By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will celebrate their 25th season of indoor lacrosse when they open the 2011 National Lacrosse League season on January 8 against the Boston Blazers. Below is the entire schedule for the upcoming season.
Home games in Bold. All times Eastern.
Saturday January 8 Boston 7 PM
Saturday January 15 Buffalo 7:30 PM
Saturday January 22 at Colorado 9 PM
Friday January 28 at Boston 7:30 PM
Saturday January 29 Colorado 7 PM
Saturday February 5 at Rochester 2 PM
Saturday February 12 Buffalo 7 PM
Saturday February 19 at Buffalo 7:30 PM
Saturday February 26 Toronto 7:30 PM
Friday March 4 at Toronto 7:30 PM
Saturday March 5 Calgary 7 PM
Saturday March 26 at Rochester 7:35 PM
Saturday April 2 Toronto 7 PM
Saturday April 9 at Boston 7:30 PM
Sunday April 10 Rochester 2:30 PM
Saturday April 16 at Minnesota 8:30 PM
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wings trade Snider...........Why? What's next?
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
The Philadelphia Wings have traded their most marketable and arguably their most popular player to the Calgary Roughnecks for the Number 8 pick in the Orlando Titans dispersal draft.
Hoping that Philly would offer a package to move up and land Casey Powell, I am now questioning the reasoning of the organization.
The fan base is already fragile. Attendance has been steadily declining and certainly events of last season were not going to help things.
The insanity began when the organization decided to stop selling second tier seats and sold only first level seats. Not a big deal right? But, if you have a family of four who attend on a regular basis, it is an increase of $20 per game. In these economic times, that is a big hit to absorb to see a far less than .500 team.
Not one single giveaway night last season. Unless of course if you count some of the games that the Wings handed to the opposition.
Granted, the team was without Athan Iannucci and Merrick Thomson. Dan Teat got injured as well as Shawn Nadelen. However, the team was rarely competitive and with the exception of very few players seemed to not care.
Geoff Snider was their catalyst, He did everything that was asked of him and did it well. He was a leader on the field and in the locker room. Snider wore his heart on his sleeve and hating the losing.
So, are the Wings better without him? Not by a long shot. Thomson probably won't return and who knows the quality of Iannucci when he returns?
As a result of the deal, the Wings will look to the brother of Geoff, Bob Snider and or Pat Heim to become their face-off specialist or loose ball leader.
The season ticket base will surely take a beating for this move. The Wings will be lucky to put 5,000 in the building next season.
The only saving grace is that there is still a lot of off season left and things could change. You know like trading AI and Westervelt for the rights to Mikko Red Arrow.
NOTE: The Wings acquired Ryan Boyle from the Titans dispersal draft with the pick acquired in the Snider deal. Also picked by the Wings in the draft were Brendan Mundorf, Stephen Peyser (likely to be the faceoff replacement), Jeff Bigas and Dan Cocoziello. (Tom Hoffman)
The Philadelphia Wings have traded their most marketable and arguably their most popular player to the Calgary Roughnecks for the Number 8 pick in the Orlando Titans dispersal draft.
Hoping that Philly would offer a package to move up and land Casey Powell, I am now questioning the reasoning of the organization.
The fan base is already fragile. Attendance has been steadily declining and certainly events of last season were not going to help things.
The insanity began when the organization decided to stop selling second tier seats and sold only first level seats. Not a big deal right? But, if you have a family of four who attend on a regular basis, it is an increase of $20 per game. In these economic times, that is a big hit to absorb to see a far less than .500 team.
Not one single giveaway night last season. Unless of course if you count some of the games that the Wings handed to the opposition.
Granted, the team was without Athan Iannucci and Merrick Thomson. Dan Teat got injured as well as Shawn Nadelen. However, the team was rarely competitive and with the exception of very few players seemed to not care.
Geoff Snider was their catalyst, He did everything that was asked of him and did it well. He was a leader on the field and in the locker room. Snider wore his heart on his sleeve and hating the losing.
So, are the Wings better without him? Not by a long shot. Thomson probably won't return and who knows the quality of Iannucci when he returns?
As a result of the deal, the Wings will look to the brother of Geoff, Bob Snider and or Pat Heim to become their face-off specialist or loose ball leader.
The season ticket base will surely take a beating for this move. The Wings will be lucky to put 5,000 in the building next season.
The only saving grace is that there is still a lot of off season left and things could change. You know like trading AI and Westervelt for the rights to Mikko Red Arrow.
NOTE: The Wings acquired Ryan Boyle from the Titans dispersal draft with the pick acquired in the Snider deal. Also picked by the Wings in the draft were Brendan Mundorf, Stephen Peyser (likely to be the faceoff replacement), Jeff Bigas and Dan Cocoziello. (Tom Hoffman)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
2010 NLL Championship Preview
By Tom Hoffman
The last two are standing and only one will be able to call themselves National Lacrosse League champions. Saturday night at 10:30 ET the Toronto Rock will face the Washington Stealth at the Comcast Arena in Everett, WA live on the NLL Network and on TSN in Canada. Versus will show the game Sunday afternoon at 2 PM.
How they got here
Toronto defeated the Orlando Titans last Saturday 15-10 at Amway Arena. The Rock trailed 5-4 at halftime before outscoring the Titans 7-1 in the third quarter to take control of the game. Kasey Beirnes's three goals led a balanced Toronto offense while Bob Watson made 38 saves. Washington took a 9-6 lead into the final quarter against Edmonton but the Rush would not go quietly into the night scoring five of the seven goals in the final 15 minutes to force overtime. The extra stanza would only last eight seconds as the Stealth's Paul Rabil scored the game winner to send Washington to the title game.
Playoff History
Back in 2002 when the Stealth were known as the Albany Attack, the teams met at Albany's Pepsi Arena in that season's Championship Game, won by Toronto 13-12. Six players from that game are on the playoff rosters for this year's tilt. Colin Doyle (the 2002 Championship MVP), Bob Watson, Sandy Chapman and Blaine Manning all played for the Rock that evening while Phil Sanderson and Cam Woods suited up for the Attack.
Stats and Stuff
Washington (211) and Toronto (197) were the NLL's top two scoring teams in 2010. Washington's Lewis Ratcliff finished second in the league in scoring while the Rock's Bob Watson led the NLL in lowest goals against average. The top three playoff goals scorers are the Stealth's Rhys Duch and Jeff Zywicki (eight each) and Toronto's Stephan Leblanc (seven). Leblanc is the NLL's 2010 Rookie of the Year while Duch took home the award last season. Washington's Chris Hall shared Coach of the Year honors with Edmonton's Derek Keenan. Toronto has won five NLL titles trailing only Philadelphia (six).
The pick
Both teams were boosted by their preseason trade sending Doyle back to Toronto with Ratcliff heading West to Washington. Regardless of who wins both teams can be considered winners of that trade. Washington has a good exciting young squad but only Ratcliff has an NLL ring (Calgary, 2004). Toronto brings a ton of championship experience as Doyle and Watson have played on all five of the Rock's title teams while Chapman, Manning and Sanderson were all part of the Rock's last NLL championship in 2005. The fan in me is pulling for the Stealth as a championship could go a long way towards boosting a fan base that has been slow to embrace this franchise (Albany, San Jose and Everett). The gut, however, seems to tell me this one's going North of the Border.
Toronto 14 Washington 12
The last two are standing and only one will be able to call themselves National Lacrosse League champions. Saturday night at 10:30 ET the Toronto Rock will face the Washington Stealth at the Comcast Arena in Everett, WA live on the NLL Network and on TSN in Canada. Versus will show the game Sunday afternoon at 2 PM.
How they got here
Toronto defeated the Orlando Titans last Saturday 15-10 at Amway Arena. The Rock trailed 5-4 at halftime before outscoring the Titans 7-1 in the third quarter to take control of the game. Kasey Beirnes's three goals led a balanced Toronto offense while Bob Watson made 38 saves. Washington took a 9-6 lead into the final quarter against Edmonton but the Rush would not go quietly into the night scoring five of the seven goals in the final 15 minutes to force overtime. The extra stanza would only last eight seconds as the Stealth's Paul Rabil scored the game winner to send Washington to the title game.
Playoff History
Back in 2002 when the Stealth were known as the Albany Attack, the teams met at Albany's Pepsi Arena in that season's Championship Game, won by Toronto 13-12. Six players from that game are on the playoff rosters for this year's tilt. Colin Doyle (the 2002 Championship MVP), Bob Watson, Sandy Chapman and Blaine Manning all played for the Rock that evening while Phil Sanderson and Cam Woods suited up for the Attack.
Stats and Stuff
Washington (211) and Toronto (197) were the NLL's top two scoring teams in 2010. Washington's Lewis Ratcliff finished second in the league in scoring while the Rock's Bob Watson led the NLL in lowest goals against average. The top three playoff goals scorers are the Stealth's Rhys Duch and Jeff Zywicki (eight each) and Toronto's Stephan Leblanc (seven). Leblanc is the NLL's 2010 Rookie of the Year while Duch took home the award last season. Washington's Chris Hall shared Coach of the Year honors with Edmonton's Derek Keenan. Toronto has won five NLL titles trailing only Philadelphia (six).
The pick
Both teams were boosted by their preseason trade sending Doyle back to Toronto with Ratcliff heading West to Washington. Regardless of who wins both teams can be considered winners of that trade. Washington has a good exciting young squad but only Ratcliff has an NLL ring (Calgary, 2004). Toronto brings a ton of championship experience as Doyle and Watson have played on all five of the Rock's title teams while Chapman, Manning and Sanderson were all part of the Rock's last NLL championship in 2005. The fan in me is pulling for the Stealth as a championship could go a long way towards boosting a fan base that has been slow to embrace this franchise (Albany, San Jose and Everett). The gut, however, seems to tell me this one's going North of the Border.
Toronto 14 Washington 12
Thursday, May 6, 2010
2010 NLL Division Finals Preview
By Tom Hoffman
Down to the final four, Saturday night will determine who will play for the National Lacrosse League's Champions Cup in 2010. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network.
Eastern Division Final
Toronto Rock (10-7) at Orlando Titans (12-5), 7:30 PM at Amway Arena
Regular Season: Orlando won the season series 2-0.
Playoff History: This will be their first meeting.
How they got here: Toronto came back from a 6-0 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Bandits 13-11 at Air Canada Centre. The Rock overcame a six goal night from the Bandits Mike Accursi behind a five goal performance from Stephan Leblanc and four from Colin Doyle for Toronto's first postseason win since taking the 2005 title game against the Arizona Sting. Orlando also came from behind to defeat the Boston Blazers 12-11 at Amway Arena. The Titans trailed 7-4 at halftime and 9-8 after three quarters before Jordan Hall scored the game winner with 4:02 left in regulation. Casey Powell led the Titans with five goals.
X-factors: For the second straight game, Orlando's Matt Vinc will oppose a goaltender who finished the season ahead of him, Toronto's Bob Watson led the NLL with a 9.31 GAA. Orlando (9.63) and Toronto (9.75) were the NLL's top two defensive teams. Will the Titans defense be able to contain Toronto rookie snipers (Leblanc and Garrett Billings) as they did during the regular season?
Western Division Final
Edmonton Rush (11-6) at Washington Stealth (12-5), 10:30 PM at Key Arena
Regular Season: Edmonton won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be their first meeting.
How they got here: Washington never trailed as they defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-10 at Comcast Arena. Rhys Duch led the Stealth with six goals while Jeff Zywicki added five tallies. Tyler Richards made 49 saves for Washington. Edmonton's first ever postseaon game was a success behind the effort of goalie Matt Disher. Disher made 60 saves as the Rush defeated the defending champion Calgary Roughnecks 11-7 at Pengrowth Saddledome. Ryan Ward dished eight assists for the Rush including helpers on all three goals by Dean Hill and two goals each from Gavin Prout and Andy Secore.
X-factors: Edmonton was the only team to defeat the Stealth twice this season. Will Washington's league leading offense dominate over Edmonton's tied for last defense? The Stealth will be playing this game at Seattle's Key Arena due to their current home (Comcast Arena) being unavailable.
Down to the final four, Saturday night will determine who will play for the National Lacrosse League's Champions Cup in 2010. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network.
Eastern Division Final
Toronto Rock (10-7) at Orlando Titans (12-5), 7:30 PM at Amway Arena
Regular Season: Orlando won the season series 2-0.
Playoff History: This will be their first meeting.
How they got here: Toronto came back from a 6-0 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Bandits 13-11 at Air Canada Centre. The Rock overcame a six goal night from the Bandits Mike Accursi behind a five goal performance from Stephan Leblanc and four from Colin Doyle for Toronto's first postseason win since taking the 2005 title game against the Arizona Sting. Orlando also came from behind to defeat the Boston Blazers 12-11 at Amway Arena. The Titans trailed 7-4 at halftime and 9-8 after three quarters before Jordan Hall scored the game winner with 4:02 left in regulation. Casey Powell led the Titans with five goals.
X-factors: For the second straight game, Orlando's Matt Vinc will oppose a goaltender who finished the season ahead of him, Toronto's Bob Watson led the NLL with a 9.31 GAA. Orlando (9.63) and Toronto (9.75) were the NLL's top two defensive teams. Will the Titans defense be able to contain Toronto rookie snipers (Leblanc and Garrett Billings) as they did during the regular season?
Western Division Final
Edmonton Rush (11-6) at Washington Stealth (12-5), 10:30 PM at Key Arena
Regular Season: Edmonton won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be their first meeting.
How they got here: Washington never trailed as they defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-10 at Comcast Arena. Rhys Duch led the Stealth with six goals while Jeff Zywicki added five tallies. Tyler Richards made 49 saves for Washington. Edmonton's first ever postseaon game was a success behind the effort of goalie Matt Disher. Disher made 60 saves as the Rush defeated the defending champion Calgary Roughnecks 11-7 at Pengrowth Saddledome. Ryan Ward dished eight assists for the Rush including helpers on all three goals by Dean Hill and two goals each from Gavin Prout and Andy Secore.
X-factors: Edmonton was the only team to defeat the Stealth twice this season. Will Washington's league leading offense dominate over Edmonton's tied for last defense? The Stealth will be playing this game at Seattle's Key Arena due to their current home (Comcast Arena) being unavailable.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
2010 NLL Playoff Previews - Divisional Semi-Finals
By Tom Hoffman
With the National Lacrosse League’s 24th regular season now in the books, it’s on to the postseason. On Saturday May 1 all eight teams will be in action as the quest to see who will hoist the Champions Cup gets underway. Following are the previews for each of the opening round matchups.
Eastern Division
#4 Boston Blazers (8-8) at #1 Orlando Titans (11-5), 7:35 PM at Amway Arena
Regular Season: Boston won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: First meeting
Team Leaders
Boston: Goals: Dan Dawson (36), Assists: Dawson (52), Points: Dawson (88), GAA: Anthony Cosmo (9.50).
Orlando: Goals: Casey Powell (44), Assists: Jordan Hall (58), Points: Powell (80), GAA: Matt Vinc (9.51).
X-Factors: Cosmo and Vinc were second and third in Goals Against Average while Orlando was tops in the league in Goals Against Per Game (9.63) with Boston coming in third (10.13). Boston finished tenth in Goals Per Game (10.06) while Orlando averaged the fewest Shots on Goal Per Game (44.44).
#3 Buffalo Bandits (8-8) at #2 Toronto Rock (9-7), 7:30 PM at Air Canada Centre
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: Buffalo won the lone postseason meeting 19-10 in 2004 at Toronto.
Team Leaders
Buffalo: Goals: Mark Steenhuis (36), Assists: Steenhuis (54), Points: Steenhuis (90), GAA: Mike Thompson (9.92).
Toronto: Goals: Stephan Leblanc (36), Assists: Colin Doyle (62), Points: Doyle (84), GAA: Bob Watson (9.31).
X-Factors: No one would have picked this matchup based on the team’s respective starts: Toronto opened 6-1 while Buffalo struggled at 1-5. Bandits were 7-3 after John Tavares returned to the lineup following an injury. Back to back weekends turned the season for both teams: Buffalo winning a pair of road overtime games (at Toronto and Boston) while Toronto stopped a five game losing streak with wins against Calgary and Philadelphia on consecutive nights.
Western Division
#4 Minnesota Swarm (5-11) at #1 Washington Stealth (11-5), 10:30 PM at Comcast Arena at Everett
Regular Season: The teams split their two meetings.
Playoff History: First meeting.
Team Leaders
Minnesota: Goals: Aaron Wilson (40), Assists: Callum Crawford (64), Points: Crawford (96), GAA: Nick Patterson (12.29).
Washington: Goals: Lewis Ratcliff (46), Assists: Rhys Duch (53), Points: Ratcliff (97), GAA: Matt Roik (10.50).
X-Factors: No drop for the Stealth after sending Colin Doyle back to Toronto for Ratcliff. Stealth was the NLL’s top scoring team (211 goals) and tops in Penalty Killing. Minnesota lost their final six games during the regular season and was 0-4 in overtime including their final two games.
#3 Edmonton Rush (10-6) at #2 Calgary Roughnecks, 3:00 PM at Pengrowth Saddledome
Regular Season: Calgary won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: First meeting.
Team Leaders
Edmonton: Goals: Ryan Ward (31), Assists: Ward (43), Points: Ward (74), GAA: Matt Disher (12.92).
Calgary: Goals: Dane Dobbie (38), Assists: Josh Sanderson (70), Points: Sanderson (104), GAA: Mike Poulin (9.79).
X-Factors: Edmonton is making their first ever postseason appearance. Calgary looking to defend their championship and win their third title overall. Edmonton tied (with Minnesota and Colorado) for worst team GAA. Calgary finished tenth in Penalty Killing.
With the National Lacrosse League’s 24th regular season now in the books, it’s on to the postseason. On Saturday May 1 all eight teams will be in action as the quest to see who will hoist the Champions Cup gets underway. Following are the previews for each of the opening round matchups.
Eastern Division
#4 Boston Blazers (8-8) at #1 Orlando Titans (11-5), 7:35 PM at Amway Arena
Regular Season: Boston won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: First meeting
Team Leaders
Boston: Goals: Dan Dawson (36), Assists: Dawson (52), Points: Dawson (88), GAA: Anthony Cosmo (9.50).
Orlando: Goals: Casey Powell (44), Assists: Jordan Hall (58), Points: Powell (80), GAA: Matt Vinc (9.51).
X-Factors: Cosmo and Vinc were second and third in Goals Against Average while Orlando was tops in the league in Goals Against Per Game (9.63) with Boston coming in third (10.13). Boston finished tenth in Goals Per Game (10.06) while Orlando averaged the fewest Shots on Goal Per Game (44.44).
#3 Buffalo Bandits (8-8) at #2 Toronto Rock (9-7), 7:30 PM at Air Canada Centre
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: Buffalo won the lone postseason meeting 19-10 in 2004 at Toronto.
Team Leaders
Buffalo: Goals: Mark Steenhuis (36), Assists: Steenhuis (54), Points: Steenhuis (90), GAA: Mike Thompson (9.92).
Toronto: Goals: Stephan Leblanc (36), Assists: Colin Doyle (62), Points: Doyle (84), GAA: Bob Watson (9.31).
X-Factors: No one would have picked this matchup based on the team’s respective starts: Toronto opened 6-1 while Buffalo struggled at 1-5. Bandits were 7-3 after John Tavares returned to the lineup following an injury. Back to back weekends turned the season for both teams: Buffalo winning a pair of road overtime games (at Toronto and Boston) while Toronto stopped a five game losing streak with wins against Calgary and Philadelphia on consecutive nights.
Western Division
#4 Minnesota Swarm (5-11) at #1 Washington Stealth (11-5), 10:30 PM at Comcast Arena at Everett
Regular Season: The teams split their two meetings.
Playoff History: First meeting.
Team Leaders
Minnesota: Goals: Aaron Wilson (40), Assists: Callum Crawford (64), Points: Crawford (96), GAA: Nick Patterson (12.29).
Washington: Goals: Lewis Ratcliff (46), Assists: Rhys Duch (53), Points: Ratcliff (97), GAA: Matt Roik (10.50).
X-Factors: No drop for the Stealth after sending Colin Doyle back to Toronto for Ratcliff. Stealth was the NLL’s top scoring team (211 goals) and tops in Penalty Killing. Minnesota lost their final six games during the regular season and was 0-4 in overtime including their final two games.
#3 Edmonton Rush (10-6) at #2 Calgary Roughnecks, 3:00 PM at Pengrowth Saddledome
Regular Season: Calgary won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: First meeting.
Team Leaders
Edmonton: Goals: Ryan Ward (31), Assists: Ward (43), Points: Ward (74), GAA: Matt Disher (12.92).
Calgary: Goals: Dane Dobbie (38), Assists: Josh Sanderson (70), Points: Sanderson (104), GAA: Mike Poulin (9.79).
X-Factors: Edmonton is making their first ever postseason appearance. Calgary looking to defend their championship and win their third title overall. Edmonton tied (with Minnesota and Colorado) for worst team GAA. Calgary finished tenth in Penalty Killing.
Friday, April 23, 2010
A disappointing end to a disappointing season
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings closed out their worst season since the National Lacrosse League schedule went to 16 games Friday night falling to the Orlando Titans 11-5 before a sparse gathering announced at 8,656 at the Wachovia Center. The Wings looked like a team that was eliminated from playoff contention as their effort in the season finale was quite sluggish and uninspired.
Actually neither team looked like they wanted to be playing as the first half was listless, the teams tied at two after the first 15 minutes and still tied, this time three all, at halftime. Philly was lucky to be tied at half as the Titans were outshooting them 30-24 in the first half. The third quarter was where the game began to fall apart for the Wings as Orlando, behind Game MVP Casey Powell, outscored the Wings 4-0 and held a 15-9 shot advantage. Powell scored three of the four Titan goals in the third while adding his third assist of the night on Tim O'Brien's fourth quarter goal that gave the Titans a 9-3 lead and sent may of the Wings fans to the exits. The teams split the game's final four goals but the clock finally ran out on a Wings Season many would like to forget.
Drew Westervelt led the Wings puny offense with a pair of goals and an assist while Brandon Miller made 43 saves. The Titans, playing back to back games this weekend and heading to Minnesota Saturday, gave Matt Vinc the night off and Kurtis Wagar responded with a 40 save performance. For the Wings, a long offseason now begins and it's an offseason of much uncertainty. Not exactly how they wanted to head into the franchise's 25th season. The final record of 5-11 is the teams fewest wins in a 16 game season and their fewest since going 5-7 in 1999
The Philadelphia Wings closed out their worst season since the National Lacrosse League schedule went to 16 games Friday night falling to the Orlando Titans 11-5 before a sparse gathering announced at 8,656 at the Wachovia Center. The Wings looked like a team that was eliminated from playoff contention as their effort in the season finale was quite sluggish and uninspired.
Actually neither team looked like they wanted to be playing as the first half was listless, the teams tied at two after the first 15 minutes and still tied, this time three all, at halftime. Philly was lucky to be tied at half as the Titans were outshooting them 30-24 in the first half. The third quarter was where the game began to fall apart for the Wings as Orlando, behind Game MVP Casey Powell, outscored the Wings 4-0 and held a 15-9 shot advantage. Powell scored three of the four Titan goals in the third while adding his third assist of the night on Tim O'Brien's fourth quarter goal that gave the Titans a 9-3 lead and sent may of the Wings fans to the exits. The teams split the game's final four goals but the clock finally ran out on a Wings Season many would like to forget.
Drew Westervelt led the Wings puny offense with a pair of goals and an assist while Brandon Miller made 43 saves. The Titans, playing back to back games this weekend and heading to Minnesota Saturday, gave Matt Vinc the night off and Kurtis Wagar responded with a 40 save performance. For the Wings, a long offseason now begins and it's an offseason of much uncertainty. Not exactly how they wanted to head into the franchise's 25th season. The final record of 5-11 is the teams fewest wins in a 16 game season and their fewest since going 5-7 in 1999
Monday, April 19, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 16 (vs Orlando 4-23-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (5-10) will seek to bring the 2010 National Lacrosse League season to an end on a winning note when they face the Orlando Titans Friday night at 7 PM at the Wachovia Center. The game can be seen on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 4-6 overall against the Titans including an 0-2 mark this season. Orlando won both previous meetings at home, opening the 2010 season with a 13-8 victory on January 8 and following that up with an 11-9 win on March 12. Drew Westervelt leads the Wings against Orlando in 2010 with six goals and two assists. while Jordan Hall leads the Titans with 11 points on two goals and nine assists. The Wings are 2-2 at home against Orlando but have lost the last two meetings in Philadelphia.
Last Game
After seeing an early 3-0 lead evaporate, the Wings came from behind in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Minnesota Swarm 5-2, to tie the game at 12 and force overtime. Geoff Snider scored his fourth goal of the night 3:12 into the extra session and gave the Wings a 13-12 win over the Swarm Saturday evening at the Xcel Energy Center. Orlando defeated Buffalo 9-7 last Friday at Amway Arena in the Titans regular season home finale. The Titans will be the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Wings Home records (last five seasons)
2009: 4-4
2008: 7-1
2007: 4-4
2006: 5-3
2005: 3-5
Notes
With a hat trick last week at Minnesota, John Christmas set a new career high in goals (7) in one season (previous was 5 in 2008) while Geoff Snider also set a high in goals scored (19) with his four goal evening.
Drew Westervelt, with 30 goals and Bill McGlone, with 18 goals, each need five goals to establish new career highs.
Brandon Miller needs to play 41 minutes to set a career high in minutes played (previous was 865 in 2007).
Next Game
The 2011 season.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 15 (at Minnesota 4-17-10)
By Tom Hoffman
After being eliminated from making the National Lacrosse League playoffs, the Philadelphia Wings (4-10) will look to end their season on a positive note starting with their final road game of 2010 when they travel to St. Paul, Minnesota to face the Swarm (5-9). Faceoff Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center is at 8:35 and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 6-7 all time vs Minnesota including this season's previous meeting, a 20-11 Wings victory on March 13 at the Wachovia Center. On the road the Wings are 2-4 and have lost three straight at Xcel Energy Center.
Last Week
The Wings jumped out to a 6-1 lead after the first quarter but could not hold the lead, eventually falling to the Rochester Knighthawks 15-12 last Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena. The Swarm lost twice last weekend, falling Friday at home to Rochester 12-11 before losing at Boston on Saturday 13-8.
Wings on the road (last five seasons)
2009: 3-5
2008: 3-5
2007: 2-6
2006: 3-5
2005: 3-5
Notes
Kyle Wailes's next point will set a new career high. David Mitchell's next goal will also set a personal career high.
Next Game
The Wings will conclude the 2010 season at home when the face the Orlando Titans on April 23.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 14 (at Rochester 4-10-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-9) will look to get back in the win column when they begin their final road swing of 2010 with a game in Rochester against the Knighthawks on Saturday evening. Faceoff at Blue Cross Arena is at 7:30 and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 15-19 in regular season play against the Knighthawks, including this season's earlier meeting, a 12-6 Rochester victory at the Wachovia Center on February 20. Last season the Wings were 1-1 at the BCA, winning 16-13 on January 10, 2009 and dropping the season finale on April 18, 2009 11-8. All time in Rochester the Wings are 5-11 and have lost six of the last seven visits.
Last Week
Any momentum the Wings had gained during their two game win streak came to a halt when they fell 13-6 at home Saturday against the Toronto Rock. Geoff Snider led the Wings with two goals and Kyle Wailes added three assists while Rookie of the Year candidate Stephan LeBlanc had a ten point evening (5G, 5A) for the Rock. Rochester dropped their fourth straight game last Saturday, losing 11-9 at home against the Calgary Roughnecks. The Knighthawks will open this weekend with a Friday night matchup on the road against the Minnesota Swarm.
Wings Leaders
Goals: Drew Westervelt - 25
Assists: Westervelt - 35
Points: Westervelt - 60 (tied for 15th in league)
Loose Balls: Geoff Snider - 194
Power Play Goals: Kyle Wailes - 6
Next Game
The Wings play their final road game of the 2010 season when they travel to St. Paul, Minnesota to face off against the Swarm on April 17.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Wings done in by LeBlanc, Rock
By Tom Hoffman
Between Garrett Billings and Stephan LeBlanc, the Toronto Rock should easily take home the National Lacrosse League's rookie of the year honors. Based on his play against the Wings in 2010, LeBlanc would seem to the hand down choice. After putting up nine points in the Rock's 19-11 win over Philly earlier this season, LeBlanc was even better Saturday night scoring five goals and dishing out five assists to lead Toronto to a convincing 13-6 win over the Wings, silencing the Wings modest two game win streak and any playoff momentum that might have followed.
The game was very low scoring in the first half, Toronto scoring the game first four goals before the Wings Pat Heim stopped the shutout with 5:23 left before halftime. Toronto continued to pour it on in the second half making the score 6-1 just over two minutes into the third quarter before the Wings tried to show some life on scores from Kevin Huntley and Geoff Snider. By the time the Wings got goal number four for the evening, the Rock took complete command of the game, going up 11-3 and chasing Wings keeper Brandon Miller after the tenth goal while sending many of the 10, 246 in attendance to the exits. The Wings would score three of the games final five goals but the result was never in doubt for Toronto.
Geoff Snider and Miller may have been the Wings lone bright spots, Snider with two goals and Miller making 32 saves before yielding to Rob Blasdell. For the Wings, it's off to Rochester next week to face a squad struggling just as badly as the Wings are.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Inside the Game
By Kevin Neibauer
After a spirited fight-filled Wings win over their division rivals, the Boston Blazers, I had the opportunity to get insight from several of the key players. Keep in mind five fights, several game misconducts, stitched up players and cheapshots by Boston dominated the evening. So, without further ado, let's hear from Coach Dave Huntley.
KMN- Your thoughts tonight?
DH- "I thought we carried over from the way we played against Minnesota. We had a real good first half...our guys kept working. I think we are playing pretty good right now."
On the extracurriculars:
"I'll be honest with you, I think it was unfortunate. Tom Ryan has never had a fight in his life and he sends out his guys to try to intimidate us."
Obviously agitated, Coach Huntley continued. "I am against fighting in this sport. It's terrible, it was an embarrasment. This isn't a circus out there, this is a game. I could have understood it if it wasn't for the fact that Tom (Ryan) never got into a fight in his entire career, I could have respected it a bit."
KMN- Some of the Boston players like to fight with their helmets on.
DH- "That's a shame because they have a lot of quality guys on the team. But when a guy gets jumped by another guy who leaves his helmet on that's pretty bad."
Switching gears.
KMN- Drew Westervelt, what about his performance tonight?
DH- "He was terrific. He had to carry the load in the beginning of the season, having to be the Number One guy scoring wise. He has been on fire the last four games"
On to Bill McGlone. McGlone enjoyed his best game as a Wing, albeit only playing a little over one half. McGlone was one of the guys that was jumped by a guy who refused to remove his helmet.
BM- "Three guys were pushing Kyle Wailes so I just tried to help my teammate. My helmet got knocked off, took a fist to the left eye, now I am in a fight. It took a bit to get my feet under me, plus I couldn't get his helmet off. I threw punches but it's hard to hurt him when his helmet is on."
Note- Bill was one of at least three players that received stitches after the festivities. McGlone was sporting a cut under his eye, Tom Hajek cut his scalp (This was believed to be equipment related) and Boston player Paul Dawson also received stitches to the scalp. Dawson and Geoff Snider went toe to toe for hat amounted to be a long battle which Snider won the decision.
The diminutive Jordan Levine also got involved in the action scoring a TKO against a much larger Boston player. Taylor Wray was the final Wings combatant.
Athan Iannucci was in the building and reported that he has received clearance from doctors to begin running. To prove his point at the post game gathering, AI hurdled two restraints and took off running in the concourse.
Brandon Miller just gets better and better each week, this week he was awarded the Defensive Player of the Week Award for his efforts.
Speaking of Bill "The Thrill" McGlone, the Ridley native had a nifty goal to start the second half off a creative feed from Geoff Snider. Snider won the face-off, sprinted to the net and fired what appeared to be a high shot over Goaltender, Anthony Cosmo. However, it was a designed play that Snider and McGlone cooked up. McGlone went behind the net and took the pass/shot and slam dinked the ball behind Cosmo.
DID YOU NOTICE? Kevin Huntley scoring from his back after nearly being decapitated? Many former Wings in attendance? Tom Marechek hung out post game was chatted and signed autographs for quite awhile, Jake Bergey looks like he is thinner than when he was playing, he looks to be in great shape. Max Seibald is beginning to show why the Wings traded for him. Max was hitting everyone and really involved in the play all evening.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 13 (vs Toronto 4-3-10)
By Tom Hoffman
Coming off two huge wins at home, the Philadelphia Wings (4-8) will look to stay on their current roll and keep hopes alive for the postseason when they host the Toronto Rock (6-6) Saturday evening at 7 PM. The game will be shown live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 9-18 all-time against the Rock including this season's first meeting, a 19-11 Toronto victory on February 5 at the Air Canada Centre. At home the Wings are 6-8 against the Rock having won the last four meetings in Philadelphia.
Last Week
The Wings, for the second straight game, used a big second half to win a fight filled contest 13-7 against the Boston Blazers last Saturday at the Wachovia Center before a season high crowd of 11,241. Drew Westervelt led the Wings with seven points (3G, 4A) while Bill McGlone and Dan Teat each added two goals. Brandon Miller made 36 saves and held Boston to two scores in the second half. Toronto lost their fifth straight game when they dropped a 10-8 decision Saturday at Orlando.
Makeup
The Wings announced that their game with Orlando that had been postponed on February 6 due to the snowstorm that hit the Philadelphia area will be made up on April 25 at 5 PM.
Stats
Wings record when scoring first: 3-5
Wings record when leading after the first qtr.: 1-3
Wings record when leading at halftime: 3-1
Wings record when leading after 3 qtrs.: 4-0
Wings record when outshooting opponent: 4-3
Next Game
The Wings return to the road when they travel to Rochester to face the Knighthawks on April 10.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wings earn hard "fought" win over Blazers
By Tom Hoffman
In only their second season, the Boston Blazers have become quite a heated, and maybe hated, rival to the Philadelphia Wings. This was never more evident Saturday night at the Wachovia Center where the Wings defeated the Blazers 13-7 in a fight filled game in front of a season high crowd of 11,241.
"I thought we carried over the way we played against Minnesota," Wings Coach Dave Huntley said. "I think we're playing pretty good right now."
The first quarter was a seesaw affair with Boston opening the scoring courtesy of Dan Dawson. Bill McGlone tied the score and the teams would then trade scores with the Blazers leading 3-2 after the opening 15. The end of the quarter gave a brief glimpse of how the night would finish out when Geoff Snider again tried to get at Boston's Mitch Belisle, Snider still upset over hits from Belisle in last season's meetings. The teams continued trading goals in the second and Boston held a 5-4 advantage at halftime.
For the second time this season against Boston, and second game in a row, the second half completely belonged to the Wings. Philly would outscore the Blazers 4-1 in the third and took an 8-6 lead into the final stanza. The fight card would also begin here when the Wings' McGlone and Boston's Kyle Ross went at it, each getting fighting majors and game misconducts from referee Mark Gardonio. The Wings would blow the game open in the fourth outscoring Boston 5-1 and chasing Blazers goalie Anthony Cosmo. The game would also continue to get chippy and with the outcome no longer in doubt the gloves would be dropped with the Wings Jordan Levine standing up to Boston's Jon Harnett. Three seconds after the Levine scrap, Snider finally got into it with the Blazers Paul Dawson, getting many good shots in against a bigger opponent. While this was going on, Dan Dawson would square off with the Wings' Taylor Wray and Wings captain Thomas Hajek and Boston's Jack Reid would go toe to toe. These bouts, and a huge win, would send the Wing faithful home very happy.
"I think they got a little frustrated," Levine said. "Some frustrations boiled over in the end, we didn't back down. We wanted to keep our cool, once we had the game in hand then we let our emotions out."
Drew Westervelt led the Wings with seven points on three goals and four assists while Brandon Miller had another strong second half holding the Blazers to a pair of scores while making 36 saves on the night. With the win the Wings improve to 4-8 and because of the logjam of teams in the East at 6-6, the Wings find themselves still in contention for a postseason berth. Tonight's victory gives the Wings the tiebreaker against Boston and earns them some revenge after they were swept the the Blazers in 2009.
Wray would sum up the Wings recent play and this game in general quite nicely.
"We're playing hard, we're playing together," Wray said. "We've been able to put together some good performances for a full 60 minutes. When you can do that you have an opportunity to win games. It was a good old fashioned lacrosse game tonight, it was nice to be on the winning side of it."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 12 (vs. Boston 3-27-10)
By Tom Hoffman
Coming off of one of their biggest wins in a long time, the Philadelphia Wings (3-8) will look to take a second straight win when they host the Boston Blazers (6-5) Saturday evening at the Wachovia Center. Faceoff is at 7 PM and the game will also be shown live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 1-4 against the current Blazers franchise and 1-1 this season. The Wings won their first game of the 2010 season when they held Boston to one goal in the second half enroute to a 12-8 victory on January 16. Two weeks later on January 30, the Blazers were victorious 11-9 at Boston's TD Garden. The Wings are 1-2 at home vs. Boston.
Last Game
Following a loss the previous night in Orlando, the Wings broke open a close game at halftime with a 7-0 third quarter to defeat the Minnesota Swarm 20-11 on March 13 in Philadelphia. Geoff Snider, Dan Teat and Kyle Wailes each scored four goals while Drew Westervelt and Bill McGlone each added three to lead the Wings offense. Snider and McGlone each had their own highlight reel goal in this game. Brandon Miller recovered from an early hook in Orlando to record 37 saves. Boston defeated Edmonton 12-5 on March 20 in Edmonton.
Wheeling and dealing
The Wings and Blazers made a trade just before the NLL's trade deadline on March 16 when Philly sent Mat Giles to Boston, receiving Dave Cutten and a second round pick in the 2010 entry draft. Giles was in his second season with the Wings and had 31 points (13G, 18A) in nine games in 2010 after leading the Wings with 70 points (23G, 47A) in 2009.
Notes
The last time the Wings scored 20+ goals in a game was April 7, 2007 against New York.
Boston is 6-2 after starting the season 0-3.
Quotes from the Minnesota game
Bill McGlone: "I guess the (green) laces are sticking. To have all those people there from Headstrong and the Ridley area, it was definitely a big game for us. A lot of emotions for me. Me and Brett Moyer knew Nick (Colleluori) very well and to go out and play the way we did represents Nick and how he was as a player."
Kyle Wailes: "Everything finally clicked for us. Last night (at Orlando) was tough. Except for that one stretch in the second quarter I thought we played pretty well. Tonight we got a lot of goals from a lot of different guys."
Next Game
The Wings return home on April 3 when they face the Toronto Rock.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wings use 3rd quarter to "Swarm" Minnesota
By Tom Hoffman
For the Philadelphia Wings, a 7-0 third quarter turned a close game into a laugher on Saturday night enroute to a 20-11 victory over the Minnesota Swarm in front of 10, 248 at the Wachovia Center. The way this season has gone for the Wings it easily was a reward for a solid effort this weekend especially after playing the night before in Orlando and staying with the Titans only to see a four goal stretch in just over two and a half minutes keep this from being a very successful pair of games. Wings coach Dave Huntley was obviously relieved after tonight's game.
"Well it felt good," Huntley said afterwards. "I thought our guys played really hard last night, just came out unlucky. I think we got rewarded for maybe some that unlucky stuff that happened before."
While the Wings never trailed in the match, the first half gave no indication of how the game would ultimately end. The first quarter ended at four apiece and the halftime score was only 8-7. The play in the third though gave no indication of which team had played the night before and which one did not. It may have been a sign this would be the Wings night when Geoff Snider made an errant pass that just bounced the right way off the glass and back into his stick before being put past Swarm goalie Nick Patterson. That seemed to open the gates as the Wings scored the first eight goals of the second half before Minnesota finally stopped the bleeding courtesy of John Sullivan's goal 2:03 into the fourth to stop a 20 minute plus scoring drought.
Snider's goal was not the lone highlight reel goal of the night, and not even his only one. Bill McGlone's behind the back crease dive score late in the first quarter was a masterpiece and Snider's final goal (and fourth) of the night was scored with him on the ground. Offensively and defensively just about everything fell into place for a team that had been struggling at both ends. The scoresheet was quite balanced this night. In addition to Snider's four tallies, Kyle Wailes and Dan Teat each scored four goals while McGlone and Drew Westervelt each had hat tricks. Brandon Miller, after being pulled Friday night following the quick four goal run by Orlando, was very solid in net for Philly with 37 saves.
Now the Wings face a week away from the rink before resuming play on March 27 against Boston. With the league's trade deadline on Tuesday (March 16), it will be very interesting to see if any moves are made by Huntley the GM to maybe finish respectably and build for the future or things stay as is. Either way they can rest with the knowledge that they played their best game of 2010 against a very tough Minnesota squad.
Monday, March 8, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 10 (at Orlando 3-12-10) & Game 11 (vs Minnesota 3-13-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (2-7) will play their first set of back to back games this season beginning Friday evening when they travel to Orlando, Florida to face the Titans (4-3) at 7:30 PM at Amway Arena. Saturday the Wings return to the Wachovia Center to meet the Minnesota Swarm (4-4) at 7 PM. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 4-5 against the former New York franchise after losing the season opener 13-8 on January 8 in Orlando. All time on the road the Wings are 2-3 against the Titans. Against the Swarm the Wings are 5-7 all time, 3-3 at the Wachovia Center. In 2009 the teams split a pair of 13-12 games in Philadelphia. On February 21 the Wings jumped out to a big lead and held on for the win behind hat tricks from Merrick Thomson and Athan Iannucci. Former Wings Dan Marohl (six points) and Ryan Ward (five points) led the Swarm. Minnesota took the rematch on March 14 when Marohl scored with five seconds left in regulation to seal the victory. Iannucci scored five goals to lead the Wings.
Last Game
The Wings were close early but could not keep up with their opponent falling 15-7 to the defending NLL champion Calgary Roughnecks Saturday evening in Calgary. Kyle Wailes scored three goals while Drew Westervelt added five points, including four assists for the Wings while Brandon Miller gave up 13 goals before being pulled for Rob Blasdell late in the third quarter. Minnesota last played February 27 when they traveled to Denver and defeated the Mammoth 13-12.
Notes
In addition to Dan Marohl, another former Wing making an appearance Saturday will be Philly's top pick in the 2008 entry draft, Sean Thomson. Thomson was dealt to the Swarm during the offseason. Shawn Nadelen, currently on injured reserve, is the lone Wing to have played for Minnesota, back in the Swarm's inaugural season in 2005.
Wings team stats
Power Play: 17 goals scored in 51 chances, 33.3% (9th)
Penalty Killing: 30 goals allowed in 58 chances, 48.3% (10th)
Goals Scored per game: 10.0 (last)
Goals Against per game: 12.67 (10th)
Next
The Wings will enjoy a week off before resuming play on March 27 when they host the Boston Blazers.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 9 (at Calgary 3-6-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (2-6) will look to build on their win last week in Buffalo when they travel to the province of Alberta to face the defending NLL Champion Calgary Roughnecks (4-3). Faceoff at Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome is at 9:30 PM and can be seen live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings and Roughnecks have only met twice with the Wings taking both matches. The first meeting was in 2003 when the Wings defeated Calgary 19-13 at the Wachovia Center behind seven point nights from Tony Henderson and Jeff Ratcliffe. In 2007 the teams met in Calgary with the Wings emerging victorious by a 10-7 score. Ratcliffe had a hat trick in that game while Matt Roik made 43 saves. Eight players (three Wings, five Roughnecks) have played in both meetings with Calgary's Tracey Kelusky, Kaleb Toth and Andrew McBride likely to be in the lineup for this game. In the last matchup Rob Van Beek was a member of the Wings while Taylor Wray suited up for Calgary, this game they will switch benches. The Wings all time leading scorer vs Calgary is Dan Marohl (3G, 8A).
Last Week
The Wings broke a five game losing streak with a solid 15-11 victory over the Buffalo Bandits Saturday night at Buffalo's HSBC Arena. Drew Westervelt scored four goals while Kyle Wailes dished out six assists to lead the Wings. In his first game back with the team David Mitchell added five points (3G, 2A) with Brandon Miller stopping 40 shots in net to earn the win. Calgary was idle last weekend having last played on February 19 when they defeated the Washington Stealth 13-9.
North of the Border
Including regular season and playoffs, the Wings are 7-15 in games played in Canada. Their first visit was in 1998 when they defeated the Ontario Raiders 12-11 in overtime at Hamilton's Copps Coliseum. Their biggest win up in the Great White North occurred in 2001 when they defeated the Toronto Rock 9-8 to claim the franchise's sixth Championship title.
Wings among league leaders
Kyle Wailes - tied for 16th in points (35).
Geoff Snider - 3rd in penalty minutes (55), 1st in loose balls (118), 2nd in faceoff wins (127).
Brandon Miller - 2nd in minutes played (474) and saves (300).
Next Games
The Wings return to Florida for the opener of a back to back weekend when they square off with the Orlando Titans on March 12. The next night the Wings return home to meet the Minnesota Swarm.
Lacrosse Massage
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Lacrosse fans should be happy to learn that Lacrosse is actually quite therapeutic. Well, maybe not the game itself, but, Lacrosse balls. Yes, that's right...Lacrosse balls.
A gentleman from the Philadelphia area has a proven that the most intense and satisfying massage is achieved by rolling on Lacrosse balls.
Allow me to introduce everyone to Wissinoming's native son, Author of "The Body's Constitution, Improved Health and Athletic Fitness through Self Massage and Hybridized Yoga". Keith Null.
Why don't I let Keith explain his findings.
KMN-Keith, tell us about your background. How does a kid from Philly find out the magic of lacrosse balls?
KN-"My education as it pertains to my book started when I visited California when I was 18. After a day of getting pounded in the surf, I received a massage from my Aunt Candice. She was an Olympic synchronized swimming coach and all around fitness guru. She showed me a technique where as you could lay on a little hard rubber ball, place it on a tight muscle, endure some pain, and in the end that sore tight muscle would be relieved. Little did I know at the time, that this technique would take me on a long a fruitful journey.
I was always an accomplished athlete. At age 12, I held a record for scoring the most goals in a soccer season. Then I declined slowly, but still made All Public in high school. However, I was no longer the best in the league and was not really sure why. I figured it out many years later. About this time in life I started to really enjoy surfing. This was also the time I started a career as a union sheet metal worker. I basically worked for a roofing company where the days where long and hard on the back. So between surfing and roofing I discovered what the meaning of a sore, tight back really was like.
Looking for answers to these problems, I went back to school (Temple U.) for Human Movement which is a combination of athletic training and exercise physiology (sports medicine). I also attended Owen's Institute for Swedish massage and Holistic Medicine. I graduated both with honors."
KMN-What did you gain from the schooling?
KN-"One of the main concepts I received from both these schools is that deep pressure massage is one of, if not the best ways to relieve sore, stiff muscles or what is called spastic muscles. This brings me back to what I learned from my Aunt Candice. My education in fact did a 360 to what I learned 30 years ago. I found that rolling on lacrosse balls, one or two of them at a time, in a Swedish massage style, which was my idea, could produce results like nothing else could. You could go to the best massage therapist and it would even come close to what you could do on your own. No one knows your body like you do. A therapist more or less has to guess what muscles are aching and tight, but you don't. You can fell them in the first person, especially as a lacrosse ball rolls over these areas. There is no mistaken the feel of a tight, stiff muscle when done this way. It cannot be misread by a massage therapist. Again, no one knows your body like you do. And there is no mistaken the feel of a muscle when it becomes relaxed. I like to call it a musclegasm; it's like a muscle orgasm."
KMN- Athletes should be interested, why?
KN-" With all this in mind, one can now conclude that if you get the best massage, which I just described, you can reach optimal flexibility. Optimal flexibility leads to greater range of motion in your joints. Greater range of motion leads to increased athletic ability. Weather it is hitting the golf ball further and with more accuracy or running the 50 yard dash my technique will make you the best you can be. The concept seems so simple and frankly I'm surprised that no one else has thought of this before. In addition to making your athletic performance sore, this form of massage fights aging by increasing nutrients flowing into the cells and wastes out of the cells.
Now I'm not saying that this is the only form of exercise an athlete or anyone should do. It works best in combination with standard fitness program and used as a supplement. I've been doing this for twenty years now and it truly works. After a hard days work, I can increase my range of motion by 30% and that's huge. Now that I'm almost 50 years old, I feel that my moves in soccer are quicker and powerful than they were 30 years ago. I can't picture life without it. And If I knew this when I was 12, I have no doubt that I would have reached greatness in sport. So it's time to pass this knowledge on before it's too late. I don't want to be another Joseph Pilate and be dead for 100 years before anyone realizes talent."
KMN- "So, anyone can easily do this and achieve results in a short time?
KN-"I'm not saying that what I have described is easy. In fact it will take time to learn and may even take several months for one's skin to adapt to the force of your entire body's weight to be focused on the small area as dense of a lacrosse ball. But there is no better deep pressure massage you can get. In my opinion, this technique will increase you athletic ability by at least 15% or more. I am in fact, my own testimonial to my book. My book has just been published and no one famous is under my care. Science and logic are the foundation for my book. It's as simple as that!
Thank You, Keith
Keith's book, "The Body's Constitution, Improved Health and Athletic Fitness through Self Massage and Hybridized Yoga" can be purchased at Amazon for only $20 or, you can get it from Mr. Null's site, http://15c772myauthorsite.com for only $13.
It is interesting reading and well worth the time if you are an athlete trying to keep your edge or even a couch potato with a sore back.
Lacrosse fans should be happy to learn that Lacrosse is actually quite therapeutic. Well, maybe not the game itself, but, Lacrosse balls. Yes, that's right...Lacrosse balls.
A gentleman from the Philadelphia area has a proven that the most intense and satisfying massage is achieved by rolling on Lacrosse balls.
Allow me to introduce everyone to Wissinoming's native son, Author of "The Body's Constitution, Improved Health and Athletic Fitness through Self Massage and Hybridized Yoga". Keith Null.
Why don't I let Keith explain his findings.
KMN-Keith, tell us about your background. How does a kid from Philly find out the magic of lacrosse balls?
KN-"My education as it pertains to my book started when I visited California when I was 18. After a day of getting pounded in the surf, I received a massage from my Aunt Candice. She was an Olympic synchronized swimming coach and all around fitness guru. She showed me a technique where as you could lay on a little hard rubber ball, place it on a tight muscle, endure some pain, and in the end that sore tight muscle would be relieved. Little did I know at the time, that this technique would take me on a long a fruitful journey.
I was always an accomplished athlete. At age 12, I held a record for scoring the most goals in a soccer season. Then I declined slowly, but still made All Public in high school. However, I was no longer the best in the league and was not really sure why. I figured it out many years later. About this time in life I started to really enjoy surfing. This was also the time I started a career as a union sheet metal worker. I basically worked for a roofing company where the days where long and hard on the back. So between surfing and roofing I discovered what the meaning of a sore, tight back really was like.
Looking for answers to these problems, I went back to school (Temple U.) for Human Movement which is a combination of athletic training and exercise physiology (sports medicine). I also attended Owen's Institute for Swedish massage and Holistic Medicine. I graduated both with honors."
KMN-What did you gain from the schooling?
KN-"One of the main concepts I received from both these schools is that deep pressure massage is one of, if not the best ways to relieve sore, stiff muscles or what is called spastic muscles. This brings me back to what I learned from my Aunt Candice. My education in fact did a 360 to what I learned 30 years ago. I found that rolling on lacrosse balls, one or two of them at a time, in a Swedish massage style, which was my idea, could produce results like nothing else could. You could go to the best massage therapist and it would even come close to what you could do on your own. No one knows your body like you do. A therapist more or less has to guess what muscles are aching and tight, but you don't. You can fell them in the first person, especially as a lacrosse ball rolls over these areas. There is no mistaken the feel of a tight, stiff muscle when done this way. It cannot be misread by a massage therapist. Again, no one knows your body like you do. And there is no mistaken the feel of a muscle when it becomes relaxed. I like to call it a musclegasm; it's like a muscle orgasm."
KMN- Athletes should be interested, why?
KN-" With all this in mind, one can now conclude that if you get the best massage, which I just described, you can reach optimal flexibility. Optimal flexibility leads to greater range of motion in your joints. Greater range of motion leads to increased athletic ability. Weather it is hitting the golf ball further and with more accuracy or running the 50 yard dash my technique will make you the best you can be. The concept seems so simple and frankly I'm surprised that no one else has thought of this before. In addition to making your athletic performance sore, this form of massage fights aging by increasing nutrients flowing into the cells and wastes out of the cells.
Now I'm not saying that this is the only form of exercise an athlete or anyone should do. It works best in combination with standard fitness program and used as a supplement. I've been doing this for twenty years now and it truly works. After a hard days work, I can increase my range of motion by 30% and that's huge. Now that I'm almost 50 years old, I feel that my moves in soccer are quicker and powerful than they were 30 years ago. I can't picture life without it. And If I knew this when I was 12, I have no doubt that I would have reached greatness in sport. So it's time to pass this knowledge on before it's too late. I don't want to be another Joseph Pilate and be dead for 100 years before anyone realizes talent."
KMN- "So, anyone can easily do this and achieve results in a short time?
KN-"I'm not saying that what I have described is easy. In fact it will take time to learn and may even take several months for one's skin to adapt to the force of your entire body's weight to be focused on the small area as dense of a lacrosse ball. But there is no better deep pressure massage you can get. In my opinion, this technique will increase you athletic ability by at least 15% or more. I am in fact, my own testimonial to my book. My book has just been published and no one famous is under my care. Science and logic are the foundation for my book. It's as simple as that!
Thank You, Keith
Keith's book, "The Body's Constitution, Improved Health and Athletic Fitness through Self Massage and Hybridized Yoga" can be purchased at Amazon for only $20 or, you can get it from Mr. Null's site, http://15c772myauthorsite.com for only $13.
It is interesting reading and well worth the time if you are an athlete trying to keep your edge or even a couch potato with a sore back.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wings end losing skid, take down Bandits
By Tom Hoffman
David Mitchell's return to the Philadelphia Wings was a successful one as he scored three goals and added two assists to help the Wings break a five game losing streak with a 15-11 win over the Buffalo Bandits Saturday at HSBC Arena.
Also having big games were Drew Westervelt (four goals and an assist) and Mat Giles (3G, 3A). Brandon Miller was excellent in net with a 40 save performance and the Wings powerplay went five for seven in a game in which the Wings never trailed. Twice the Bandits would get to within a goal but the Wings never let them tie it up and played what was probably their best effort of the 2010 season and a definite improvement over last week's debacle with Rochester.
Next up for the Wings (2-6) is a visit to Calgary and the defending champion Roughnecks next Saturday.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Meet Bob Snider
A few weeks back, Kevin M. Neibauer had the chance to meet Wings rookie Bob Snider. Bob happens to be the brother of Geoff. So, let's meet Bob.
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
KMN- First off, Welcome to Philadelphia. What are your thoughts?
BS- "Thanks. First home game and it feels pretty good. We have a great group of guys and I'm very happy to be here. I couldn't ask for more in a rookie season, plus, playing with my brother makes it very comfortable for me. All the guys get along great."
KMN-Philly can be a really great place to play...
BS-"True, plus it helps that fans really love the game and support us. I had chills going out on the floor. They (the fans) get wild and that's a big factor in our favor."
KMN- What are Coach Huntley's plans for you?
BS-" Little defense, transition and face-offs. I didn't fare too well in the circle tonight, but we got the "W" and that's what is important."
KMN- It seemed the team, as a whole struggled on the face-off tonight, any ideas?
BS-"The ref was changing his cadence and we couldn't get our timing down. But, the important thing is their guys did a great job."
KMN-Philly-Boston, big rivalry, what did you know about the Blazers coming in?
BS-"I wasn't here last year, but. I did follow the league. Boston did pretty well last year so I expected a big game coming in and that's what makes the win nice."
KMN-Defensively, the team allowed only one goal in the second half. Did you do anything at half time?
BS-"Not really, we were doing fine. We knew the second half was going to be a battle and that we needed to keep our composure and that's what we did."
KMN- How difficult has it been for the new guys to get acclimated to the coaches and each other?
BS-"For me, coming into training camp, I knew a few guys, of course, my brother and Taylor Wray. With a short training camp, you really have to bond right away I think most of us have come together nicely. I have been on teams that didn't have big scorers or World Class talent, but they had a bond. That's what wins Championships, the chemistry, the family atmosphere."
Thanks to the Wings and Bob Snider.
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
KMN- First off, Welcome to Philadelphia. What are your thoughts?
BS- "Thanks. First home game and it feels pretty good. We have a great group of guys and I'm very happy to be here. I couldn't ask for more in a rookie season, plus, playing with my brother makes it very comfortable for me. All the guys get along great."
KMN-Philly can be a really great place to play...
BS-"True, plus it helps that fans really love the game and support us. I had chills going out on the floor. They (the fans) get wild and that's a big factor in our favor."
KMN- What are Coach Huntley's plans for you?
BS-" Little defense, transition and face-offs. I didn't fare too well in the circle tonight, but we got the "W" and that's what is important."
KMN- It seemed the team, as a whole struggled on the face-off tonight, any ideas?
BS-"The ref was changing his cadence and we couldn't get our timing down. But, the important thing is their guys did a great job."
KMN-Philly-Boston, big rivalry, what did you know about the Blazers coming in?
BS-"I wasn't here last year, but. I did follow the league. Boston did pretty well last year so I expected a big game coming in and that's what makes the win nice."
KMN-Defensively, the team allowed only one goal in the second half. Did you do anything at half time?
BS-"Not really, we were doing fine. We knew the second half was going to be a battle and that we needed to keep our composure and that's what we did."
KMN- How difficult has it been for the new guys to get acclimated to the coaches and each other?
BS-"For me, coming into training camp, I knew a few guys, of course, my brother and Taylor Wray. With a short training camp, you really have to bond right away I think most of us have come together nicely. I have been on teams that didn't have big scorers or World Class talent, but they had a bond. That's what wins Championships, the chemistry, the family atmosphere."
Thanks to the Wings and Bob Snider.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 8 (at Buffalo 2-27-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (1-6) will look to avoid extending their current five game losing streak to a new franchise high when they travel to Buffalo, NY to face off with the Bandits (2-5) for the second time in three weeks. Faceoff at HSBC Arena is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings 13-11 loss on February 13 at home to Buffalo dropped their all time regular season record to 18-20 against the Bandits. On the road the Wings are 7-12 in regular season play and 6-8 since the Bandits began to call HSBC Arena their home (1997). The Wings have dropped their last four regular season meetings in Buffalo (and five overall including their meeting in the 2008 postseason). The Wings last victory in Buffalo came on February 25, 2005 by a 14-8 score.
Last Week
The Wings could only put up one goal on 15 shots in the second half as the Rochester Knighthawks ran off with a 12-6 win Saturday night in Philadelphia. The Bandits were idle last weekend having last played against the Wings two weeks ago.
Hall of Fame honors
Both teams found out Monday that they would be sending new members to the NLL's Hall of Fame. The Wings will celebrate their ninth inductee when original Wing (and current Assistant) John Tucker will be enshrined. Tucker will join Russ Cline, Chris Fritz, Mike French, Tom Marechek, Paul and Gary Gait, Tony Resch and Dallas Eliuk as Wings who have already been named to the Hall. Rich Kilgour will join brother (and current head coach) Darris Kilgour, John Mouradian, Jim Veltman and Les Bartley as Hall of Famers with a Bandits connection. Also inducted for 2010 is Dan Stroup.
Midseason
The Wings will reach the midseason point Saturday night. Below is their record at the midway point for the last five seasons:
2009: 3-5
2008: 7-1
2007: 4-4
2006: 4-4
2005: 3-5
Other Stats
When Wings score first: 1-4
When Wings lead after the 1st Qtr: 0-2
When Wings are tied after the 1st Qtr.: 1-0
When Wings lead at halftime: 1-1
When Wings are tied at halftime: 0-1
When Wings lead after 3rd Qtr: 1-0
Overtime: 0-1
Next Game
The Wings play their second straight on the road on March 6 when they travel to Calgary to face the defending champion Roughnecks.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wings downward spiral continues in loss to Knighthawks
By Tom Hoffman
There was possibly just one positive from tonight's Wings game versus the Rochester Knighthawks, that 10,019 made their way to the Wachovia Center. Judging by the boos and "Let's go Phillies", "Let's go Flyers" and "Fire Huntley" chants heard during the fourth quarter, many did not go home happy. After staying in the game for most of three quarters, the Wings allowed the Knighthawks to score the game's final six goals enroute to a 12-6 victory that further cemented the Wings spot in the Eastern Conference cellar.
As they did last week against Buffalo, the Wings started fast by taking a 3-0 lead just 3:51 into the first quarter. Rochester would score the next two goals and would keep Philly off the board until Dan Teat's second score of the night 8:02 into the second gave the Wings a 4-2 lead. Kyle Wailes would make it a three goal lead 53 seconds later before Rochester's Steve Toll and Gary Gait cut the Philly lead to one at halftime.
The Knighthawks would take a 6-5 lead on powerplay goals from Chris Schiller and Shawn Williams before John Christmas tied the game at 6. That would be all for the Wings who mustered very little in the way of offense in the second half taking only 15 shots at Pat O'Toole, who didn't have to do very much in the Rochester net. Aiding the Knighthawks was the Wings poor play on special teams. In addition to allowing Rochester eight goals on ten powerplay opportunities, the Knighthawks also added a shorthanded goal while holding the Wings punchless offense to just one extra man goal in seven chances. Also hurting the Wings were two scores (Josh Sims in the third on a breakaway and Kevin Huntley in the fourth on one of the few times the Wings went to the net) disallowed for crease violations and continuing problems with passing, catching and picking up loose balls.
Brandon Miller could've sued his teammates tonight for lack of offensive support. Miller made 39 saves and was probably the Wings best player on this forgettable night of lacrosse. Teat, Wailes and Christmas were the sole offensive threats for the Wings accounting for 10 points combined. The defense didn't play badly either holding John Grant Jr. to just a last minute goal and five assists. It was former Wing Gary Gait who did the most damage with a four goal night that gave him game MVP honors. O'Toole yawned his way to 34 saves while seeing a number of shots that may not have hit an outdoor soccer goal.
For the Wings, their next three games are on the road, none of which (Buffalo, Calgary and Orlando) seem to be good candidates for a second win. This was a game that should have many in the Wings organization looking in the mirror and not liking what they see. How they play here on out will give an idea of what they think they can do with the remainder of a 2010 season that is spiralling quickly out of control, even with the built in excuse of missing their top two scorers (Athan Iannucci and Merrick Thomson) and top defender (Shawn Nadelen).
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wings Happenings
In an Exclusive for LaxPhilly.com Kevin M. Neibauer caught up with recently acquired Max Seibald. Max registered a goal and an assist in his first game in the Wachovia Center. For those of you who don't know, Seibald was acquired from the Boston Blazers early in February.
KMN-"So, how is it here in Philadelphia?"
MS- "It's great, a lot of fun and a great bunch of guys."
KMN-"You recently set a World Record with a shot that registered 110 MPH. What did you receive for that?'
MS- "I didn’t get anything for it. I didn't even win the contest so I don't even have bragging rights! The winner was Paul Rabil. He had a shot at 111 MPH. So, I held the record for three minutes"
KMN-"First game under your belt in Philadelphia, what are your thoughts?"
MS-"I got a little experience last week in Toronto; it's only been a short time since I have been here so I am still learning. I have one or two practices under my belt and the guys have been great with all the help."
KMN-"You were drafted by Boston but never played?"
MS- "Drafted but never went to training camp or never played."
Thanks Max
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WINGS RECAP: Six weeks into the season and a lot is being exposed about this squad. Injuries have decimated the offense with the loss of Athan Iannucci(out for season), Merrick Thomson (no timetable set) and now the defense is hurting. Shawn Nadelen is on the injured reserve and lost for the season. Experienced players such as Dan Teat, Mat Giles, Bill McGlone and Jason Crosbie, to name a few, will be counted on to carry the squad.
Dave Huntley, despite watching his team blow a five goal lead was very upbeat after the Buffalo loss. "I am proud of their effort; Buffalo just brought it to us tonight."
Assistant Coach John Tucker pointed out that the team is averaging 11 goals a game. That should put any team in a position to win most games. Bottom line, it’s real easy to prepare for the Wings, they have very little offensive fire power right now. Simply contain Drew Westervelt and Giles and make the rest of the offense beat you. However, Geoff Snider maybe enjoying the best year of his career, splitting face-off duties with his brother, Bob, gives the Wings a new wrinkle. With Rochester on the horizon. John Grant Jr. is back. Philadelphia MUST compete with the Knighthawks in this contest. With the parity in the league, 7 losses may force you out of the playoffs so the clock is ticking. Right now, the team is struggling, it needs some kind of a break to right the ship. It's not from lack of effort; they simply are undermanned right now. Projects like Kevin Huntley and Max Seibald may be forced to learn the game at a quicker pace than management would desire.
CATCHING UP- I recently chatted with Former GM/Coach, Lindsay Sanderson. Lindsay said he is doing well, working a full time day job and keeping upon the comings and goings in the league. He has a few irons in some fires but not working in the business right now. Lindsay made a point to ask me to forward nothing but the sincerest good thoughts for the fans of Philadelphia and made it known that he has no hard feelings toward anyone and his removal was a business decision that he totally understood. As far as the future of the team, Sanderson exclaimed that he wishes all the best to Dave Huntley, Chris Sanderson and John Tucker as well as the team.
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HERE AND THERE: Coming in late March or early April a new Box League will be forming in the Philadelphia area. Bill Malizia and the Philadelphia Lacrosse Foundation are embarking on the formation of a 30 and over Men's League.Details are being worked out daily. This much I know it will be a no check league with Canadian Box rules. Canadian Box rules are similar to American. The biggest difference is the crease and the goaltenders. The crease cannot be violated at all, that includes reaching in to defend. Players are prohibited from leaving their feet to attempt to score. The Foundation is currently working on several events for the spring/summer. Fundraisers are planned as well as clinics featuring professional lacrosse players.
Thank You to the Philadelphia Wings, Max Seibald, and the Philadelphia Lacrosse Foundation.
KMN-"So, how is it here in Philadelphia?"
MS- "It's great, a lot of fun and a great bunch of guys."
KMN-"You recently set a World Record with a shot that registered 110 MPH. What did you receive for that?'
MS- "I didn’t get anything for it. I didn't even win the contest so I don't even have bragging rights! The winner was Paul Rabil. He had a shot at 111 MPH. So, I held the record for three minutes"
KMN-"First game under your belt in Philadelphia, what are your thoughts?"
MS-"I got a little experience last week in Toronto; it's only been a short time since I have been here so I am still learning. I have one or two practices under my belt and the guys have been great with all the help."
KMN-"You were drafted by Boston but never played?"
MS- "Drafted but never went to training camp or never played."
Thanks Max
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WINGS RECAP: Six weeks into the season and a lot is being exposed about this squad. Injuries have decimated the offense with the loss of Athan Iannucci(out for season), Merrick Thomson (no timetable set) and now the defense is hurting. Shawn Nadelen is on the injured reserve and lost for the season. Experienced players such as Dan Teat, Mat Giles, Bill McGlone and Jason Crosbie, to name a few, will be counted on to carry the squad.
Dave Huntley, despite watching his team blow a five goal lead was very upbeat after the Buffalo loss. "I am proud of their effort; Buffalo just brought it to us tonight."
Assistant Coach John Tucker pointed out that the team is averaging 11 goals a game. That should put any team in a position to win most games. Bottom line, it’s real easy to prepare for the Wings, they have very little offensive fire power right now. Simply contain Drew Westervelt and Giles and make the rest of the offense beat you. However, Geoff Snider maybe enjoying the best year of his career, splitting face-off duties with his brother, Bob, gives the Wings a new wrinkle. With Rochester on the horizon. John Grant Jr. is back. Philadelphia MUST compete with the Knighthawks in this contest. With the parity in the league, 7 losses may force you out of the playoffs so the clock is ticking. Right now, the team is struggling, it needs some kind of a break to right the ship. It's not from lack of effort; they simply are undermanned right now. Projects like Kevin Huntley and Max Seibald may be forced to learn the game at a quicker pace than management would desire.
CATCHING UP- I recently chatted with Former GM/Coach, Lindsay Sanderson. Lindsay said he is doing well, working a full time day job and keeping upon the comings and goings in the league. He has a few irons in some fires but not working in the business right now. Lindsay made a point to ask me to forward nothing but the sincerest good thoughts for the fans of Philadelphia and made it known that he has no hard feelings toward anyone and his removal was a business decision that he totally understood. As far as the future of the team, Sanderson exclaimed that he wishes all the best to Dave Huntley, Chris Sanderson and John Tucker as well as the team.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HERE AND THERE: Coming in late March or early April a new Box League will be forming in the Philadelphia area. Bill Malizia and the Philadelphia Lacrosse Foundation are embarking on the formation of a 30 and over Men's League.Details are being worked out daily. This much I know it will be a no check league with Canadian Box rules. Canadian Box rules are similar to American. The biggest difference is the crease and the goaltenders. The crease cannot be violated at all, that includes reaching in to defend. Players are prohibited from leaving their feet to attempt to score. The Foundation is currently working on several events for the spring/summer. Fundraisers are planned as well as clinics featuring professional lacrosse players.
Thank You to the Philadelphia Wings, Max Seibald, and the Philadelphia Lacrosse Foundation.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 7 (vs. Rochester 2-20-10)
By Tom Hoffman
Looking to end a four game losing streak, the Philadelphia Wings (1-5) play host to the Rochester Knighthawks (4-3) on Saturday evening. Faceoff at the Wachovia Center is at 7 PM and the game can also be seen on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings in regular season play are 15-18 all time against the Knighthawks. At home the Wings are 10-7 against Rochester winning the last meeting there in 2008 15-14 on January 18. In 2009 the teams split a pair of games at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena. The Wings earned their first win of 2009 on January 10 by a 16-13 score but would lose the final game of the season on April 18 11-8 to miss out on the 2009 postseason. Mat Giles (4G, 5A) and Kyle Wailes (2G, 7A) led the Wings with nine points. Gary Gait led Rochester with eight goals in the two games.
Last Week
The Wings jumped out to an early 5-0 lead but could not hold on as Buffalo came back to win 13-11 Saturday night. Kyle Wailes had a seven point night (4G, 3A) while Geoff Snider added a hat trick for the Wings. Rochester defeated Boston 11-9 in a Saturday matinee at the Blue Cross Arena.
East Standings
Toronto 6-2
Rochester 4-3
Orlando 3-1
Boston 3-4
Buffalo 2-5
Wings 1-5
Notes
The only time the Wings started a season 1-5 was in 1999. They would go on to win four of their last six games to qualify for the NLL playoffs.
Next Game
The Wings will hit the road for three games starting with a visit to Buffalo's HSBC Arena on February 27 for their second meeting of the 2010 season against the Bandits.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Bandits show Wings to East cellar
By Tom Hoffman
Based on the opening seven minutes and one second, it appeared that the Philadelphia Wings had found the antidote to save what was starting to look like a dreadful season. A quick 5-0 lead to chase the opposing goaltender was making the evening look very good. The Buffalo Bandits had other ideas though and used the momentum of Angus Goodleaf's solid play in relief of Mike Thompson and shut down the Wings en route to a 13-11 victory Saturday night at the Wachovia Center. A franchise low crowd of 7,723 was on hand to witness the Wings fall into sole possession of last place in the NLL's Eastern Conference.
Thompson was chased in the first quarter due to three goals from Kyle Wailes and two more from Geoff Snider. After Goodleaf entered the game, the Wings offense suddenly went cold while the Bandits still couldn't dent Brandon Miller until the 11 minute mark when Mark Steenhuis finally put one past the Wings goalie. Three more Bandits scores followed and the first quarter ended 5-4 Wings. The teams would trade off goals in the first five minutes of the second stanza before the Bandits Frank Resetarits scored with eight minutes until intermission to tie the game at seven.
Buffalo would gain the lead for the first time on a Kevin Dostie goal 3:39 into the third quarter. Wailes would get his fourth goal of the night to tie the game at eight but that would be that final tie of the night as Buffalo got a pair of tallies from Brett Bucktooth (one shorthanded and one on the powerplay) to take a 10-8 lead into the final 15 minutes. The fourth started good for the Wings as John Christmas (in his first game action of the 2010 season) and Geoff Snider sandwiched goals around one from Buffalo's John Tavares to make the game 11-10 Buffalo with 8:21 remaining in regulation. Goals from Tavares and ex-Wing Jon Harasym would ice the game for the Bandits, making Max Seibald's first NLL goal with 13 seconds remaining to play irrelevant.
While Bandits coach Darris Kilgour was happy to have Tavares back in the lineup for the first time this season after sitting due to injury, he credited the play of Goodleaf as the game's turning point.
"We didn't come out with focus, we didn't play well in fron of Mike (Thompson)," Kilgour said. "When Angus went in there guys buckled down a little more and Angus played a really good game so I thought that was a big turning point for us."
Wings coach Dave Huntley, while happy that his team's effort was better than their previous game in Toronto, also gave props to the Bandits backup keeper.
"Give credit to Angus, he came in and stopped the bleeding in a big way and they rallied behind him," Huntley said. "They started to find the net a little bit and we probably lost a little bit of composure."
Wailes paced the Wings with four goals and three assists while Geoff Snider scored a hat trick. Dan Teat and Mat Giles also chipped in with three assists for Philly while Brandon Miller made 36 saves. Buffalo had five players (Steenhuis, Tavares, Bucktooth, Dostie and Resetarits) score two goals to lead a balanced offense while Goodleaf made 37 saves in his relief effort.
The Wings season does not get any easier as Rochester, with John Grant Jr. and Gary Gait, comes to visit next Saturday.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 6 (vs. Buffalo 2-13-10)
By Tom Hoffman
Looking to end a three game losing streak and recover from a slow start, the Philadelphia Wings (1-4) face a team that is also struggling in the Buffalo Bandits (1-5). Faceoff this Saturday night is at 8 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 18-19 all time in regular season play against the Bandits. In Philadelphia the Wings have a record of 11-7 and have won the last two meetings at home. In 2009 the teams split their two matchups, the Bandits taking the season opener 15-11 January 3 at HSBC Arena and the Wings winning the February 6 meeting at Wachovia Center by a 13-11 score. Drew Westervelt scored six goals in the two games to lead the Wings while Mat Giles added five tallies. Buffalo was led by Mark Steenhuis with six goals. Rob Blasdell took the loss for the Wings in the opener while Brandon Miller started in the Philadelphia victory. Mike Thompson started both games in net for the Bandits.
Last Week
The Wings were competitive in the first quarter trailing 6-4 but after an early second quarter goal brought them within a goal the floor fell through and the Toronto Rock ran with a 19-11 victory last Friday at Air Canada Centre. Dan Teat (2G, 3A) and Kyle Wailes (1G, 4A) led all Wings scorers with five points. Brandon Miller started and surrendered 18 goals before being replace by Rob Blasdell in the fourth quarter. Buffalo faced the Rock at home on Saturday losing 14-10.
Notes
Former Bandits now suiting up for the Wings include Dan Teat and Jason Crosbie while Sean Greenhalgh, Ian Llord, Ken Montour and Jon Harasym are Bandits who one time played for the Wings.
Next Game
The Wings host the Rochester Knighthawks on February 20 at 7 PM.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wings "Rocked" in ugly loss
By Tom Hoffman
Ugly losses seem to be the norm when the Wings visit Toronto's Air Canada Centre. And this game was really no exception. After a quick start, things went downhill very fast for Philadelphia as the Toronto Rock waltzed off with a 19-11 win in front of 10,256 fans Friday night.
The first quarter would end up being the highlight of the evening for the Wings. Philly would jump out to a quick 2-0 lead in the game's first minute on goals from Dan Teat and Kyle Sweeney. After the Rock tied the game on scores by rookie Stephen LeBlanc and Scott Campbell, the Wings would regain the lead courtesy of Geoff Snider. That would be the last lead of the evening for Dave Huntley's squad as the Rock tallied four of the next five scores to take a 6-4 lead after the first 15.
Mat Giles would get the Wings (1-4) within a goal but the Rock would answer with six straight goals to take a 12-5 lead in the third quarter. Sweeney and Kyle Wailes would add goals to get the Wings within five but the Rock would continue to toy with and have their way against the Wings struggling defense and would not allow the Wings to come back and make a game of it this evening. After surrendering 18 goals on 53 shots, Brandon Miller was relieved and Rob Blasdell would see his first playing time of the 2010 season.
Kyle Sweeney and Dan Teat each scored twice for the Wings in the losing effort. With Saturday's home game with Orlando postponed due to an impending Winter Storm, the Wings will return home next weekend to face the Buffalo Bandits in what right now appears to shaping up to be a big divisional battle: one for the bottom of the NLL's Eastern Conference.
Ugly losses seem to be the norm when the Wings visit Toronto's Air Canada Centre. And this game was really no exception. After a quick start, things went downhill very fast for Philadelphia as the Toronto Rock waltzed off with a 19-11 win in front of 10,256 fans Friday night.
The first quarter would end up being the highlight of the evening for the Wings. Philly would jump out to a quick 2-0 lead in the game's first minute on goals from Dan Teat and Kyle Sweeney. After the Rock tied the game on scores by rookie Stephen LeBlanc and Scott Campbell, the Wings would regain the lead courtesy of Geoff Snider. That would be the last lead of the evening for Dave Huntley's squad as the Rock tallied four of the next five scores to take a 6-4 lead after the first 15.
Mat Giles would get the Wings (1-4) within a goal but the Rock would answer with six straight goals to take a 12-5 lead in the third quarter. Sweeney and Kyle Wailes would add goals to get the Wings within five but the Rock would continue to toy with and have their way against the Wings struggling defense and would not allow the Wings to come back and make a game of it this evening. After surrendering 18 goals on 53 shots, Brandon Miller was relieved and Rob Blasdell would see his first playing time of the 2010 season.
Kyle Sweeney and Dan Teat each scored twice for the Wings in the losing effort. With Saturday's home game with Orlando postponed due to an impending Winter Storm, the Wings will return home next weekend to face the Buffalo Bandits in what right now appears to shaping up to be a big divisional battle: one for the bottom of the NLL's Eastern Conference.
Monday, February 1, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 5 (at Toronto 2-5-10) and Game 6 (vs Orlando 2-6-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings face their first weekend of back to back games in the 2010 season. The weekend begins with a visit to Toronto and the Air Canada Centre for a 7:30 faceoff against the Rock and concludes on Saturday evening at the Wachovia Center when the Wings play host to the Orlando Titans at 7 PM. Both games can be seen on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 9-17 all time in regular season play against Toronto, 8-16 since the franchise's move to Toronto from Hamilton, Ontario following the 1998 season. In Toronto, the Wings have a 2-9 record (2-8 at the Air Canada Centre). The Wings last visit to Toronto in 2008 was a victorious one, 15-14 on a late Athan Iannucci goal. Overall the Wings have won their last three meetings with the Rock including their only matchup in 2009, a 16-14 win in Philadelphia. The Wings lone regular season visit to Maple Leaf Gardens was a loss while their visit to Copps Coliseum in 1998 was an overtime victory over the then Ontario Raiders. Against Orlando the Wings are 4-5 including the 13-8 season opening loss on January 8 at Amway Arena. In Philadelphia the Wings and Titans have split four games.
Last Week
The Wings fell to the Boston Blazers 11-9 Saturday afternoon in Boston. Mat Giles scored a hat trick and Kevin Huntley added his first two NLL goals but the Wings never led in the game and couldn't overcome four goal games from Dan Dawson and Daryl Veltman. Toronto suffered their first loss of 2010, 16-8 at Rochester on Saturday while Orlando defeated the Knighthawks Friday night in Orlando by a 13-8 score.
At the quarter pole (last five seasons)
2010: 1-3
2009: 1-3
2008: 4-0
2007: 2-2
2006: 3-1
Next Game
The Wings are back at home on February 13 when they host the Buffalo Bandits.
The Philadelphia Wings face their first weekend of back to back games in the 2010 season. The weekend begins with a visit to Toronto and the Air Canada Centre for a 7:30 faceoff against the Rock and concludes on Saturday evening at the Wachovia Center when the Wings play host to the Orlando Titans at 7 PM. Both games can be seen on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings are 9-17 all time in regular season play against Toronto, 8-16 since the franchise's move to Toronto from Hamilton, Ontario following the 1998 season. In Toronto, the Wings have a 2-9 record (2-8 at the Air Canada Centre). The Wings last visit to Toronto in 2008 was a victorious one, 15-14 on a late Athan Iannucci goal. Overall the Wings have won their last three meetings with the Rock including their only matchup in 2009, a 16-14 win in Philadelphia. The Wings lone regular season visit to Maple Leaf Gardens was a loss while their visit to Copps Coliseum in 1998 was an overtime victory over the then Ontario Raiders. Against Orlando the Wings are 4-5 including the 13-8 season opening loss on January 8 at Amway Arena. In Philadelphia the Wings and Titans have split four games.
Last Week
The Wings fell to the Boston Blazers 11-9 Saturday afternoon in Boston. Mat Giles scored a hat trick and Kevin Huntley added his first two NLL goals but the Wings never led in the game and couldn't overcome four goal games from Dan Dawson and Daryl Veltman. Toronto suffered their first loss of 2010, 16-8 at Rochester on Saturday while Orlando defeated the Knighthawks Friday night in Orlando by a 13-8 score.
At the quarter pole (last five seasons)
2010: 1-3
2009: 1-3
2008: 4-0
2007: 2-2
2006: 3-1
Next Game
The Wings are back at home on February 13 when they host the Buffalo Bandits.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wings stumble in Boston
By Tom Hoffman
A fluky first goal against and an inconsistent offense spelled doom for the Wings this afternoon in Boston as they fell to 1-3 on the season losing 11-9 to the Boston Blazers at TD Garden.
The goal that set the tone for the game occurred in the game's first minute when after attempting to play a long pass from his crease, Wings goalie Brandon Miller had the ball get caught in the upper part of his right leg pad. As he turned around the ball came loose and rolled into an unguarded net to give Boston the early lead. The goal was credited to Dan Dawson, the first of four he would score on the day. The Wings trailed 3-0 before they tallied their first goal from Kyle Wailes, a score that was originally ruled no goal but overturned following a challenge by Wings coach Dave Huntley.
Mat Giles opened the second quarter scoring to pull the Wings within a goal at 3-2 but three Blazer scores opened up a 6-2 lead. The Wings would come back scoring three of the next four goals to go into halftime down 7-5, the last goal coming in the final seconds from Kevin Huntley, his first in the NLL in his fourth game. NLL goal number two for Huntley came in the opening minute of the third quarter to again pull Philly within a goal at 7-6. After the teams traded scores the Blazers got a pair of goals from Daryl Veltman (who also had four goals on the day) to lead 10-7 heading to the final 15 minutes. Bill McGlone scored in the first minute to make it 10-8 but neither team would score again until the final minute of play when Veltman would ice the game for the Blazers. Giles scored the game's final goal. The game would end with some chippy play after the Wings Geoff Snider went after Boston's Mitch Belisle.
The Wings will now head into a huge weekend of back to back games staring next Friday in Toronto before coming home to face the Orlando Titans the next night.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 4 (at Boston 1-30-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will hit the road for their next two National Lacrosse League matchups. First in this set of games is this Saturday afternoon when the Wings (1-2) travel to Boston to face off with the Blazers (1-3). Game time is at 1 PM and can be seen on NLL.com through the NLL Network.
History
The Wings 12-8 victory over the Blazers on January 16 was their first win over the second year Boston squad. All time the Wings are 1-3 vs the Blazers. The Wings were defeated in their only visit to Beantown in 2009 falling 11-7 to the Blazers on January 24. All time the Wings are 1-1 at TD Banknorth Garden, having defeated the original Blazers 12-11 on January 11, 1997.
Last Week
The Wings gave up two goals in the final three minutes to allow the Colorado Mammoth to tie the game at 11 before falling 12-11 in overtime Saturday night at the Wachovia Center. Mat Giles scored three goals while Kyle Wailes added five assists. Brandon Miller made 46 saves in the Wings net. Boston won their first game of the 2010 season defeating Orlando 13-9 Saturday evening in Boston.
Dealing with their opponent
Monday the Wings and Blazers completed a trade in which the Wings acquired Boston's top pick in the 2009 entry draft, Max Seibald, in exchange for the Wings top pick in the 2010 draft and future considerations.
Wings Leaders
Goals: Drew Westervelt - 7
Assists: Mat Giles and Geoff Snider - 7
Points: Westervelt - 13
Goals Against: Brandon Miller - 10.86
Save Pct.: Miller - 78.4%
Next Game
The Wings will begin a back to back weekend of games with a visit to Toronto to square off against the Rock on February 5.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Wings fall in OT to Mammoth
By Tom Hoffman
For the second straight week the Philadelphia Wings were facing a team that played on the road the night before and had their game go into overtime. After holding the Boston Blazers to one goal in the second half last week and wearing the Blazers down, the Wings had hoped to do the same to the Colorado Mammoth tonight. It wasn't to be though as the Wings let the Mammoth score twice in the game's final three minutes to force overtime before Alex Gajic's third goal of the night gave the Mammoth a 12-11 victory in front of 8,201 at the Wachovia Center. The Wings fall to 1-2 while Colorado evens up at 2-2.
"We played 57 decent but not great minutes," Wings coach Dave Huntley said. "The last 3 minutes sort of bit us."
The Wings struggled to find any rhythm on offense tonight as they tied the game seven times only to allow Colorado to score the go ahead goal. It wasn't until Drew Westervelt scored with 6:04 to play in the fourth quarter that the Wings actually held a lead in this game. When Bill McGlone tallied with 4:10 to play it looked like the Wings might pull this one out. The Mammoth, though, still had some energy left after an overtime game in Minnesota on Friday night and managed to score twice to tie the game. The game tying goal by Jamie Shewchuk came while the Mammoth were shorthanded after Nick Carlson was whistled for a check from behind.
The overtime period started ominously for Philadelphia as McGlone was called for goaltender interference just 34 seconds into the extra frame. With 15 seconds left in the man advantage Alex Gajic ended the night and sent the Mammoth home with back to back OT wins to cap Steve Govett's first weekend as a coach in the NLL after Bob McMahon was relieved of his duites following the Mammoth's 0-2 start. Govett, however, gave all the credit to his players afterwards.
"All the credit goes to the guys," Govett said. "They're the one's who answered the bell. They really worked hard."
Mat Giles had three goals for the Wings while Kyle Wailes added six points, including five assists. Brandon Miller made 46 saves to keep the Wings in the game. Colorado was led by Alex Gajic's three scores and Jamie Shewchuk's five points (2G, 3A). Andrew Leyshon played the full game and made 40 saves after making 35 saves in 46 minutes of play friday night against the Minnesota Swarm.
The Wings will look to rebound next Saturday afternoon with a rematch in Boston against the Blazers.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 3 (vs Colorado 1-23-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will seek win #2 in the 2010 season when they faceoff against the Colorado Mammoth on Saturday night at the Wachovia Center at 7 PM. The game can also be seen live on the NLL Network.
History
The Wings hold a 27-12 edge in games against the only other franchise left from the league's beginning in 1987 as the Eagle League. The Wings are 5-2 since the Mammoth moved to Denver in 2003 and have won the last four meetings overall and five straight at home (last home loss in 2000). Last season the Wings defeated Colorado 17-13 on March 28 at the Wachovia Center. In that matchup Athan Iannucci scored four goals while Mat Giles dished out six assists.
Last Week
The Wings gained their first win of the young season holding the Boston Blazers to one goal in the second half enroute to a 12-8 victory last Saturday at the Wachovia Center. Brandon Miller made 18 of his 41 saves in that second half while the Wings used a balanced scoring attack to take the win. Colorado lost their home opener last Saturday night 14-13 to the Edmonton Rush.
New faces, old teams
Two Wings will be facing their former team on Saturday. Josh Sims played for the Colorado franchise for his entire career going back to when the team was the Washington Power in 2001. Mike Ward was a rookie with the Mammoth in 2009. Behind the Colorado bench will be a familiar face to Wings fans. Mammoth GM Steve Govett became coach of the team after Bob McMahon was relieved of his duties following the loss to Edmonton last week.
Next Game
The Wings will head back on the road when they visit the Blazers January 30 at Boston's TD Banknorth Garden.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Solid second half leads Wings to victory
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings held the Boston Blazers to one goal in the second half and got just enough offense to earn their first win of the 2010 season, 12-8 over the 0-3 Blazers in front of 9,330 at the Wachovia Center Saturday night. The win improves the Wings to 1-1 early in the 2010 season.
"We played a really good second half," Wings coach Dave Huntley said. "We finally got all of our pre-season stuff out of the way and cleaned things up."
The first half was almost like watching two different games. The first quarter both sides appeared sluggish, in Boston's case no real surprise as they had played in Toronto the night before dropping an overtime decision to the Rock. After playing to a 1-1 draw in the first, the second quarter was run and gun with the Wings outscoring Boston 7-6 enroute to an 8-7 halftime lead.
After Jason Crosbie tallied his second goal of the night to give the Wings a 9-7 advantage, Boston's Daryl Veltman cut the lead to 9-8 on a powerplay score with 9:50 left in the third. This was significant on two fronts: it was the first time in their first three games that the Blazers scored more than seven goals. It would also be their final goal of the evening. The Wings would outscore the Blazers 3-0 the rest of the way to send their faithful fanatics home happy.
The Wings were led offensively by four two goal scorers (Drew Westervelt, Jason Crosbie, Dan Teat and Kyle Wailes). Westervelt, Mat Giles and Geoff Snider also chipped in with three assists while Brandon Miller made 41 saves. Boston's Mike Poulin amtched Miller in the save department while Nick Cotter (3 goals, 2 assists) and Daryl Veltman (2 goals, 3 assists) lead the Boston offense.
The Wings will look for win #2 when they face the Colorado Mammoth next Saturday at home.
Monday, January 11, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 2 (vs Boston 1-16-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will look to recover from an opening night loss in Orlando when they host the Boston Blazers in the Wings 2010 home opener on Saturday night. Faceoff at the Wachovia Center is at 7 PM. The game can also be seen on the NLL Network free of charge.
History
The Wings struggled against the expansion Blazers in 2009 losing all three meetings. On January 23, the Blazers won their first ever NLL game 13-11 over the Wings in Philly's 2009 home opener. Boston rookie Daryl Veltman scored four goals that night while league MVP Dan Dawson had seven assists. The following evening the Blazers dominated the Wings 11-7 at TD Banknorth Garden. Boston jumped out to a 5-0 in this game and never looked back. The Wings did close to within a goal at 8-7 before the Blazers scored the game's last three goals to ice the win. Matt Lyons tallied five goals while Dan Dawson added a goal and seven more assists earning Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week four of the 2009 season. The final meeting is a game Wings fans would like to forget as they were held to just one goal over three quarters as they were embarrassed by Boston 8-4 on February 13. The Wings trailed 7-1 with just over ten and a half minutes to play before scoring three of the games last four goals. The lone highlight for Philadelphia was a 48 save night by goalie Brandon Miller.
Last week
The Wings were defeated 13-8 by the Orlando Titans in front of 8,145 fans at Orlando's Amway Arena last Friday. After taking a 2-1 lead in the first quarter, the Titans reeled off seven straight goals to put the game out of reach. Casey Powell led the Titans with four goals while Jordan Hall added six helpers. The Wings leaders were Drew Westervelt with three goals and Dan Teat with two goals and two assists while Brandon Miller made 33 saves.
Boston's opener was just as tough as they fell at home to the Toronto Rock 17-7 on Saturday. Dan Dawson scored three goals and added two assists while Daryl Veltman had four points (2G, 2A). Both Anthony Cosmo (12 Goals Against) and Mike Poulin (5 GA) struggled in net for Boston. Before coming to Philly the Blzaers will travel Friday to Toronto for a rematch of opening night.
For Openers
The Wings have a home opening record of 13-10, only 6-7 at the Wachovia Center. In addition to last years loss, the Wings were 2-1 in home openers against the original Blazers (1989-1997).
Next Game
The Wings will return to the Wachovia Center on January 23 to host the Colorado Mammoth.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 1 (at Orlando 1-8-10)
By Tom Hoffman
The 24th season of Philadelphia Wings lacrosse will begin with them playing their first ever game in the Sunshine State but against a team that has quickly become a fierce rival. The former New York Titans now make the home of Disney World their new stomping grounds and will open their first season in Florida against the Wings on Friday night. Gametime at Amway Arena is at 7:35 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL network.
History
The Wings and Titans have split their eight previous meetings. On the road the Wings are 2-2 against the Titans. This will be the fourth different road arena the Wings will have faced the Titans in, after playing in 2007 at Nassau Coliseum (Wings win 16-11), 2008 at Trenton's Sovereign Bank Arena (Titans win 20-13) and two games in 2009 at Newark, NJ's Prudential Center.
Last season
The Wings lost two of the three meetings in 2009 against the Titans. The Titans claimed victory in the first meeting 15-12 in Newark on February 8 behind hat tricks from Casey Powell, Brendan Mundorf and Mike McLellan. On April 4, the Wings opened a home and home weekend with an 11-7 win in Newark fueled by a 45 save performance from Brandon Miller. The next day the Wings jumped out to an 8-3 lead at home before the Titans rallied for a 16-13 win, Casey Powell scoring five goals. Merrick Thomson led the Wings in the series with 16 points (11 goals). Kyle Wailes and Geoff Snider each had nine assists.
For starters
The Wings are 12-11 all time in season openers. This season will be the 16th the Wings have opened on the road with an 7-8 record in the previous games. The Wings last win in a season opening road game was the 2006 opener at Colorado. The Wings did win their road opener at Colorado in 2008 after opening with three wins at home.
Some new and returning looks
The Wings 2010 roster has several new looks. Among the newcomers are top draft pick Bob Snider (brother of Geoff), trade acquisitions Bill McGlone (17 points with Toronto in 2009) and Kevin Huntley (son of coach/GM Dave), Mike Ward (six games with Colorado in 2009), Dan Teat (69 points with Edmonton in 2009) and free agents Josh Sims (Colorado) and Jeff Reynolds (University of Maryland). The roster also sees the return of three players from the 2008 team, John Christmas, Brett Moyer and Jason Crosbie (50 points in 2009 with Toronto).
2009 Stats
Goals: Merrick Thomson (40)
Assists: Mat Giles (47)
Points: Giles (70)
Goals Against: Rob Blasdell (11.84)
Next Game
The Wings will play their 2010 home opener on January 16 against the Boston Blazers.
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