colorado. This is only the eighth time the Wings have opened the season at home (4-3).

2007 Wings leaders

Goals: Athan Iannucci - 30
Assists: Dan Marohl - 44
Points: Sean Greenhalgh - 68
Penalty Minutes: Geoff Snider - 68
Faceoff Wins: Snider - 201
Loose Balls: Snider - 180
Goals Against: Matt Roik - 11.12

Next Game

The Wings meet the Rochester Knighthawks on January 18 at the Wachovia Center.