by Tom Hoffman
The Rochester Knighthawks scored six fourth quarter goals to comeback and defeat the Philadelphia Wings 11-8 Sunday afternoon at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, NJ. This was the first pre-season game for both teams.
The Wings led 4-2 at halftime behind solid defense and Brandon Miller's goaltending. After trading off goals in the third quarter, the Wings took a 7-5 lead into the final fifteen minutes but Rochester capitalized on special teams play scoring once shorthanded and four times with the man advantage. Three of the Knighthawk power play goals came as a result of a five minute major assessed to the Wings Max Seibald.
The Wings and Knighthawks will open the regular season on January 14 at the Wells Fargo Center.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Wings face Knighthawks in exhibition
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will give their fans a preview of the 2012 season when they face off with the Rochester Knighthawks on Sunday December 11 at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, NJ at 1 PM.
This will be the first preseason game for both squads and will be a chance for Wings fans to see the team's newest acquisitions in play for the first time. Expected to be in the lineup will be Dan Dawson (acquired in the Boston Blazers dispersal draft), Brodie Merrill (acquired from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal) and #1 draft pick Kevin Crowley. This will be the Wings second visit to Trenton having lost here in March 2008 to the New York Titans 20-13 in what was a Titans home game.
The game can be heard on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and at http://staff.bcc.edu/z889/
The Philadelphia Wings will give their fans a preview of the 2012 season when they face off with the Rochester Knighthawks on Sunday December 11 at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, NJ at 1 PM.
This will be the first preseason game for both squads and will be a chance for Wings fans to see the team's newest acquisitions in play for the first time. Expected to be in the lineup will be Dan Dawson (acquired in the Boston Blazers dispersal draft), Brodie Merrill (acquired from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal) and #1 draft pick Kevin Crowley. This will be the Wings second visit to Trenton having lost here in March 2008 to the New York Titans 20-13 in what was a Titans home game.
The game can be heard on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and at http://staff.bcc.edu/z889/
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Interview with George Golding
By Kevin Neibauer
Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with the very entertaining George Golding. Golding is very much a multi-faceted man. A school teacher by day, lacrosse player and referee in the evening, George also assists with the Phillies ground crew on game days as well as being very involved with the Philadelphia Soul as their mascot, Soul Man, as well as the former Trenton Devils mascot, Scorch. Without further ado, let's meet George Golding.
KMN- Tell us about your officiating background.
GG-"My family connection to officiating starts with my dad. I grew up watching him officiate basketball and football. He brought me on early, at the age of 6, as a scorekeeper/statistician for NESAC (North East Sports Athletic Conference). He then introduced me to football as an official with ARCO, finally working my way up to being a varsity football official (Referee and Line Judge) with the Central Board, with the PIAA. I continued with basketball as a ref and never pursued anything past high school rec leagues. In total I was involved for 30 years (15 years per sport). Once I tore my ACL, I worked the shot clocks for the PBLA and enjoyed it. Joe Fratoni gave me an opportunity to work the shot clock at a Barrage game, and he trusts me to work in the PBLA now. I am breaking into indoor lacrosse and hope to become an NLL official in a few years. My brother became an official as soon as he could and is returning to football after several seasons away from the game."
KMN-What is your sports background?
GG- "I grew up playing baseball and basketball, with baseball being my first love. I truly enjoy the game for the strategy, and the athletic ability it takes to play. I was recruited in high school to pitch in college, but decided to stay local and fulfill my dream of becoming a high school teacher. I began playing lacrosse when I turned 21, but I was a Wings season ticket holder for nearly 15 years. I loved watching the game and antagonizing visiting players. Through this, I became involved with Fann Cup because of two good friends, Keith Hennessy and Mike Barbera. I continued playing in the PBLA and have had opportunities to play in the Ales Hrebesky tournament in Prague and in the PILL".
KMN- How did you get involved with the grounds keeping and mascots?
GG- "While working for the Trenton Thunder (1999-2003, 2011) I gained some knowledge into grounds keeping and joined the Phillies organization in 2004 (2004-Present). I also work part-time with the Trenton Titans (formerly the Trenton Devils) during hockey season. My mascot connection goes back to 1999 when I started working for the Trenton Thunder. I became Boomer’s security guard and helped out when I could. I worked there for 5 years, and eventually had to take my position as a teacher. I was able to continue my mascot career, and help out Soul Man, with the Philadelphia Soul (2004-2008, 2011-Present). I assisted, and was part of, the 2008 Arena Football League Championship in New Orleans. I became a friend of the Trenton Devils (2007-2011) mascot, Scorch, until they suspended operations in April of 2011. I am fortunate now to work with the Trenton Titans and assist with game day duties. I owe my entertainment career to a great mentor, and wonderful friend Paul Devery."
"Attending Holy Ghost Preparatory was the greatest accomplishment of my educational life. I value everything that I have learned there and hold their teachings dear to my heart. Many teachers at HGP inspired me to become a teacher and continue their tradition in helping others as they have helped me. I am proud to say that I have earned my BA in Education, and absolutely love working with students."
KMN- What are your duties with the Phillies? Did you work the World Series? Describe a typical day in the life of a mascot.
GG-"My duties with the Phillies, since I'm game day, are to set up and break down batting practice, drag the field before and during the game, prepare the field (line, drag, paint, water) for the game, pull tarp for rain, and clean the field postgame. During the game we work under the stadium cleaning vehicles or watching the weather for the summer storms that pop up. I worked both World Series appearances in '08 and '09. The '08 win was the greatest moment in my life. Being a loyal Phillies follower since I remember, and suffering with my best friends for those years, winning it at home and celebrating on the field was so wonderful. My two friends I've had since I was 12 shared that experience with me."
“As for teaching I'm currently unemployed, thanks to the political uprisings in the neighboring state, though I teach high school English when I am employed. I worked at Medford Tech for 3 years and formed bonds with the terrific faculty there and taught some of the greatest kids in the world. I coached softball and helped lead the team to the first state playoff berth in school history. I love teaching and affecting lives of students. I believe in a philosophy that a teacher can make the content entertaining and students will want to learn more. So, that's what I try to do. Who knows, maybe one day I will have inspired someone to become a teacher like my teachers did for me at HGP."
"A day in the life of a mascot is tough because some days it embodies a couple of jobs running together. On a normal, school day, with a hockey game after, it involves packing the night before. All the essentials are prepped, packed and left by the door. I complete my job at school (not thinking about the game), and then after prepping for the next day of school, it's off to the arena. I arrive well before the public and before most of the front office. I am able to unpack the costume and personal items, and relax. I think about things that have happened during the day, and focus my energy as to what lies ahead tonight. I take a half hour nap, and then eat dinner. Following dinner, I get together with our emcee, Scott Cooney, and we talk about possible skits that could be interjected into promos. Once that's finished it's time to get dressed. I lead the team out prior to the anthem and then it's all improvisational skills after that. I try to be as crazy as I can be. My goal is to entertain the crowd, shake hands, meet as may people as I can, and leave them with a memory and a smile that they won't soon forget."
Thank You to George for taking time out of his busy schedule.
Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with the very entertaining George Golding. Golding is very much a multi-faceted man. A school teacher by day, lacrosse player and referee in the evening, George also assists with the Phillies ground crew on game days as well as being very involved with the Philadelphia Soul as their mascot, Soul Man, as well as the former Trenton Devils mascot, Scorch. Without further ado, let's meet George Golding.
KMN- Tell us about your officiating background.
GG-"My family connection to officiating starts with my dad. I grew up watching him officiate basketball and football. He brought me on early, at the age of 6, as a scorekeeper/statistician for NESAC (North East Sports Athletic Conference). He then introduced me to football as an official with ARCO, finally working my way up to being a varsity football official (Referee and Line Judge) with the Central Board, with the PIAA. I continued with basketball as a ref and never pursued anything past high school rec leagues. In total I was involved for 30 years (15 years per sport). Once I tore my ACL, I worked the shot clocks for the PBLA and enjoyed it. Joe Fratoni gave me an opportunity to work the shot clock at a Barrage game, and he trusts me to work in the PBLA now. I am breaking into indoor lacrosse and hope to become an NLL official in a few years. My brother became an official as soon as he could and is returning to football after several seasons away from the game."
KMN-What is your sports background?
GG- "I grew up playing baseball and basketball, with baseball being my first love. I truly enjoy the game for the strategy, and the athletic ability it takes to play. I was recruited in high school to pitch in college, but decided to stay local and fulfill my dream of becoming a high school teacher. I began playing lacrosse when I turned 21, but I was a Wings season ticket holder for nearly 15 years. I loved watching the game and antagonizing visiting players. Through this, I became involved with Fann Cup because of two good friends, Keith Hennessy and Mike Barbera. I continued playing in the PBLA and have had opportunities to play in the Ales Hrebesky tournament in Prague and in the PILL".
KMN- How did you get involved with the grounds keeping and mascots?
GG- "While working for the Trenton Thunder (1999-2003, 2011) I gained some knowledge into grounds keeping and joined the Phillies organization in 2004 (2004-Present). I also work part-time with the Trenton Titans (formerly the Trenton Devils) during hockey season. My mascot connection goes back to 1999 when I started working for the Trenton Thunder. I became Boomer’s security guard and helped out when I could. I worked there for 5 years, and eventually had to take my position as a teacher. I was able to continue my mascot career, and help out Soul Man, with the Philadelphia Soul (2004-2008, 2011-Present). I assisted, and was part of, the 2008 Arena Football League Championship in New Orleans. I became a friend of the Trenton Devils (2007-2011) mascot, Scorch, until they suspended operations in April of 2011. I am fortunate now to work with the Trenton Titans and assist with game day duties. I owe my entertainment career to a great mentor, and wonderful friend Paul Devery."
"Attending Holy Ghost Preparatory was the greatest accomplishment of my educational life. I value everything that I have learned there and hold their teachings dear to my heart. Many teachers at HGP inspired me to become a teacher and continue their tradition in helping others as they have helped me. I am proud to say that I have earned my BA in Education, and absolutely love working with students."
KMN- What are your duties with the Phillies? Did you work the World Series? Describe a typical day in the life of a mascot.
GG-"My duties with the Phillies, since I'm game day, are to set up and break down batting practice, drag the field before and during the game, prepare the field (line, drag, paint, water) for the game, pull tarp for rain, and clean the field postgame. During the game we work under the stadium cleaning vehicles or watching the weather for the summer storms that pop up. I worked both World Series appearances in '08 and '09. The '08 win was the greatest moment in my life. Being a loyal Phillies follower since I remember, and suffering with my best friends for those years, winning it at home and celebrating on the field was so wonderful. My two friends I've had since I was 12 shared that experience with me."
“As for teaching I'm currently unemployed, thanks to the political uprisings in the neighboring state, though I teach high school English when I am employed. I worked at Medford Tech for 3 years and formed bonds with the terrific faculty there and taught some of the greatest kids in the world. I coached softball and helped lead the team to the first state playoff berth in school history. I love teaching and affecting lives of students. I believe in a philosophy that a teacher can make the content entertaining and students will want to learn more. So, that's what I try to do. Who knows, maybe one day I will have inspired someone to become a teacher like my teachers did for me at HGP."
"A day in the life of a mascot is tough because some days it embodies a couple of jobs running together. On a normal, school day, with a hockey game after, it involves packing the night before. All the essentials are prepped, packed and left by the door. I complete my job at school (not thinking about the game), and then after prepping for the next day of school, it's off to the arena. I arrive well before the public and before most of the front office. I am able to unpack the costume and personal items, and relax. I think about things that have happened during the day, and focus my energy as to what lies ahead tonight. I take a half hour nap, and then eat dinner. Following dinner, I get together with our emcee, Scott Cooney, and we talk about possible skits that could be interjected into promos. Once that's finished it's time to get dressed. I lead the team out prior to the anthem and then it's all improvisational skills after that. I try to be as crazy as I can be. My goal is to entertain the crowd, shake hands, meet as may people as I can, and leave them with a memory and a smile that they won't soon forget."
Thank You to George for taking time out of his busy schedule.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wings release 2012 schedule
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will open the 2012 season at the Wells Fargo Center on January 14 when they host the Rochester Knighthawks. This will mark the debut of Dan Dawson and Brodie Merrill with the Wings, Dawson being acquired in the Boston Blazers dispersal draft and Merrill coming from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal. Iannucci will return to Philadelphia on March 17 when the Rush make their first ever visit to Philadelphia. The Wings will face every team in the National Lacrosse League except for the Calgary Roughnecks.
Saturday, January 14 - 7:00 p.m. - Rochester at Philadelphia
Saturday, January 21 - 7:00 p.m. - Washington at Philadelphia
Friday, January 27 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Buffalo
Saturday, February 4 - 7:00 p.m. - Toronto at Philadelphia
Sunday, February 12 - 4:00 p.m. - Buffalo at Philadelphia
Saturday, February 18 - 7:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Toronto
Friday, February 24 - 9:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Edmonton
Saturday, March 3 - 7:00 p.m. - Rochester at Philadelphia
Friday, March 9 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Toronto
Saturday, March 17 - 7:00 p.m. - Edmonton at Philadelphia
Friday , March 23 - 9:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Colorado
Sunday, March 25 - 4:00 p.m. - Colorado at Philadelphia
Friday, April 6 - 7:00 p.m. - Minnesota at Philadelphia
Saturday, April 7 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Buffalo
Saturday, April 21 - 8:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Minnesota
Saturday, April 28 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Rochester
Home games in BOLD
The Philadelphia Wings will open the 2012 season at the Wells Fargo Center on January 14 when they host the Rochester Knighthawks. This will mark the debut of Dan Dawson and Brodie Merrill with the Wings, Dawson being acquired in the Boston Blazers dispersal draft and Merrill coming from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal. Iannucci will return to Philadelphia on March 17 when the Rush make their first ever visit to Philadelphia. The Wings will face every team in the National Lacrosse League except for the Calgary Roughnecks.
Saturday, January 14 - 7:00 p.m. - Rochester at Philadelphia
Saturday, January 21 - 7:00 p.m. - Washington at Philadelphia
Friday, January 27 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Buffalo
Saturday, February 4 - 7:00 p.m. - Toronto at Philadelphia
Sunday, February 12 - 4:00 p.m. - Buffalo at Philadelphia
Saturday, February 18 - 7:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Toronto
Friday, February 24 - 9:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Edmonton
Saturday, March 3 - 7:00 p.m. - Rochester at Philadelphia
Friday, March 9 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Toronto
Saturday, March 17 - 7:00 p.m. - Edmonton at Philadelphia
Friday , March 23 - 9:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Colorado
Sunday, March 25 - 4:00 p.m. - Colorado at Philadelphia
Friday, April 6 - 7:00 p.m. - Minnesota at Philadelphia
Saturday, April 7 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Buffalo
Saturday, April 21 - 8:00 p.m. - Philadelphia at Minnesota
Saturday, April 28 - 7:30 p.m. - Philadelphia at Rochester
Home games in BOLD
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Blockbuster deal caps off busy few weeks for Wings
By Tom Hoffman
Last year it was Geoff Snider. Before that it was Sean Greenhalgh, Sean Thomson, Rob Van Beek, Ryan Ward, Luke Wiles and Chad Thompson. Now you can add Athan Iannucci to the list of former first round draft picks of the Philadelphia Wings to be sent packing in recent seasons following today's deal with the Edmonton Rush that saw Iannucci, Alex Turner and Brodie MacDonald sent West in exchange for 2011 2nd team All-Pro Brodie Merrill, Mike McLellan and Dean Hill. The Wings also picked up Edmonton's fifth round pick (#41) in this year's entry draft and the Rush's fourth rounder in 2013 while Edmonton gets the Wings #1 picks in 2012, 2013 and 2014. All of this on the heels of John Tucker resigning his spot as head coach and Tom Slate leaving his defensive coaching position with General Manager Johnny Mouradian adding the head coaching job to his resume, last season's offensive coordinator Blane Harrison moving to the defensive side (where he coached with NY/Orlando) and adding Jim Milligan of the Peterborough Lakers to run the offense.
Already this deal has sparked fan reaction, most of that towards the negative. If twitter response can be considered, some Wings players (Brandon Miller and Paul Dawson) seem to like the moves made. While Iannucci was a fan favorite and the team's top offensive player the Wings still managed to set a franchise low in 2011 averaging only 8.94 goals per game though to be fair he was still geting his legs back after missing part of the 2009 and all of 2010 recovering from knee surgery. Turner had a decent season but did not score a goal in the team's final five games while MacDonald was just one of several goalkeepers the Wings had in the mix. In Merrill, the Wings add one of the National Lacrosse League's best at getting to loose balls as well as one of the league's best transition players. Some have already hinted at the possibility of a transition with Merrill and Max Seibald. McLellan struggled in 2011 between Colorado and Edmonton but put up solid numbers in four season with the Titans. Hill could be looked to contribute to this squad much the same way Jason Crosbie and Jamie Rooney did with the 2008 Wings, a team that had very few problems on offense.
In one sense it is discouraging to see the team deal off players who have not only been fan favorites but also faces that even non-Wings fans might recognize. But when you miss the postseason in eight of ten seasons since winning their last NLL title in 2001 it's not like management is blowing up one of the best teams in sports history. The lack of winning is just one of a number of reasons Wings attendance has been on a downward spiral throughout the last decade, the last seven seasons being the seven worst attendance averages in Wings history. How this will all look on and off the field won't be known until the season gets underway in January. Will the players be right and this is the deal to start the Wings back on the road to respectability or do the fans have this one pegged as the beginning of the end for a once proud franchise? This question could be answered as early as the upcoming entry draft, one in which the Wings hold the top pick. The clock is ticking.
Last year it was Geoff Snider. Before that it was Sean Greenhalgh, Sean Thomson, Rob Van Beek, Ryan Ward, Luke Wiles and Chad Thompson. Now you can add Athan Iannucci to the list of former first round draft picks of the Philadelphia Wings to be sent packing in recent seasons following today's deal with the Edmonton Rush that saw Iannucci, Alex Turner and Brodie MacDonald sent West in exchange for 2011 2nd team All-Pro Brodie Merrill, Mike McLellan and Dean Hill. The Wings also picked up Edmonton's fifth round pick (#41) in this year's entry draft and the Rush's fourth rounder in 2013 while Edmonton gets the Wings #1 picks in 2012, 2013 and 2014. All of this on the heels of John Tucker resigning his spot as head coach and Tom Slate leaving his defensive coaching position with General Manager Johnny Mouradian adding the head coaching job to his resume, last season's offensive coordinator Blane Harrison moving to the defensive side (where he coached with NY/Orlando) and adding Jim Milligan of the Peterborough Lakers to run the offense.
Already this deal has sparked fan reaction, most of that towards the negative. If twitter response can be considered, some Wings players (Brandon Miller and Paul Dawson) seem to like the moves made. While Iannucci was a fan favorite and the team's top offensive player the Wings still managed to set a franchise low in 2011 averaging only 8.94 goals per game though to be fair he was still geting his legs back after missing part of the 2009 and all of 2010 recovering from knee surgery. Turner had a decent season but did not score a goal in the team's final five games while MacDonald was just one of several goalkeepers the Wings had in the mix. In Merrill, the Wings add one of the National Lacrosse League's best at getting to loose balls as well as one of the league's best transition players. Some have already hinted at the possibility of a transition with Merrill and Max Seibald. McLellan struggled in 2011 between Colorado and Edmonton but put up solid numbers in four season with the Titans. Hill could be looked to contribute to this squad much the same way Jason Crosbie and Jamie Rooney did with the 2008 Wings, a team that had very few problems on offense.
In one sense it is discouraging to see the team deal off players who have not only been fan favorites but also faces that even non-Wings fans might recognize. But when you miss the postseason in eight of ten seasons since winning their last NLL title in 2001 it's not like management is blowing up one of the best teams in sports history. The lack of winning is just one of a number of reasons Wings attendance has been on a downward spiral throughout the last decade, the last seven seasons being the seven worst attendance averages in Wings history. How this will all look on and off the field won't be known until the season gets underway in January. Will the players be right and this is the deal to start the Wings back on the road to respectability or do the fans have this one pegged as the beginning of the end for a once proud franchise? This question could be answered as early as the upcoming entry draft, one in which the Wings hold the top pick. The clock is ticking.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Twenty Five Year Tradition in the Lacrosse World Part 2
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Today we look at the long list of names that have participated in the League. We’ll let Frank Menschner do the honors.
Tom Slate, J.R. Castle, Paul French (Wings), Scott Joyner, Bill Curtis (USA 2003 1 Bronze medal each), Brad Kotz (Wings & Thunder), Mark Hoffman, Donny West (Wave), Kevin Forester (Wave & Thunder, now an NLL official) PBLA refs Joe Fratoni and Joe Fee both refereed in the NLL. and now Mickey Hover and Bob Snider, George Castle (Wings), Frank Menschner (USA 1980 (20yrs old) & 2007(47yrs old) 2 Bronze medals), Ginny Capichionni (Storm & USA 2011, 1 Bronze medal ), Pat Crosby (Slovakia 2011), Tim O'Connor, Joe Caufield, Mike Ryan (Ireland 2011) Graham D'Alvia (USA GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals), Jacques Bagley (USA asst.GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals) JUST TO NAME A FEW!
The PBLA even has an international connection, Many Iroquois Nation members have participated. The list includes, Tracy Shenandoah (coach 2011 silver medal), Sonny Shenandoah, Ray Lyons and the Cook brothers, who lived and worked in Philly on the high rise buildings (Liberty One to be exact) during the week and then back to the reservation at Onondaga (Syracuse) for the weekends. They were part of the first Reaper Championship Team in 1988.
I was told by the people that run the MABLL (D.C.) and BILL (Balt.) that we paved the way for their leagues. I took over for Bill Malizia in1987 with Doreen Menschner as Treasurer and scorekeeper. Doreen died of a brain aneurism in 1993. Each season, the league Champions are awarded a trophy that is known as the Doreen Menschner trophy.
Steve Innamarato took over as treasurer in 1992 and has been a huge part of our success and the glue that holds us together. In 1988 we started taking travel teams (PBLA All stars) around North America, playing in Baltimore, Washington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey., New York, and Delaware. From 1987 to 1994 we took teams to Canada. Peterborough, Whitby and Oshawa and also the Iroquois Reservation in Onondaga & Oneida N.Y.
Playing against the likes of Rex Lyons, Scott Burnam, the Shenandoah's, Paul and Gary Gait, Joe Hiltz, Terry Preston, Jim Wasson, John Grant, who in 1991 asked if his 14 year old son John Jr. could play with us. We let him and he turned out to be pretty good!
And all these towns would bring teams to play at Rizzo too. In 2000 we started sending teams’ abroad (USA PHILADELPHIA) and for 8 years competed in the Ales Hresbesky Memorial in Radotin Prague, Czech Republic. The biggest box lacrosse tournament in all of Europe 16 teams from 9 different countries! I have recently (April) played in my 11th consecutive Ales Hresbesky Tournament, which makes me the only American to do so.
My personal career started by playing BOX lacrosse in 1977 in the old PMLL (Phila. Men’s Lacrosse League) which ran from 1975-1982. Started playing in the PBLA in 1986 and have been going strong for 25 years, I played every game in goal for the Reapers in that time except two in 1994 on what would have been my 7th wedding anniversary June 20th. My wife passed in September of 1993.
The PBLA is celebrating their 25th Anniversary on Saturday, July 16 at Rizzo Rink. Many of the alumni are expected to attend and even play a bit of Lacrosse. The event is open to the public, so if you want to experience the gala, shoot down to Rizzo Rink and watch how the game should be played.
I want to thank Frank Menschner and the entire PBLA organization for their cooperation in this article.
Update
For those of you that may be wondering. (I know its been awhile), here is how the 25th Season of the PBLA played out. The Outlaws defeated the BeerWolves to win the title. The Beer Wolves were defending Champions.
As far as the players profiled, Frank Menschner's team, the Grim Reapers, as well as Steve Innamarato's squad, The Edge, both lost in the semi-finals.
Brendan Gilligan, the youngster we profiled in Part one was a member of the Championship squad. Congrats to all and looking forward to Season 26!!!
Today we look at the long list of names that have participated in the League. We’ll let Frank Menschner do the honors.
Tom Slate, J.R. Castle, Paul French (Wings), Scott Joyner, Bill Curtis (USA 2003 1 Bronze medal each), Brad Kotz (Wings & Thunder), Mark Hoffman, Donny West (Wave), Kevin Forester (Wave & Thunder, now an NLL official) PBLA refs Joe Fratoni and Joe Fee both refereed in the NLL. and now Mickey Hover and Bob Snider, George Castle (Wings), Frank Menschner (USA 1980 (20yrs old) & 2007(47yrs old) 2 Bronze medals), Ginny Capichionni (Storm & USA 2011, 1 Bronze medal ), Pat Crosby (Slovakia 2011), Tim O'Connor, Joe Caufield, Mike Ryan (Ireland 2011) Graham D'Alvia (USA GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals), Jacques Bagley (USA asst.GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals) JUST TO NAME A FEW!
The PBLA even has an international connection, Many Iroquois Nation members have participated. The list includes, Tracy Shenandoah (coach 2011 silver medal), Sonny Shenandoah, Ray Lyons and the Cook brothers, who lived and worked in Philly on the high rise buildings (Liberty One to be exact) during the week and then back to the reservation at Onondaga (Syracuse) for the weekends. They were part of the first Reaper Championship Team in 1988.
I was told by the people that run the MABLL (D.C.) and BILL (Balt.) that we paved the way for their leagues. I took over for Bill Malizia in1987 with Doreen Menschner as Treasurer and scorekeeper. Doreen died of a brain aneurism in 1993. Each season, the league Champions are awarded a trophy that is known as the Doreen Menschner trophy.
Steve Innamarato took over as treasurer in 1992 and has been a huge part of our success and the glue that holds us together. In 1988 we started taking travel teams (PBLA All stars) around North America, playing in Baltimore, Washington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey., New York, and Delaware. From 1987 to 1994 we took teams to Canada. Peterborough, Whitby and Oshawa and also the Iroquois Reservation in Onondaga & Oneida N.Y.
Playing against the likes of Rex Lyons, Scott Burnam, the Shenandoah's, Paul and Gary Gait, Joe Hiltz, Terry Preston, Jim Wasson, John Grant, who in 1991 asked if his 14 year old son John Jr. could play with us. We let him and he turned out to be pretty good!
And all these towns would bring teams to play at Rizzo too. In 2000 we started sending teams’ abroad (USA PHILADELPHIA) and for 8 years competed in the Ales Hresbesky Memorial in Radotin Prague, Czech Republic. The biggest box lacrosse tournament in all of Europe 16 teams from 9 different countries! I have recently (April) played in my 11th consecutive Ales Hresbesky Tournament, which makes me the only American to do so.
My personal career started by playing BOX lacrosse in 1977 in the old PMLL (Phila. Men’s Lacrosse League) which ran from 1975-1982. Started playing in the PBLA in 1986 and have been going strong for 25 years, I played every game in goal for the Reapers in that time except two in 1994 on what would have been my 7th wedding anniversary June 20th. My wife passed in September of 1993.
The PBLA is celebrating their 25th Anniversary on Saturday, July 16 at Rizzo Rink. Many of the alumni are expected to attend and even play a bit of Lacrosse. The event is open to the public, so if you want to experience the gala, shoot down to Rizzo Rink and watch how the game should be played.
I want to thank Frank Menschner and the entire PBLA organization for their cooperation in this article.
Update
For those of you that may be wondering. (I know its been awhile), here is how the 25th Season of the PBLA played out. The Outlaws defeated the BeerWolves to win the title. The Beer Wolves were defending Champions.
As far as the players profiled, Frank Menschner's team, the Grim Reapers, as well as Steve Innamarato's squad, The Edge, both lost in the semi-finals.
Brendan Gilligan, the youngster we profiled in Part one was a member of the Championship squad. Congrats to all and looking forward to Season 26!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Twenty Five Year Tradition in the Lacrosse World
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Part 1
There has been a lacrosse league in existence in Philadelphia for twenty five years. Started by Bill Malizia, the Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association continues its storied tradition with two games every Monday and Wednesday night thru August.
Located at Rizzo Rink, the league features an eclectic mix of youth and experience. Frank Menschner, the Commissioner has missed a total of two games in that quarter century. Menschner is proud of his achievements. Not only in that league, but his experiences in the Lacrosse world. Having traveled to far away places such as Prague, Menschner plays for the love of the game.
All of the participants hold down full time jobs or attend school. Ages vary from 18 to a few guys in their 40's.
The league can boast that some of the biggest names in the Lacrosse World as alumni. Former Philadelphia Wings Bob Snider and Mickey Hover either have or are currently playing.(Part 2 will deal with some more history and a partial list of some of the greats who have found their way on the floor of Rizzo Rink)
Playing in a non-air conditioned facility under I-95 in South Philadelphia; the atmosphere is far from glamorous. Yet not a single player notices the sometimes steamy conditions and the tremendous aroma from a local Steak House.
The Lacrosse players are more of a fraternity or brotherhood. All of the participants know each other well, travel together and even throw a few back together. On the floor, they are bitter rivals. As soon as the final horn sounds, high fives and hugs permeate the floor.
Its not just Menschner who has been around for twenty five years, Walt Bujak started out as a player and was on the first Championship team. Bujak is now acting as a referee.
"I played when it was basically pick-up games; I was on the first Championship team. Lots of great times,” Bujak said. “I realized that I was getting older, definitely slower and the kids were getting bigger and better so I stopped playing and became a ref."
What is it that draws individuals such as Budaj to keep coming out? "I love the game and I won't lie, the money is nice." Money? None of the players are playing for any money but for love. The officials are the only ones that get paid.
One of the newer players is 18 year Brendan Gilligan. Gilligan is new to the game and many of the veterans have taken him under their wing, some of his mentors do not even play with his team. It is clear that Gilligan has been accepted into the PBLA family. Clearly, a blueprint has been laid out for his development. He is being brought along slowly, but is having the time of his life. To further show the Lacrosse family ties, Brendan’s mother Doreen has come on board as timekeeper/scorekeeper.
Later this week, more of the history and a partial list of the great players who have participated. Many hall of famers and current superstars proudly call themselves alumni.
Part 1
There has been a lacrosse league in existence in Philadelphia for twenty five years. Started by Bill Malizia, the Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association continues its storied tradition with two games every Monday and Wednesday night thru August.
Located at Rizzo Rink, the league features an eclectic mix of youth and experience. Frank Menschner, the Commissioner has missed a total of two games in that quarter century. Menschner is proud of his achievements. Not only in that league, but his experiences in the Lacrosse world. Having traveled to far away places such as Prague, Menschner plays for the love of the game.
All of the participants hold down full time jobs or attend school. Ages vary from 18 to a few guys in their 40's.
The league can boast that some of the biggest names in the Lacrosse World as alumni. Former Philadelphia Wings Bob Snider and Mickey Hover either have or are currently playing.(Part 2 will deal with some more history and a partial list of some of the greats who have found their way on the floor of Rizzo Rink)
Playing in a non-air conditioned facility under I-95 in South Philadelphia; the atmosphere is far from glamorous. Yet not a single player notices the sometimes steamy conditions and the tremendous aroma from a local Steak House.
The Lacrosse players are more of a fraternity or brotherhood. All of the participants know each other well, travel together and even throw a few back together. On the floor, they are bitter rivals. As soon as the final horn sounds, high fives and hugs permeate the floor.
Its not just Menschner who has been around for twenty five years, Walt Bujak started out as a player and was on the first Championship team. Bujak is now acting as a referee.
"I played when it was basically pick-up games; I was on the first Championship team. Lots of great times,” Bujak said. “I realized that I was getting older, definitely slower and the kids were getting bigger and better so I stopped playing and became a ref."
What is it that draws individuals such as Budaj to keep coming out? "I love the game and I won't lie, the money is nice." Money? None of the players are playing for any money but for love. The officials are the only ones that get paid.
One of the newer players is 18 year Brendan Gilligan. Gilligan is new to the game and many of the veterans have taken him under their wing, some of his mentors do not even play with his team. It is clear that Gilligan has been accepted into the PBLA family. Clearly, a blueprint has been laid out for his development. He is being brought along slowly, but is having the time of his life. To further show the Lacrosse family ties, Brendan’s mother Doreen has come on board as timekeeper/scorekeeper.
Later this week, more of the history and a partial list of the great players who have participated. Many hall of famers and current superstars proudly call themselves alumni.
Friday, May 13, 2011
2011 NLL Championship - Washington Stealth at Toronto Rock
By Tom Hoffman
For the second consecutive season, the National Lacrosse League Championship game will feature the Washington Stealth and Toronto Rock. This season’s match will take place this Sunday at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. The game will be shown live in the US on Versus and on TSN in Canada at 2 PM.
How they got here
Toronto defeated the Buffalo Bandits last Saturday 12-11 at HSBC Arena. The Rock never trailed in the game but had to hold on as the Bandits scored the game’s final four goals to make things interesting. Bob Watson made 35 saves while Garrett Billings paced the Rock offense with a six point (3G, 3A) evening. Washington trailed the Calgary Roughnecks 3-1 after the first quarter before outscoring them 7-1 in the second and third stanzas en route to a 10-8 victory at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome. Lewis Ratcliff scored seven points (3G, 4A) for the Stealth while Tyler Richards made 44 saves in goal.
Playoff History
In addition to last season’s title game meeting that was won by Washington 15-11, the teams met back in the 2002 Championship when the Stealth were known as the Albany Attack. Toronto won that night 13-12 at Pepsi Arena. Six players have played in both Championship games. Colin Doyle (the 2002 Championship MVP), Bob Watson, Sandy Chapman and Blaine Manning all played for the Rock while Phil Sanderson and Cam Woods were in the Albany lineup.
Regular Season
The teams met on April 1 in Toronto with the Rock needing overtime to defeat the Stealth 13-12. Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc scored with 1:12 left in regulation to send the game to overtime then scored the game winner in the extra session.
Stats and Stuff
Washington (203) again led the NLL in scoring this season. While the Stealth were next to last in goals against (198), their defense currently is tops (along with Calgary) among the eight playoff squads. This will be the final game of Bob Watson’s NLL career. Washington Rhys Duch was named to the league’s first team All-Pro squad while teammate Lewis Ratcliff and Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc each made the second team. The Rock’s Aaron Pascas earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. Ratcliff and Duch finished second and third, respectively, in regular season scoring while the Rock placed four players (LeBlanc, Billings, Blaine Manning and Colin Doyle) in the top 20. Toronto is seeking its sixth NLL title which would tie them with Philadelphia.
The pick
If this game has the excitement of the regular season matchup this could be one of the best championship tilts in league history. Washington is looking join the 1997 Rochester Knighthawks and 1987 Baltimore Thunder as teams that won the championship playing all of their postseason matches on the road. The Stealth is also looking to win back to back titles for the first time since the Rock did so in 2002 and 2003. Toronto is looking to send Bob Watson off to retirement a winner. Look for the Champion’s Cup to stay out west.
Washington 12 Toronto 10
For the second consecutive season, the National Lacrosse League Championship game will feature the Washington Stealth and Toronto Rock. This season’s match will take place this Sunday at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. The game will be shown live in the US on Versus and on TSN in Canada at 2 PM.
How they got here
Toronto defeated the Buffalo Bandits last Saturday 12-11 at HSBC Arena. The Rock never trailed in the game but had to hold on as the Bandits scored the game’s final four goals to make things interesting. Bob Watson made 35 saves while Garrett Billings paced the Rock offense with a six point (3G, 3A) evening. Washington trailed the Calgary Roughnecks 3-1 after the first quarter before outscoring them 7-1 in the second and third stanzas en route to a 10-8 victory at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome. Lewis Ratcliff scored seven points (3G, 4A) for the Stealth while Tyler Richards made 44 saves in goal.
Playoff History
In addition to last season’s title game meeting that was won by Washington 15-11, the teams met back in the 2002 Championship when the Stealth were known as the Albany Attack. Toronto won that night 13-12 at Pepsi Arena. Six players have played in both Championship games. Colin Doyle (the 2002 Championship MVP), Bob Watson, Sandy Chapman and Blaine Manning all played for the Rock while Phil Sanderson and Cam Woods were in the Albany lineup.
Regular Season
The teams met on April 1 in Toronto with the Rock needing overtime to defeat the Stealth 13-12. Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc scored with 1:12 left in regulation to send the game to overtime then scored the game winner in the extra session.
Stats and Stuff
Washington (203) again led the NLL in scoring this season. While the Stealth were next to last in goals against (198), their defense currently is tops (along with Calgary) among the eight playoff squads. This will be the final game of Bob Watson’s NLL career. Washington Rhys Duch was named to the league’s first team All-Pro squad while teammate Lewis Ratcliff and Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc each made the second team. The Rock’s Aaron Pascas earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. Ratcliff and Duch finished second and third, respectively, in regular season scoring while the Rock placed four players (LeBlanc, Billings, Blaine Manning and Colin Doyle) in the top 20. Toronto is seeking its sixth NLL title which would tie them with Philadelphia.
The pick
If this game has the excitement of the regular season matchup this could be one of the best championship tilts in league history. Washington is looking join the 1997 Rochester Knighthawks and 1987 Baltimore Thunder as teams that won the championship playing all of their postseason matches on the road. The Stealth is also looking to win back to back titles for the first time since the Rock did so in 2002 and 2003. Toronto is looking to send Bob Watson off to retirement a winner. Look for the Champion’s Cup to stay out west.
Washington 12 Toronto 10
Thursday, May 5, 2011
2011 NLL Division Finals Preview
By Tom Hoffman
With four teams down and four left standing, the National Lacrosse League will determine the Champion’s Cup finalists on Saturday evening when both Divisional Finals games will take place. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while the Toronto-Buffalo match will also be shown Sunday at 2PM on Versus.
Eastern Division Final
Toronto Rock (11-6) at Buffalo Bandits (11-6), 7:30 PM at HSBC Arena
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in postseason. Toronto won last season’s East Semi-Final 13-11 at Air Canada Centre while Buffalo took a 19-10 decision in the 2004 East Final.
How they got here: Toronto scored seven straight goals after falling behind 3-1 and held on to defeat the Rochester Knighthawks 10-8 last Sunday at Air Canada Centre. Garrett Billings and Colin Doyle each put up three goals and three assists for the Rock. Buffalo got a goal from John Tavares with 40 seconds left in regulation to lead the Bandits to an 11-10 win at home over the Boston Blazers last Saturday. The game winner came after Boston scored four consecutive goals to tie the game. The goal was the third of the game for Tavares, who also added four assists while teammate Roger Vyse chipped in four goals.
X-Factors: Toronto does not want to be trailing at halftime or going into the fourth quarter as the Bandits are 9-0 when leading at the half and after three quarters (including playoffs) this season. Buffalo should feel the same way; the Rock has a 10-1 record when leading at halftime and 11-1 after three. The teams’ pre-season scrimmage and second regular season tilt both were fight filled affairs. While the playoffs are high spirited expect both teams to keep a lid on the extracurricular activities.
Western Division Final
Washington Stealth (9-8) at Calgary Roughnecks (12-5), 9:30 PM at Scotiabank Saddledome
Regular Season: Calgary won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in the postseason with Calgary having won the previous meetings (15-14 in 2004 and 17-5 in 2009).
How they got here: The defending champion Stealth defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-8 last Saturday at Xcel Energy Center. Washington outscored the Swarm 8-2 in the second half to run away with the victory. Rhys Duch and Lewis Ratcliff each tallied three goals for the Stealth. Calgary won at home 10-6 over the Colorado Mammoth last Saturday night. A four goal second quarter was the difference for the Roughnecks, who were led by hat tricks from Dane Dobbie and Scott Ranger. Jeff Shattler added a goal and four assists for Calgary.
X-Factors: This will be the first matchup between the teams’ brotherly faceoff artists (Calgary’s Geoff and Washington’s Bob). These were the NLL’s top two teams (Washington 1st, Calgary 2nd) in scoring while both were near the bottom (Calgary 8th, Washington 9th) in defense. Washington has won three straight in Calgary since their loss in the 2009 DF. Both teams are undefeated when leading after three (Calgary 8-0, Washington 6-0). Both teams want to stay out of the penalty box (Washington 1st in Power play at 49.4%, Calgary 2nd at 45.4%).
LaxPhilly picks: Buffalo and Washington. Record of 2-2 last week.
With four teams down and four left standing, the National Lacrosse League will determine the Champion’s Cup finalists on Saturday evening when both Divisional Finals games will take place. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while the Toronto-Buffalo match will also be shown Sunday at 2PM on Versus.
Eastern Division Final
Toronto Rock (11-6) at Buffalo Bandits (11-6), 7:30 PM at HSBC Arena
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in postseason. Toronto won last season’s East Semi-Final 13-11 at Air Canada Centre while Buffalo took a 19-10 decision in the 2004 East Final.
How they got here: Toronto scored seven straight goals after falling behind 3-1 and held on to defeat the Rochester Knighthawks 10-8 last Sunday at Air Canada Centre. Garrett Billings and Colin Doyle each put up three goals and three assists for the Rock. Buffalo got a goal from John Tavares with 40 seconds left in regulation to lead the Bandits to an 11-10 win at home over the Boston Blazers last Saturday. The game winner came after Boston scored four consecutive goals to tie the game. The goal was the third of the game for Tavares, who also added four assists while teammate Roger Vyse chipped in four goals.
X-Factors: Toronto does not want to be trailing at halftime or going into the fourth quarter as the Bandits are 9-0 when leading at the half and after three quarters (including playoffs) this season. Buffalo should feel the same way; the Rock has a 10-1 record when leading at halftime and 11-1 after three. The teams’ pre-season scrimmage and second regular season tilt both were fight filled affairs. While the playoffs are high spirited expect both teams to keep a lid on the extracurricular activities.
Western Division Final
Washington Stealth (9-8) at Calgary Roughnecks (12-5), 9:30 PM at Scotiabank Saddledome
Regular Season: Calgary won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in the postseason with Calgary having won the previous meetings (15-14 in 2004 and 17-5 in 2009).
How they got here: The defending champion Stealth defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-8 last Saturday at Xcel Energy Center. Washington outscored the Swarm 8-2 in the second half to run away with the victory. Rhys Duch and Lewis Ratcliff each tallied three goals for the Stealth. Calgary won at home 10-6 over the Colorado Mammoth last Saturday night. A four goal second quarter was the difference for the Roughnecks, who were led by hat tricks from Dane Dobbie and Scott Ranger. Jeff Shattler added a goal and four assists for Calgary.
X-Factors: This will be the first matchup between the teams’ brotherly faceoff artists (Calgary’s Geoff and Washington’s Bob). These were the NLL’s top two teams (Washington 1st, Calgary 2nd) in scoring while both were near the bottom (Calgary 8th, Washington 9th) in defense. Washington has won three straight in Calgary since their loss in the 2009 DF. Both teams are undefeated when leading after three (Calgary 8-0, Washington 6-0). Both teams want to stay out of the penalty box (Washington 1st in Power play at 49.4%, Calgary 2nd at 45.4%).
LaxPhilly picks: Buffalo and Washington. Record of 2-2 last week.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
2011 NLL Divisional Semi-Finals Preview
By Tom Hoffman
With the 2011 regular season complete, the National Lacrosse League's postseason gets underway this weekend with three games on Saturday and one on Sunday. All games can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com. Here is a brief look at each of the opening round games.
Boston Blazers (10-6) at Buffalo Bandits (10-6)
Saturday, April 30 7:30PM at HSBC Arena
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: Buffalo won the lone meeting in 2009 11-8.
Team Leaders
Boston: Goals - Casey Powell (34), Assists - Dan Dawson (59), Points - Dawson(90), GAA - Anthony Cosmo(9.66).
Buffalo: Goals - John Tavares (32), Assists - Tavares (46), Points - Tavares (78), GAA - MIke Thompson (9.67).
X-Factors: Buffalo dropped their last two games overall and last three at home while Boston won their final two games, one a 16-9 decision at Buffalo on April 16, after losing five straight. Will the real Bandits and Blazers please stand up?
Colorado Mammoth (5-11) at Calgary Roughnecks (11-5)
Saturday, April 30 8:30 PM at Scotiabank Saddledome
Regular Season: Colorado won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the fifth meeting, Calgary has won three of the four previous meetings. The last matchup went to Calgary 15-8 in 2009.
Team Leaders
Colorado: Goals - John Grant (36), Assists - Grant (47), Points - Grant (83), GAA - Chris Levis (9.99).
Calgary: Goals - Dane Dobbie (34), Assists - Jeff Shattler (46), Points - Dobbie and Shattler (75), GAA - Mike Poulin (11.03).
X-Factors: Colorado went 4-3 after reacquiring Gavin Prout from the Edmonton Rush on March 15. Colorado is 5-0 when allowing less than 10 goals, 0-11 when allowing 10 or more. Will this be Calgary's last ever home game, or last ever game? Will all the talk of folding/relocating affect the Roughnecks?
Washington Stealth (8-8) at Minnesota Swarm (8-8)
Saturday, April 30 8:30 PM at Xcel Energy Center
Regular Season: Minnesota won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: Washington won the only meeting last season 14-10.
Team Leaders
Washington: Goals - Rhys Duch (42), Assists - Lewis Ratcliff (51), Points - Ratcliff (92), GAA - Tyler Richards (11.61).
Minnesota: Goals - Ryan Benesch (46), Assists - Benesch (49), Points - Benesch (95), GAA - Nick Patterson (11.08).
X-Factors: Could be the highest scoring of the four opening round games, two high scoring offenses and two suspect defenses. The defending champion Stealth played better away from Comcast Arena though the Swarm won their last three home games.
Rochester Knighthawks (10-6) at Toronto Rock (10-6)
Sunday, May 1 3:30 PM at Air Canada Centre
Regular Season: Toronto won the season series 3-0.
Playoff History: This will be the seventh postseason match between the teams. Toronto holds a 4-2 edge though Rochester has won the last two meetings (2006 and 2007).
Team Leaders
Rochester: Goals - Cody Jamieson (28), Assists - Shawn Williams (53), Points - Williams (76), GAA - Matt Vinc (9.77)
Toronto: Goals - Stephan LeBlanc (33), Assists - Blaine MAnning (52), Points - LeBlanc (76), GAA - Bob Watson (10.09)
X-Factors: Rochester may have been the NLL's hottest team down the stretch winning their last three games and going 6-2 after a weekend sweep by the Rock. Toronto dropped their last three with two of the losses coming to the NLL's playoff outsiders (Philadelphia and Edmonton). Toronto was a league best 7-1 at home while Rochester tied with Buffalo having a 6-2 road record.
Picks to win: Buffalo, Rochester, Washington and Colorado.
With the 2011 regular season complete, the National Lacrosse League's postseason gets underway this weekend with three games on Saturday and one on Sunday. All games can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com. Here is a brief look at each of the opening round games.
Boston Blazers (10-6) at Buffalo Bandits (10-6)
Saturday, April 30 7:30PM at HSBC Arena
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: Buffalo won the lone meeting in 2009 11-8.
Team Leaders
Boston: Goals - Casey Powell (34), Assists - Dan Dawson (59), Points - Dawson(90), GAA - Anthony Cosmo(9.66).
Buffalo: Goals - John Tavares (32), Assists - Tavares (46), Points - Tavares (78), GAA - MIke Thompson (9.67).
X-Factors: Buffalo dropped their last two games overall and last three at home while Boston won their final two games, one a 16-9 decision at Buffalo on April 16, after losing five straight. Will the real Bandits and Blazers please stand up?
Colorado Mammoth (5-11) at Calgary Roughnecks (11-5)
Saturday, April 30 8:30 PM at Scotiabank Saddledome
Regular Season: Colorado won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the fifth meeting, Calgary has won three of the four previous meetings. The last matchup went to Calgary 15-8 in 2009.
Team Leaders
Colorado: Goals - John Grant (36), Assists - Grant (47), Points - Grant (83), GAA - Chris Levis (9.99).
Calgary: Goals - Dane Dobbie (34), Assists - Jeff Shattler (46), Points - Dobbie and Shattler (75), GAA - Mike Poulin (11.03).
X-Factors: Colorado went 4-3 after reacquiring Gavin Prout from the Edmonton Rush on March 15. Colorado is 5-0 when allowing less than 10 goals, 0-11 when allowing 10 or more. Will this be Calgary's last ever home game, or last ever game? Will all the talk of folding/relocating affect the Roughnecks?
Washington Stealth (8-8) at Minnesota Swarm (8-8)
Saturday, April 30 8:30 PM at Xcel Energy Center
Regular Season: Minnesota won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: Washington won the only meeting last season 14-10.
Team Leaders
Washington: Goals - Rhys Duch (42), Assists - Lewis Ratcliff (51), Points - Ratcliff (92), GAA - Tyler Richards (11.61).
Minnesota: Goals - Ryan Benesch (46), Assists - Benesch (49), Points - Benesch (95), GAA - Nick Patterson (11.08).
X-Factors: Could be the highest scoring of the four opening round games, two high scoring offenses and two suspect defenses. The defending champion Stealth played better away from Comcast Arena though the Swarm won their last three home games.
Rochester Knighthawks (10-6) at Toronto Rock (10-6)
Sunday, May 1 3:30 PM at Air Canada Centre
Regular Season: Toronto won the season series 3-0.
Playoff History: This will be the seventh postseason match between the teams. Toronto holds a 4-2 edge though Rochester has won the last two meetings (2006 and 2007).
Team Leaders
Rochester: Goals - Cody Jamieson (28), Assists - Shawn Williams (53), Points - Williams (76), GAA - Matt Vinc (9.77)
Toronto: Goals - Stephan LeBlanc (33), Assists - Blaine MAnning (52), Points - LeBlanc (76), GAA - Bob Watson (10.09)
X-Factors: Rochester may have been the NLL's hottest team down the stretch winning their last three games and going 6-2 after a weekend sweep by the Rock. Toronto dropped their last three with two of the losses coming to the NLL's playoff outsiders (Philadelphia and Edmonton). Toronto was a league best 7-1 at home while Rochester tied with Buffalo having a 6-2 road record.
Picks to win: Buffalo, Rochester, Washington and Colorado.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (at Minnesota 4-16-11)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (5-10) will conclude their 2011 National Lacrosse League season when they visit the Minnesota Swarm (6-8) at the Xcel Energy Center at 8:30 PM. The game will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 7-7 all time in regular season play against the Swarm, this will be the lone meeting in 2011. On the road the Wings are 3-4 against Minnesota. In 2010 the Wings swept the season series from Minnesota with a 20-11 win in Philadelphia on March 13 and a 13-12 overtime win in St. Paul on April 17. Brandon Miller earned both wins last season making 81 saves over the two games.
Last Weekend
The Wings lost a pair of games to end their hopes for a playoff berth this season. On Saturday the Wings fell to the Boston Blazers 9-7 in Boston and on Sunday lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 10-6 at The Wells Fargo Center. In both games the Wings entered the fourth quarter trailing 7-5 but could never get the tying or go ahead goals. Brandon Miller took the loss in Boston despite a 30 save performance while Kurtis Wagar made his Wings debut on Sunday and made 34 saves. Minnesota lost in overtime 16-15 to the Washington Stealth in Everett, WA last Saturday.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the current Wing who was selected in the 2004 Expansion Draft by the Swarm? Answer at the end of the preview.
Notes
All time the Wings are 1-1 on April 16. In 1994 the Wings won their third Major Indoor Lacrosse League title defeating the Buffalo bandits 26-15. In 1999 the Wings suffered what may be the worst loss in their history when they fell 13-2 to the Toronto Rock in the NLL Semi Finals.
The Wings can top their 2010 record (5-11) by a game with a win over the Swarm. A win would also give them a .500 record away from Philadelphia. The last time the Wings finished .500 or better on the road was in 2004 (4-4).
Next Game
See you during the 2012 season.
Trivia Answer
Shawn Nadelen was chosen with the sixth pick in the 2004 Expansion Draft by Minnesota. Nadelen would be re-acquired by the Wings on February 8, 2005 (along with a first round draft pick in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft) with Ryan Ward and the Wings fourth round draft pick in the 2005 Entry Draft going to the Swarm.
The Philadelphia Wings (5-10) will conclude their 2011 National Lacrosse League season when they visit the Minnesota Swarm (6-8) at the Xcel Energy Center at 8:30 PM. The game will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 7-7 all time in regular season play against the Swarm, this will be the lone meeting in 2011. On the road the Wings are 3-4 against Minnesota. In 2010 the Wings swept the season series from Minnesota with a 20-11 win in Philadelphia on March 13 and a 13-12 overtime win in St. Paul on April 17. Brandon Miller earned both wins last season making 81 saves over the two games.
Last Weekend
The Wings lost a pair of games to end their hopes for a playoff berth this season. On Saturday the Wings fell to the Boston Blazers 9-7 in Boston and on Sunday lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 10-6 at The Wells Fargo Center. In both games the Wings entered the fourth quarter trailing 7-5 but could never get the tying or go ahead goals. Brandon Miller took the loss in Boston despite a 30 save performance while Kurtis Wagar made his Wings debut on Sunday and made 34 saves. Minnesota lost in overtime 16-15 to the Washington Stealth in Everett, WA last Saturday.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the current Wing who was selected in the 2004 Expansion Draft by the Swarm? Answer at the end of the preview.
Notes
All time the Wings are 1-1 on April 16. In 1994 the Wings won their third Major Indoor Lacrosse League title defeating the Buffalo bandits 26-15. In 1999 the Wings suffered what may be the worst loss in their history when they fell 13-2 to the Toronto Rock in the NLL Semi Finals.
The Wings can top their 2010 record (5-11) by a game with a win over the Swarm. A win would also give them a .500 record away from Philadelphia. The last time the Wings finished .500 or better on the road was in 2004 (4-4).
Next Game
See you during the 2012 season.
Trivia Answer
Shawn Nadelen was chosen with the sixth pick in the 2004 Expansion Draft by Minnesota. Nadelen would be re-acquired by the Wings on February 8, 2005 (along with a first round draft pick in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft) with Ryan Ward and the Wings fourth round draft pick in the 2005 Entry Draft going to the Swarm.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Wings end home schedule passing quietly into the night
By Tom Hoffman
Less than 24 hours after seeing their playoff hopes dashed in Boston, the Philadelphia Wings came home to the Wells Fargo Center and delivered what was their typical home performance for 2011. Looking tired and if they'd rather be elsewhere, the Wings again could find very little on the offensive end and ended their home schedule with a 2-6 record following Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Rochester Knighthawks.
As both teams played Saturday night and had to travel to Philadelphia, play was sluggish in the first quarter. Only one goal was scored in the game's first 15 minutes and it gave the Wings their only lead of the day when Drew Westervelt tallied 10:37 into the stanza. Wings backup Kurtis Wagar, making his first start of the season, stopped all 12 Knighthawk shots in the first and kept Rochester off the board until Shawn Williams tied the game 6:09 into the second. At that point the Knighthawk offense arose from its slumber to score the game's next five goals before the Wings Max Seibald scored in the final minute of the half to make it a 5-2 game.
The second half didn't start any better when Mike Accursi and Craig Point extended the Rochester lead to 7-2. Then, much like the previous night in Boston, the Wings scored the next three goals to go into the last 15 minutes down just 7-5. By the time the Wings scored goal number six though, the Knighthawks had broken the game open on scores by Jordan Hall, Jarrett Davis and an empty netter by Chris Driscoll.
Westervelt scored a hat trick for the Wings, who missed Athan Iannucci for the third straight game. Ryan Boyle added a goal and three assists while Wagar made 34 saves in his Wings debut. With one game remaining next week against the Minnesota Swarm, the Wings will look to at least finish a game better than they did in 2010. In what was likely a more frustrating season that the 2010 debacle of 5-11, that is about as positive as it gets. What to expect in 2012 is anyone's guess.
Less than 24 hours after seeing their playoff hopes dashed in Boston, the Philadelphia Wings came home to the Wells Fargo Center and delivered what was their typical home performance for 2011. Looking tired and if they'd rather be elsewhere, the Wings again could find very little on the offensive end and ended their home schedule with a 2-6 record following Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Rochester Knighthawks.
As both teams played Saturday night and had to travel to Philadelphia, play was sluggish in the first quarter. Only one goal was scored in the game's first 15 minutes and it gave the Wings their only lead of the day when Drew Westervelt tallied 10:37 into the stanza. Wings backup Kurtis Wagar, making his first start of the season, stopped all 12 Knighthawk shots in the first and kept Rochester off the board until Shawn Williams tied the game 6:09 into the second. At that point the Knighthawk offense arose from its slumber to score the game's next five goals before the Wings Max Seibald scored in the final minute of the half to make it a 5-2 game.
The second half didn't start any better when Mike Accursi and Craig Point extended the Rochester lead to 7-2. Then, much like the previous night in Boston, the Wings scored the next three goals to go into the last 15 minutes down just 7-5. By the time the Wings scored goal number six though, the Knighthawks had broken the game open on scores by Jordan Hall, Jarrett Davis and an empty netter by Chris Driscoll.
Westervelt scored a hat trick for the Wings, who missed Athan Iannucci for the third straight game. Ryan Boyle added a goal and three assists while Wagar made 34 saves in his Wings debut. With one game remaining next week against the Minnesota Swarm, the Wings will look to at least finish a game better than they did in 2010. In what was likely a more frustrating season that the 2010 debacle of 5-11, that is about as positive as it gets. What to expect in 2012 is anyone's guess.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Too little too late = No playoffs for Wings
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will miss the National Lacrosse League's postseason for the third straight season and eighth time in the last nine seasons following Saturday's 9-7 loss to the Boston Blazers. Missing Athan Iannucci for the second straight game, the Wings offense struggled as they trailed 4-2 after one quarter, 6-2 at halftime and 7-2 early into the third stanza. Behind the efforts of Ryan Boyle and Drew Westervelt the Wings would score five of the game's next six goals but could not find the tying or go ahead scores needed. As it has been most of the season the star of the game for the Wings was goalie Brandon Miller. Miller made 30 saves and kept the Wings from being routed.
Sunday the Wings will host Rochester in their final home game of 2011 before finishing the season in Minnesota on April 23.
The Philadelphia Wings will miss the National Lacrosse League's postseason for the third straight season and eighth time in the last nine seasons following Saturday's 9-7 loss to the Boston Blazers. Missing Athan Iannucci for the second straight game, the Wings offense struggled as they trailed 4-2 after one quarter, 6-2 at halftime and 7-2 early into the third stanza. Behind the efforts of Ryan Boyle and Drew Westervelt the Wings would score five of the game's next six goals but could not find the tying or go ahead scores needed. As it has been most of the season the star of the game for the Wings was goalie Brandon Miller. Miller made 30 saves and kept the Wings from being routed.
Sunday the Wings will host Rochester in their final home game of 2011 before finishing the season in Minnesota on April 23.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (4-9-11 at Boston and 4-10-11 vs Rochester)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will take to the floor this weekend in a pair of games that could quite possibly clinch the team’s first National Lacrosse League playoff berth since 2008. The biggest game of the season takes place on Saturday when the Wings visit the Boston Blazers at 7:30 PM at TD Garden. Should the Wings be victorious they could then clinch a spot in the postseason when they host the Rochester Knighthawks Sunday at 2:30 PM. Both games will be shown on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 3-5 in regular season play against the Blazers and 1-1 in 2011. The Blazers won the season opener 10-6 at the Wells Fargo Center on January 8 while the Wings returned the favor on January 28 with an 11-5 win at TD Garden. The Wings are 2-2 all time at TD Garden, 1-2 against the current Blazers franchise. Against the Knighthawks the Wings are 15-22 all time in the regular season and 0-2 in 2011 with both losses taking place at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. The Wings are 10-8 at home vs. Rochester.
Last Week
The Wings used a six goal outburst in the fourth quarter to defeat the Toronto Rock 12-11 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center in front of a crowd of 9,044. Drew Westervelt and Brendan Mundorf chipped in hat tricks while Ryan Boyle added six assists. Brandon Miller held the potent Rock offense to just two second half goals. The Wings weekend opponents faced each other last Saturday in Boston with the Knighthawks defeating the Blazers 19-8.
Playoff Scenarios
According to NLL.com the playoff scenarios for the Wings and Blazers are pretty simple. A Boston victory on Saturday will eliminate the Wings while a Philly victory in Boston coupled with a win against Rochester will give the final spot in the East to the Wings. Otherwise it could come down to each team’s final game (Wings at Minnesota, Boston at Buffalo) to determine the four Eastern teams.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
On March 26, 1994 Paul Gait set a new league record by scoring 10 goals in one game. What team did he set this record against?
Notes
Former Wings captain Thomas Hajek signed with the Blazers on March 5. He joins former 2008 teammate Jamie Rooney on the Boston roster.
The Wings are 0-1 all time on April 9 losing in 2005 to the Toronto Rock 15-11. On April 10 the Wings are 1-3 all time. The lone win on this date was in the 1994 playoffs over the New York Saints.
Next Game
The Wings will close out the regular season with a visit to the Xcel Energy Center to face the Minnesota Swarm on April 16.
Trivia Answer
Paul Gait scored 10 goals against the original Blazers franchise in a 16-10 Wings victory at Boston Garden.
The Philadelphia Wings will take to the floor this weekend in a pair of games that could quite possibly clinch the team’s first National Lacrosse League playoff berth since 2008. The biggest game of the season takes place on Saturday when the Wings visit the Boston Blazers at 7:30 PM at TD Garden. Should the Wings be victorious they could then clinch a spot in the postseason when they host the Rochester Knighthawks Sunday at 2:30 PM. Both games will be shown on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 3-5 in regular season play against the Blazers and 1-1 in 2011. The Blazers won the season opener 10-6 at the Wells Fargo Center on January 8 while the Wings returned the favor on January 28 with an 11-5 win at TD Garden. The Wings are 2-2 all time at TD Garden, 1-2 against the current Blazers franchise. Against the Knighthawks the Wings are 15-22 all time in the regular season and 0-2 in 2011 with both losses taking place at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. The Wings are 10-8 at home vs. Rochester.
Last Week
The Wings used a six goal outburst in the fourth quarter to defeat the Toronto Rock 12-11 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center in front of a crowd of 9,044. Drew Westervelt and Brendan Mundorf chipped in hat tricks while Ryan Boyle added six assists. Brandon Miller held the potent Rock offense to just two second half goals. The Wings weekend opponents faced each other last Saturday in Boston with the Knighthawks defeating the Blazers 19-8.
Playoff Scenarios
According to NLL.com the playoff scenarios for the Wings and Blazers are pretty simple. A Boston victory on Saturday will eliminate the Wings while a Philly victory in Boston coupled with a win against Rochester will give the final spot in the East to the Wings. Otherwise it could come down to each team’s final game (Wings at Minnesota, Boston at Buffalo) to determine the four Eastern teams.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
On March 26, 1994 Paul Gait set a new league record by scoring 10 goals in one game. What team did he set this record against?
Notes
Former Wings captain Thomas Hajek signed with the Blazers on March 5. He joins former 2008 teammate Jamie Rooney on the Boston roster.
The Wings are 0-1 all time on April 9 losing in 2005 to the Toronto Rock 15-11. On April 10 the Wings are 1-3 all time. The lone win on this date was in the 1994 playoffs over the New York Saints.
Next Game
The Wings will close out the regular season with a visit to the Xcel Energy Center to face the Minnesota Swarm on April 16.
Trivia Answer
Paul Gait scored 10 goals against the original Blazers franchise in a 16-10 Wings victory at Boston Garden.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Big fourth quarter leads Wings to win
By Tom Hoffman
Trailing by four goals entering the final 15 minutes of play and playing without leading scorer Athan Iannucci, out with a finger injury suffered last week in Rochester, Philadelphia Wings fans could have been forgiven for thinking the night would not end well. The Wings had other ideas though and used a six goal outburst to defeat the Toronto Rock 12-11 at Wells Fargo Center. With the Wings victory and the Boston Blazers losing to Rochester Philly now has their playoff destiny in their own control.
The Wings came out playing some good physical lacrosse in what ended up an even opening 15 minutes of play and stayed close until they tied the game at five apiece on a shorthanded score from Drew Westervelt. Just 17 seconds after evening up the game the Rock's Garrett Billings tallied on the power play to break the tie and start a four goal Toronto run to give the Rock a 9-5 halftime lead. Each team scored once in the third and while the Rock seemed to ease up on the throttle, a four goal lead seemed to be a lock.
Once the fourth quarter began the Wings offense came to life and they finally began to solve Toronto backup keeper Pat Campbell, who started tonight after Bob Watson handled the Rock overtime win at home against the Washington Stealth on Friday. Westervelt got the scoring started in the fourth with a pair of goals to complete a hat trick. Brendan Mundorf finished off a hat trick of his own to pull the Wings within one before Max Seibald gave the Wings their first lead since Mundorf's goal to open the game.
The Wings would add goals from Ryan Boyle and Matt Danowski (in his first game as a Wing) and would then get some help from video review as a Toronto goal was reversed due to the Rock's Colin Doyle just slightly having his foot on the crease line. This would serve huge especially after Blaine Manning scored to make it a 12-11 game with 1:25 to play. The Philly defense would stop Toronto on their next possession and successfully kill off the clock and deliver the Wings just their second win at home in the 2011 season.
Boyle's seven point night (1G, 6A) would lead the Wings with Westervelt right behind with six (3G, 3A). The defense, meanwhile, held the Rock's dangerous sophomore duo of Billings and Stephan LeBlanc to a goal each. Brandon Miller, shaky in the second quarter, was very sharp in the second half only allowing a pair of goals and making 31 saves overall.
For the Wings, their playoff season begins Saturday night when they travel to Boston to face a Blazers team that has struggled mightily in their last five games. A win for the Wings would not only pull them even with Boston in the win column but would also give the Wings the all important tiebreaker in the season series. For a team that has struggled themselves for the majority of the season this would be a big boost for a young Wings squad looking to right their ship and find consistency.
Trailing by four goals entering the final 15 minutes of play and playing without leading scorer Athan Iannucci, out with a finger injury suffered last week in Rochester, Philadelphia Wings fans could have been forgiven for thinking the night would not end well. The Wings had other ideas though and used a six goal outburst to defeat the Toronto Rock 12-11 at Wells Fargo Center. With the Wings victory and the Boston Blazers losing to Rochester Philly now has their playoff destiny in their own control.
The Wings came out playing some good physical lacrosse in what ended up an even opening 15 minutes of play and stayed close until they tied the game at five apiece on a shorthanded score from Drew Westervelt. Just 17 seconds after evening up the game the Rock's Garrett Billings tallied on the power play to break the tie and start a four goal Toronto run to give the Rock a 9-5 halftime lead. Each team scored once in the third and while the Rock seemed to ease up on the throttle, a four goal lead seemed to be a lock.
Once the fourth quarter began the Wings offense came to life and they finally began to solve Toronto backup keeper Pat Campbell, who started tonight after Bob Watson handled the Rock overtime win at home against the Washington Stealth on Friday. Westervelt got the scoring started in the fourth with a pair of goals to complete a hat trick. Brendan Mundorf finished off a hat trick of his own to pull the Wings within one before Max Seibald gave the Wings their first lead since Mundorf's goal to open the game.
The Wings would add goals from Ryan Boyle and Matt Danowski (in his first game as a Wing) and would then get some help from video review as a Toronto goal was reversed due to the Rock's Colin Doyle just slightly having his foot on the crease line. This would serve huge especially after Blaine Manning scored to make it a 12-11 game with 1:25 to play. The Philly defense would stop Toronto on their next possession and successfully kill off the clock and deliver the Wings just their second win at home in the 2011 season.
Boyle's seven point night (1G, 6A) would lead the Wings with Westervelt right behind with six (3G, 3A). The defense, meanwhile, held the Rock's dangerous sophomore duo of Billings and Stephan LeBlanc to a goal each. Brandon Miller, shaky in the second quarter, was very sharp in the second half only allowing a pair of goals and making 31 saves overall.
For the Wings, their playoff season begins Saturday night when they travel to Boston to face a Blazers team that has struggled mightily in their last five games. A win for the Wings would not only pull them even with Boston in the win column but would also give the Wings the all important tiebreaker in the season series. For a team that has struggled themselves for the majority of the season this would be a big boost for a young Wings squad looking to right their ship and find consistency.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (4-2-11 vs. Toronto)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-8) will look to end an overall four game losing streak, a three game home losing streak and keep their slim postseason hopes alive when they host the Toronto Rock (9-3) at the Wells Fargo Center at 7 PM. The game will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 9-21 all time in regular season play (0-2 this season) against the Rock including their first season in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders. At home the Wings are 6-10 against Toronto, 0-1 in 2011 following a 16-13 loss on February 26. The Rock also defeated the Wings in Toronto on March 4 by a score of 15-10.
Last Week
The Wings lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 13-10 last Saturday at Blue Cross Arena. The Wings were led by Brendan Mundorf with six points (2G, 4A) and a hat trick from Ryan Boyle. Drew Westervelt (2G, 3A) and Alex Turner (5A) each added five points. Toronto lost at Calgary 14-9 to the West leading Roughnecks last Friday. The loss ended a five game win streak for the Rock.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Only two American born players have played for the Toronto Rock and both have ties to the Wings. Who are they? Answer at the end of the preview.
Notes
All time the Wings are 1-1 on April 2. They defeated the Albany Attack 13-12 in overtime in 2000 and lost to Toronto 17-15 in 2005.
Three players in the National Lacrosse League’s top 10 scoring leaders will be on the floor in this game. Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc is tied for fifth with 65 points while teammate Blaine Manning is tied for eighth with the Wings Athan Iannucci, each with 60 points. Iannucci is fourth in goals scored (29); one ahead of LeBlanc while Manning is tied for second with 41 assists.
The Wings are currently 1-5 at home. The only time the Wings have had just one win at home was in 1992 when they finished 1-3. This season will be the fifth time the Wings have had a sub .500 record at home (1992, 2004, 2005 and 2010).
Next Game
The Wings travel to Boston on April 9 to face the Blazers for the last time in the 2011 season to start a back to back weekend that ends on April 10 with a home tilt against Rochester.
Trivia Answer
Ex-Wing Kevin Finneran in 2003 became the first American player to suit up for the Rock while current Wings forward Bill McGlone was the second one. McGlone played for Toronto in 2009 following the dispersal draft of the Chicago Shamrox.
The Philadelphia Wings (4-8) will look to end an overall four game losing streak, a three game home losing streak and keep their slim postseason hopes alive when they host the Toronto Rock (9-3) at the Wells Fargo Center at 7 PM. The game will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 9-21 all time in regular season play (0-2 this season) against the Rock including their first season in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders. At home the Wings are 6-10 against Toronto, 0-1 in 2011 following a 16-13 loss on February 26. The Rock also defeated the Wings in Toronto on March 4 by a score of 15-10.
Last Week
The Wings lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 13-10 last Saturday at Blue Cross Arena. The Wings were led by Brendan Mundorf with six points (2G, 4A) and a hat trick from Ryan Boyle. Drew Westervelt (2G, 3A) and Alex Turner (5A) each added five points. Toronto lost at Calgary 14-9 to the West leading Roughnecks last Friday. The loss ended a five game win streak for the Rock.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Only two American born players have played for the Toronto Rock and both have ties to the Wings. Who are they? Answer at the end of the preview.
Notes
All time the Wings are 1-1 on April 2. They defeated the Albany Attack 13-12 in overtime in 2000 and lost to Toronto 17-15 in 2005.
Three players in the National Lacrosse League’s top 10 scoring leaders will be on the floor in this game. Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc is tied for fifth with 65 points while teammate Blaine Manning is tied for eighth with the Wings Athan Iannucci, each with 60 points. Iannucci is fourth in goals scored (29); one ahead of LeBlanc while Manning is tied for second with 41 assists.
The Wings are currently 1-5 at home. The only time the Wings have had just one win at home was in 1992 when they finished 1-3. This season will be the fifth time the Wings have had a sub .500 record at home (1992, 2004, 2005 and 2010).
Next Game
The Wings travel to Boston on April 9 to face the Blazers for the last time in the 2011 season to start a back to back weekend that ends on April 10 with a home tilt against Rochester.
Trivia Answer
Ex-Wing Kevin Finneran in 2003 became the first American player to suit up for the Rock while current Wings forward Bill McGlone was the second one. McGlone played for Toronto in 2009 following the dispersal draft of the Chicago Shamrox.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wings shake up lineup
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Philadelphia, PA.- The Philadelphia Wings have made major changes to their roster in the past week and some of the moves have fans wondering what happens next.
The Wings have severed ties with veteran defensemen Kyle Sweeney and Taylor Wray. Shawn Nadelen was a healthy scratch for the game against the Calgary Roughnecks. After a listless and uninspired defeat to the Roughnecks, the Philadelphia club found itself with an extremely uphill battle. Forced to win all of its remaining games to have a shot at a playoff spot. The Wings now have seven defeats and are the outside looking in.
Rumors swirled after the Calgary game. Front Office Personnel and the Coaching staff were in a closed door meeting and no comments were being made. Rumor had it that several of the players confronted Head Coach John Tucker and aired several grievances. If that is true, then apparently Tucker won the battle. Team Captain Taylor Wray was released as well as Assistant Captain Kyle Sweeney. Sweeney has signed with Edmonton. A press release was issued stating that Sweeney was released with "no intention" of bringing him back.
Sources indicated that the Wray move was a paper only move, due to his unavailabilty for the teams game due to coaching commitments. Also the addition of Matt Zash mandated an open roster spot. It is thought that Wray will be brought back to the club, although, no announcements have been made. (Note: Wray was re-signed by the Wings on March 17).
The oddity is that Wray was "released" to make room for Zash even though the club is currently carrying three goaltenders on the active roster. (Brandon Miller, Ray Hodgkinson and Brodie McDonald). Common logic is that one of the goaltenders could have been put on the Practice Squad.
How will the shake-up affect the team? Philadelphia is in the second week of their two week bye and time will tell.
Philadelphia, PA.- The Philadelphia Wings have made major changes to their roster in the past week and some of the moves have fans wondering what happens next.
The Wings have severed ties with veteran defensemen Kyle Sweeney and Taylor Wray. Shawn Nadelen was a healthy scratch for the game against the Calgary Roughnecks. After a listless and uninspired defeat to the Roughnecks, the Philadelphia club found itself with an extremely uphill battle. Forced to win all of its remaining games to have a shot at a playoff spot. The Wings now have seven defeats and are the outside looking in.
Rumors swirled after the Calgary game. Front Office Personnel and the Coaching staff were in a closed door meeting and no comments were being made. Rumor had it that several of the players confronted Head Coach John Tucker and aired several grievances. If that is true, then apparently Tucker won the battle. Team Captain Taylor Wray was released as well as Assistant Captain Kyle Sweeney. Sweeney has signed with Edmonton. A press release was issued stating that Sweeney was released with "no intention" of bringing him back.
Sources indicated that the Wray move was a paper only move, due to his unavailabilty for the teams game due to coaching commitments. Also the addition of Matt Zash mandated an open roster spot. It is thought that Wray will be brought back to the club, although, no announcements have been made. (Note: Wray was re-signed by the Wings on March 17).
The oddity is that Wray was "released" to make room for Zash even though the club is currently carrying three goaltenders on the active roster. (Brandon Miller, Ray Hodgkinson and Brodie McDonald). Common logic is that one of the goaltenders could have been put on the Practice Squad.
How will the shake-up affect the team? Philadelphia is in the second week of their two week bye and time will tell.
2011 Wings Lacrosse (3-26-11 at Rochester)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-7) will take to the floor for the first time in three weeks this Saturday evening when they travel to Rochester, NY to face the Knighthawks (5-5) in a game important to the playoff hopes of both teams. Faceoff at the Blue Cross Arena is at 7:35 PM and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 15-21 all time against Rochester and are 5-13 at the Blue Cross Arena. The only previous meeting this season went to the Knighthawks on February 5th by a score of 11-6. The Wings trailed 9-2 after three quarters and never really got too close. The Wings last victory in Rochester was on January 10, 2009 by a score of 16-13. The teams will meet once more in 2011 on April 10th in Philadelphia.
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the current Knighthawk who was a member of the Wings 2001 practice squad? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
When Last They Played
The Wings were defeated by the Calgary Roughnecks 13-7 on March 5th at the Wells Fargo Center. Rochester’s last game was also on March 5th when they travelled to Buffalo losing to the Bandits by a score of 11-8.
Notes
Several roster moves have occurred since the Wings last took to the floor. D Kyle Sweeney (released prior to the Toronto game on March 4th) was signed by the Edmonton Rush while D Taylor Wray was re-signed on March 17th after being released prior to the Calgary game due to coaching commitments at Lehigh University. G Kurtis Wagar and D Pat Heim were added to the roster after Brodie MacDonald and Dan Hardy were placed on the hold out list. Defensemen Jeff Bigas joins F Matt Danowski on the practice squad.
The Wings are 1-1 in games played on March 26th. They defeated the Boston Blazers in 1994 16-10 behind a 10 goal night from Paul Gait. In 1999 they lost 14-13 at Nassau Coliseum to the New York Saints.
Athan Iannucci remains among the NLL’s top 10 scorers. Iannucci is currently seventh with 56 points and is one of several players tied for second with 27 goals. Washington’s Rhys Duch leads all goal scorers with 29. Boston’s Dan Dawson is the league’s point leader with 68.
Next game
The Wings will return to the Wells Fargo Center on April 2 to face the Toronto Rock.
Trivia Answer
Current Knighthawk transition player Chris Schiller was a member of the Wings practice squad in 2001 along with Rich Brzeski and Joe Ceglia.
The Philadelphia Wings (4-7) will take to the floor for the first time in three weeks this Saturday evening when they travel to Rochester, NY to face the Knighthawks (5-5) in a game important to the playoff hopes of both teams. Faceoff at the Blue Cross Arena is at 7:35 PM and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 15-21 all time against Rochester and are 5-13 at the Blue Cross Arena. The only previous meeting this season went to the Knighthawks on February 5th by a score of 11-6. The Wings trailed 9-2 after three quarters and never really got too close. The Wings last victory in Rochester was on January 10, 2009 by a score of 16-13. The teams will meet once more in 2011 on April 10th in Philadelphia.
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the current Knighthawk who was a member of the Wings 2001 practice squad? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
When Last They Played
The Wings were defeated by the Calgary Roughnecks 13-7 on March 5th at the Wells Fargo Center. Rochester’s last game was also on March 5th when they travelled to Buffalo losing to the Bandits by a score of 11-8.
Notes
Several roster moves have occurred since the Wings last took to the floor. D Kyle Sweeney (released prior to the Toronto game on March 4th) was signed by the Edmonton Rush while D Taylor Wray was re-signed on March 17th after being released prior to the Calgary game due to coaching commitments at Lehigh University. G Kurtis Wagar and D Pat Heim were added to the roster after Brodie MacDonald and Dan Hardy were placed on the hold out list. Defensemen Jeff Bigas joins F Matt Danowski on the practice squad.
The Wings are 1-1 in games played on March 26th. They defeated the Boston Blazers in 1994 16-10 behind a 10 goal night from Paul Gait. In 1999 they lost 14-13 at Nassau Coliseum to the New York Saints.
Athan Iannucci remains among the NLL’s top 10 scorers. Iannucci is currently seventh with 56 points and is one of several players tied for second with 27 goals. Washington’s Rhys Duch leads all goal scorers with 29. Boston’s Dan Dawson is the league’s point leader with 68.
Next game
The Wings will return to the Wells Fargo Center on April 2 to face the Toronto Rock.
Trivia Answer
Current Knighthawk transition player Chris Schiller was a member of the Wings practice squad in 2001 along with Rich Brzeski and Joe Ceglia.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Weekend is a big zero for Wings
By Tom Hoffman
For the Calgary Roughnecks, just playing tonight's game against the Philadelphia Wings certainly had to help take their minds off the fact that their season is on life support due to the franchise's current economic woes. By defeating the Wings 13-7 at the Wells Fargo Center, they just may have put the Wings season on life support.
If any of the 9,604 in attendance were disappointed by not seeing former Wing standout Geoff Snider in the Calgary lineup due to injury, the Wings effort would prove to be even more disappointing. After playing the league leading Toronto Rock almost even for three quarters on Friday night, the Wings carried over the spiritless fourth quarter from that game into tonight's tilt. The Wings, who have not held a lead since scoring the game winning goal at Buffalo two weeks ago, had to be lucky to be only trailing 3-2 after the first quarter as they were outshot 15-5 and easily outplayed. After Calgary's Dane Dobbie opened the scoring in the second, the Wings Brendan Mundorf would pull the Wings within a goal at 4-3 with just over 10 minutes until halftime. By the time Drew Westervelt would score the Wings fourth goal of the night at 9:32 of the third quarter the Wings had given up six consecutive scores and would see goalie Brandon Miller head to the bench to be replaced by Ray Hodgkinson.
While the Roughnecks season sits at day to day, the financial dark cloud they are under did not seem to affect the players on field performance as they gave a tough, spirited and emotional effort. The Wings hopefully took some notes as they will need to find that kind of effort if they want to earn a playoff berth in this 2011 season. They will have plenty of time to think about this game as they don't take the field again until March 26 against an equally desperate Rochester Knighthawk squad. The Wings will need to treat that game as a playoff since a loss there will not only cost them a tiebreaker with the K-Hawks but more than likely will sink any chances the team has of playing in the postseason.
For the Calgary Roughnecks, just playing tonight's game against the Philadelphia Wings certainly had to help take their minds off the fact that their season is on life support due to the franchise's current economic woes. By defeating the Wings 13-7 at the Wells Fargo Center, they just may have put the Wings season on life support.
If any of the 9,604 in attendance were disappointed by not seeing former Wing standout Geoff Snider in the Calgary lineup due to injury, the Wings effort would prove to be even more disappointing. After playing the league leading Toronto Rock almost even for three quarters on Friday night, the Wings carried over the spiritless fourth quarter from that game into tonight's tilt. The Wings, who have not held a lead since scoring the game winning goal at Buffalo two weeks ago, had to be lucky to be only trailing 3-2 after the first quarter as they were outshot 15-5 and easily outplayed. After Calgary's Dane Dobbie opened the scoring in the second, the Wings Brendan Mundorf would pull the Wings within a goal at 4-3 with just over 10 minutes until halftime. By the time Drew Westervelt would score the Wings fourth goal of the night at 9:32 of the third quarter the Wings had given up six consecutive scores and would see goalie Brandon Miller head to the bench to be replaced by Ray Hodgkinson.
While the Roughnecks season sits at day to day, the financial dark cloud they are under did not seem to affect the players on field performance as they gave a tough, spirited and emotional effort. The Wings hopefully took some notes as they will need to find that kind of effort if they want to earn a playoff berth in this 2011 season. They will have plenty of time to think about this game as they don't take the field again until March 26 against an equally desperate Rochester Knighthawk squad. The Wings will need to treat that game as a playoff since a loss there will not only cost them a tiebreaker with the K-Hawks but more than likely will sink any chances the team has of playing in the postseason.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (3-4-11 at Toronto and 3-5-11 vs. Calgary)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-5) will open a weekend of back to back games on Friday night when they visit the Toronto Rock (8-2) at the Air Canada Centre at 7:30 PM. Saturday night the Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center for a 7 PM faceoff against former teammate Geoff Snider and the Calgary Roughnecks (5-3). Both games will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
Following last week’s game the Wings are 9-20 all time in regular season play against the Rock which includes their first season in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders. On the road the Wings are 3-10 against Toronto (1-0 at Copps Coliseum, 0-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens and 2-9 at Air Canada Centre). The Wings last victory in Toronto was on April 27, 2008 (15-14).
The Wings are 2-1 all time against Calgary with a 19-13 victory on March 22, 2003 in Calgary’s lone visit to Philadelphia. Last season the Roughnecks defeated the Wings 15-7 on March 6 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Last Week
The Wings dropped a 16-13 decision to the Rock at Wells Fargo Center. Brendan Mundorf and Athan Iannucci each tallied four goals and five assists for the Wings, who could not overcome an early 5-0 deficit. Calgary last played on February 20 defeating the Edmonton Rush 12-11 at Edmonton’s Rexall Place.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
In the 2006 Entry Draft the Wings chose Geoff Snider with the fourth overall pick and with the eighth overall pick chose Athan Iannucci. The Wings also had the fifth overall pick in that draft, name the player the Wings selected with that pick? Answer at the end of the preview.
All Star Game
Last Sunday the East defeated the West 30-26 at the NLL All-Star Game which took place at the Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, NY. Brandon Miller started the game for the East and made 26 saves in his 30 minutes of play while Max Seibald chipped in a goal for the East.
Stat Leaders
Athan Iannucci leads the Wings in goals (22, fifth in the league), assists (25) and points (47, ninth in the league). Iannucci is also the NLL leader in points on the power play with 21. Drew Westervelt is tied for third in points on the power play. Jeff Reynolds is tied for fourth with 85 faceoff wins. In goal, Brandon Miller is eighth in goals against average (10.72), second in saves (342) and tied for third in save percentage (.788)
Next Game
Following the Calgary game the Wings will not return to action until March 26 when they travel to Rochester for their second meeting of the season with the Knighthawks.
Trivia Answer
The Wings selected Ian Llord with the fifth overall choice in the 2006 draft. Llord played 11 games for the Wings in 2007 before being dealt as part of a three way trade involving Calgary and the Buffalo Bandits on July 27, 2007 that brought Taylor Wray to the Wings.
The Philadelphia Wings (4-5) will open a weekend of back to back games on Friday night when they visit the Toronto Rock (8-2) at the Air Canada Centre at 7:30 PM. Saturday night the Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center for a 7 PM faceoff against former teammate Geoff Snider and the Calgary Roughnecks (5-3). Both games will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
Following last week’s game the Wings are 9-20 all time in regular season play against the Rock which includes their first season in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders. On the road the Wings are 3-10 against Toronto (1-0 at Copps Coliseum, 0-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens and 2-9 at Air Canada Centre). The Wings last victory in Toronto was on April 27, 2008 (15-14).
The Wings are 2-1 all time against Calgary with a 19-13 victory on March 22, 2003 in Calgary’s lone visit to Philadelphia. Last season the Roughnecks defeated the Wings 15-7 on March 6 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Last Week
The Wings dropped a 16-13 decision to the Rock at Wells Fargo Center. Brendan Mundorf and Athan Iannucci each tallied four goals and five assists for the Wings, who could not overcome an early 5-0 deficit. Calgary last played on February 20 defeating the Edmonton Rush 12-11 at Edmonton’s Rexall Place.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
In the 2006 Entry Draft the Wings chose Geoff Snider with the fourth overall pick and with the eighth overall pick chose Athan Iannucci. The Wings also had the fifth overall pick in that draft, name the player the Wings selected with that pick? Answer at the end of the preview.
All Star Game
Last Sunday the East defeated the West 30-26 at the NLL All-Star Game which took place at the Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, NY. Brandon Miller started the game for the East and made 26 saves in his 30 minutes of play while Max Seibald chipped in a goal for the East.
Stat Leaders
Athan Iannucci leads the Wings in goals (22, fifth in the league), assists (25) and points (47, ninth in the league). Iannucci is also the NLL leader in points on the power play with 21. Drew Westervelt is tied for third in points on the power play. Jeff Reynolds is tied for fourth with 85 faceoff wins. In goal, Brandon Miller is eighth in goals against average (10.72), second in saves (342) and tied for third in save percentage (.788)
Next Game
Following the Calgary game the Wings will not return to action until March 26 when they travel to Rochester for their second meeting of the season with the Knighthawks.
Trivia Answer
The Wings selected Ian Llord with the fifth overall choice in the 2006 draft. Llord played 11 games for the Wings in 2007 before being dealt as part of a three way trade involving Calgary and the Buffalo Bandits on July 27, 2007 that brought Taylor Wray to the Wings.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Philadelphia Wings....Same old same old
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Philadelphia,PA- Just past the halfway point in the 2011 season, it has become clear that the Philadelphia Wings are in the same position they have been in for the last six seasons. Each year, the team starts off slowly based on a number of issues, including, having the new faces mesh as a cohesive functioning unit. Slowly, they get their legs and begin to improve. Generally, the team fails to make the playoffs and management responds by bringing in a lot of new faces. The cycle continues year after year.
This off-season indicated storm clouds on the horizon. New Coach John Tucker clearly was putting his finger prints on this team. John Mouradian, one the great minds in the game, was brought in to be the GM. Issues began almost immediately. Geoff Snider was sent packing in a controversial trade. Dispersal draft saw Philadelphia sitting with the pick that could have been Casey Powell. Instead, they moved the pick. Newcomers would include Paul Dawson who has been a good addition. Brendan Mundorf, who finally found his scoring touch. Ryan Boyle, who has been a major disappointment. Thomas Hajek was not brought back and the defense seemed to be strong in the early going without his presence. Lately, it has been a different story. But, the defense would not be as heavily counted on if the offense was a bit more effective. Far too many dropped or missed passes and far too many bad decisions on shots. After all, a cadaver can stop a shot from 25 feet that is right in his stomach.
The past week, Toronto bested Philadelphia, 16-13. Actually, it was more like the Wings gave the Rock a victory. A team simply cannot give up a 5-0 lead in the first quarter in their own building. Throw in a Toronto short handed goal on a 5 on 3 and it is easy to see why this team is on the bottom looking up. Brandon Miller, who had been outstanding all season, simply was not on his "A" game. Moreover the defense who plays Toronto at least twice a year for the past decade simply cannot understand that Toronto plays a "pick and roll', nothing fancy, a pick and roll.
At the halfway point the reality is that Philadelphia simply cannot afford to lose more than two more games. 10-6 is going to be the playoff cutoff. Too many teams are too good. Look at the Division, the Wings can play with any of the teams. But shorthanded goals and 5-0 deficits are not getting it done.
Philadelphia,PA- Just past the halfway point in the 2011 season, it has become clear that the Philadelphia Wings are in the same position they have been in for the last six seasons. Each year, the team starts off slowly based on a number of issues, including, having the new faces mesh as a cohesive functioning unit. Slowly, they get their legs and begin to improve. Generally, the team fails to make the playoffs and management responds by bringing in a lot of new faces. The cycle continues year after year.
This off-season indicated storm clouds on the horizon. New Coach John Tucker clearly was putting his finger prints on this team. John Mouradian, one the great minds in the game, was brought in to be the GM. Issues began almost immediately. Geoff Snider was sent packing in a controversial trade. Dispersal draft saw Philadelphia sitting with the pick that could have been Casey Powell. Instead, they moved the pick. Newcomers would include Paul Dawson who has been a good addition. Brendan Mundorf, who finally found his scoring touch. Ryan Boyle, who has been a major disappointment. Thomas Hajek was not brought back and the defense seemed to be strong in the early going without his presence. Lately, it has been a different story. But, the defense would not be as heavily counted on if the offense was a bit more effective. Far too many dropped or missed passes and far too many bad decisions on shots. After all, a cadaver can stop a shot from 25 feet that is right in his stomach.
The past week, Toronto bested Philadelphia, 16-13. Actually, it was more like the Wings gave the Rock a victory. A team simply cannot give up a 5-0 lead in the first quarter in their own building. Throw in a Toronto short handed goal on a 5 on 3 and it is easy to see why this team is on the bottom looking up. Brandon Miller, who had been outstanding all season, simply was not on his "A" game. Moreover the defense who plays Toronto at least twice a year for the past decade simply cannot understand that Toronto plays a "pick and roll', nothing fancy, a pick and roll.
At the halfway point the reality is that Philadelphia simply cannot afford to lose more than two more games. 10-6 is going to be the playoff cutoff. Too many teams are too good. Look at the Division, the Wings can play with any of the teams. But shorthanded goals and 5-0 deficits are not getting it done.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Slow start dooms Wings
By Tom Hoffman
For the first time this season the Philadelphia Wings did not score the first goal of the game at home. And by the time they did get on the board they were already facing a five goal deficit that they would not be able to overcome in a 16-13 loss to the league leading Toronto Rock Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. While the 13 goals scored was a season high, the Wings would set an all time low for attendance as only 7,082 were there to witness the game.
Brandon Miller may be starting the All Star Game tomorrow for the East but he did not look anywhere close to an All Star in this game, struggling to make just 24 saves and failing to make a key save when the Wings could've really used one. And there were certainly more than a few times that a big save might have helped turn the tide in a key divisional matchup. For the second straight home game the Wings would come back to close to within a goal but could not equalize or go ahead. Tonight the moment would occur in the late moments of the first quarter and first seven minutes of the second quarter when Brendan Mundorf and Drew Westervelt, with two goals each, would help the Wings cut a 6-1 Rock lead down to 6-5.
For Mundorf, who did not suit up last week in Buffalo, those two goals equalled his output in his first seven games. Yet much like their last game at home the Wings rally would be muted by a run by their opponent, in this case a Toronto run of five goals that extended their lead to 11-5 just 30 seconds into the 2nd half. Athan Iannucci would start a three goal run for Philly but after a Garrett Billings goal that survived a challenge by Wings coach John Tucker, the teams would end up trading goals the rest of the evening.
Mundorf's night would see him add two more goals and finish with a nine point evening (4G, 5A), as did Iannucci while Alex Turner would chip in with a hat trick. Billings would lead all scorers with 10 points for Toronto while career Wing killer Colin Doyle quietly notched nine points.
For the Jekyll and Hyde Wings, a big back to back weekend awaits starting with a Friday night rematch with the Rock in Toronto before heading home to face former teammate Geoff Snider and the Calgary Roughnecks who will just be happy to still be playing lacrosse following this week's news that the franchise may not be able to finish the season due to lacking finances. If the Wings are to secure a postseason berth they may very well have to sweep this weekend set; a tall task given their lackluster history at Toronto's Air Canada Centre and their dismal record (1-4) this season in front of the home fans.
For the first time this season the Philadelphia Wings did not score the first goal of the game at home. And by the time they did get on the board they were already facing a five goal deficit that they would not be able to overcome in a 16-13 loss to the league leading Toronto Rock Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. While the 13 goals scored was a season high, the Wings would set an all time low for attendance as only 7,082 were there to witness the game.
Brandon Miller may be starting the All Star Game tomorrow for the East but he did not look anywhere close to an All Star in this game, struggling to make just 24 saves and failing to make a key save when the Wings could've really used one. And there were certainly more than a few times that a big save might have helped turn the tide in a key divisional matchup. For the second straight home game the Wings would come back to close to within a goal but could not equalize or go ahead. Tonight the moment would occur in the late moments of the first quarter and first seven minutes of the second quarter when Brendan Mundorf and Drew Westervelt, with two goals each, would help the Wings cut a 6-1 Rock lead down to 6-5.
For Mundorf, who did not suit up last week in Buffalo, those two goals equalled his output in his first seven games. Yet much like their last game at home the Wings rally would be muted by a run by their opponent, in this case a Toronto run of five goals that extended their lead to 11-5 just 30 seconds into the 2nd half. Athan Iannucci would start a three goal run for Philly but after a Garrett Billings goal that survived a challenge by Wings coach John Tucker, the teams would end up trading goals the rest of the evening.
Mundorf's night would see him add two more goals and finish with a nine point evening (4G, 5A), as did Iannucci while Alex Turner would chip in with a hat trick. Billings would lead all scorers with 10 points for Toronto while career Wing killer Colin Doyle quietly notched nine points.
For the Jekyll and Hyde Wings, a big back to back weekend awaits starting with a Friday night rematch with the Rock in Toronto before heading home to face former teammate Geoff Snider and the Calgary Roughnecks who will just be happy to still be playing lacrosse following this week's news that the franchise may not be able to finish the season due to lacking finances. If the Wings are to secure a postseason berth they may very well have to sweep this weekend set; a tall task given their lackluster history at Toronto's Air Canada Centre and their dismal record (1-4) this season in front of the home fans.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (2-26-11 vs. Toronto)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-4) will open the second half of their 2011 National Lacrosse League schedule this Saturday night when they host the Toronto Rock (7-2). Faceoff at the Wells Fargo Center is at 8 PM and the game will be shown live on the Comcast Network and on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 9-19 all time in regular season play against the Rock including their first season in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders. At home the Wings are 6-9 against Toronto. Last season the Rock swept the season series from the Wings. Toronto defeated the Wings 19-11 on February 5, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre and won 13-6 on April 3, 2010 in Philadelphia. NLL Rookie of the Year Stephan LeBlanc led all scorers in the two games with 19 points (8 Goals, 11 Assists).
Last Week
The Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 10-9 last Saturday at HSBC Arena. Drew Westervelt scored the game winning goal with 1:18 remaining in regulation. Westervelt also added four assists while Athan Iannucci and Dan Hardy each chipped in with hat tricks. Toronto swept a home and home with the Rochester Knighthawks winning 10-5 Friday in Toronto and 13-6 Saturday in Rochester.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Dallas Eliuk was named the Most Valuable Player in the Wings 2001 Championship Game victory, how many saves did he make that evening? Answer at the end of the preview.
All Stars
On Sunday afternoon at 2 PM the NLL All-Star Game takes place at the Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, NY. The game will be shown live on Versus with the Wings being represented by Brandon Miller and Max Seibald. For Seibald this will be his first trip to the ASG while it will be the second ASG appearance for Miller (2007 ASG at Portland).
Wings at Mid-season (since 2007)
2011: 4-4
2010: 2-6
2009: 3-5
2008: 7-1
2007: 4-4
Next Game
After the All-Star Game the Wings will head to Toronto to face the Rock on Friday March 4 to open a back to back weekend that will conclude with a home match against Geoff Snider and the Calgary Roughnecks on March 5.
Trivia Answer
Dallas Eliuk made 40 saves in leading the Wings to a 9-8 victory over the Rock and their sixth indoor lacrosse title (four in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League and two in the NLL).
The Philadelphia Wings (4-4) will open the second half of their 2011 National Lacrosse League schedule this Saturday night when they host the Toronto Rock (7-2). Faceoff at the Wells Fargo Center is at 8 PM and the game will be shown live on the Comcast Network and on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 9-19 all time in regular season play against the Rock including their first season in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders. At home the Wings are 6-9 against Toronto. Last season the Rock swept the season series from the Wings. Toronto defeated the Wings 19-11 on February 5, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre and won 13-6 on April 3, 2010 in Philadelphia. NLL Rookie of the Year Stephan LeBlanc led all scorers in the two games with 19 points (8 Goals, 11 Assists).
Last Week
The Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 10-9 last Saturday at HSBC Arena. Drew Westervelt scored the game winning goal with 1:18 remaining in regulation. Westervelt also added four assists while Athan Iannucci and Dan Hardy each chipped in with hat tricks. Toronto swept a home and home with the Rochester Knighthawks winning 10-5 Friday in Toronto and 13-6 Saturday in Rochester.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Dallas Eliuk was named the Most Valuable Player in the Wings 2001 Championship Game victory, how many saves did he make that evening? Answer at the end of the preview.
All Stars
On Sunday afternoon at 2 PM the NLL All-Star Game takes place at the Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, NY. The game will be shown live on Versus with the Wings being represented by Brandon Miller and Max Seibald. For Seibald this will be his first trip to the ASG while it will be the second ASG appearance for Miller (2007 ASG at Portland).
Wings at Mid-season (since 2007)
2011: 4-4
2010: 2-6
2009: 3-5
2008: 7-1
2007: 4-4
Next Game
After the All-Star Game the Wings will head to Toronto to face the Rock on Friday March 4 to open a back to back weekend that will conclude with a home match against Geoff Snider and the Calgary Roughnecks on March 5.
Trivia Answer
Dallas Eliuk made 40 saves in leading the Wings to a 9-8 victory over the Rock and their sixth indoor lacrosse title (four in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League and two in the NLL).
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (2-19-11 at Buffalo)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (3-4) will look to reach the .500 mark at the season's midpoint when they travel to Buffalo for their third and final regular season matchup with the Bandits (4-2). Faceoff at HSBC Arena is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen live on both the NLL Network at NLL.com and on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 19-22 against the Bandits and 0-2 in 2011 with both losses coming at the Wells Fargo Center. All time the Wings are 8-12 in Buffalo with a win in their last visit, 15-11 on February 27, 2010.
Last Game
The Bandits outscored the Wings 9-1 after the Wings had closed to within a goal in last Saturday's 16-7 Buffalo victory. John Tavares scored his 700th National Lacrosse League goal and had nine points in leading the Bandits to victory. The Wings had two goal nights from Athan Iannucci, Alex Turner and Drew Westervelt.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as this week's opponent. This week's question is:
In the Wings 1994 championship game win over the Bandits, who was the Game MVP? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Notes
Wings transition player Max Seibald was added to the Eastern Division All Star team joining teammate Brandon Miller. The game is on February 27 in Verona, NY.
After scoring his 700th goal, John Tavares needs just one point for 1500 in his career and five assists for 800.
The Wings are 1-1 all time on February 19. They defeated the Baltimore Thunder 20-17 in 1994 at the Baltimore Arena and lost 9-7 to the Toronto Rock at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999.
Stats Leaders
Athan Iannucci: 10th in the NLL in points (32), tied for third in power play goals (5), fourth in power play points (12).
Alex Turner: Tied for third in power play goals (5).
Brandon Miller: Leads the NLL in saves (278), second in save percentage (.806) and seventh in goals against average (10.18).
Next Game
The Wings return home on February 26 to take on the Toronto Rock.
Trivia Answer
Paul Gait was the MVP of the 1994 championship game with an 11 point performance (8 goals, 3 assists).
The Philadelphia Wings (3-4) will look to reach the .500 mark at the season's midpoint when they travel to Buffalo for their third and final regular season matchup with the Bandits (4-2). Faceoff at HSBC Arena is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen live on both the NLL Network at NLL.com and on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 19-22 against the Bandits and 0-2 in 2011 with both losses coming at the Wells Fargo Center. All time the Wings are 8-12 in Buffalo with a win in their last visit, 15-11 on February 27, 2010.
Last Game
The Bandits outscored the Wings 9-1 after the Wings had closed to within a goal in last Saturday's 16-7 Buffalo victory. John Tavares scored his 700th National Lacrosse League goal and had nine points in leading the Bandits to victory. The Wings had two goal nights from Athan Iannucci, Alex Turner and Drew Westervelt.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as this week's opponent. This week's question is:
In the Wings 1994 championship game win over the Bandits, who was the Game MVP? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Notes
Wings transition player Max Seibald was added to the Eastern Division All Star team joining teammate Brandon Miller. The game is on February 27 in Verona, NY.
After scoring his 700th goal, John Tavares needs just one point for 1500 in his career and five assists for 800.
The Wings are 1-1 all time on February 19. They defeated the Baltimore Thunder 20-17 in 1994 at the Baltimore Arena and lost 9-7 to the Toronto Rock at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999.
Stats Leaders
Athan Iannucci: 10th in the NLL in points (32), tied for third in power play goals (5), fourth in power play points (12).
Alex Turner: Tied for third in power play goals (5).
Brandon Miller: Leads the NLL in saves (278), second in save percentage (.806) and seventh in goals against average (10.18).
Next Game
The Wings return home on February 26 to take on the Toronto Rock.
Trivia Answer
Paul Gait was the MVP of the 1994 championship game with an 11 point performance (8 goals, 3 assists).
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tavares, Bandits KO Wings
By Tom Hoffman
Paul Dawson may have thrown a knockout punch when he dropped Buffalo's Travis Irving in the fourth but the more convincing knockout was delivered by the Bandits offense and John Tavares as Buffalo used a 9-2 second half to defeat the Wings 16-7. A season high 9,649 witnessed the carnage, pink jerseys on the Wings and some history at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Wings, for the fifth game this season, scored first on a power play tally from Alex Turner. The fans then got to see some history made when Tavares became the first player in National Lacrosse League history to score 700 goals when his goal with the man advantage tied the score. He would add two more goals in the quarter while assisting on a Tracey Kelusky score to give Buffalo a 4-1 lead after 15 minutes. After Athan Iannucci and Chad Culp traded goals, the Wings would score the next three goals to even things up a five apiece but woul;d trail 7-5 at half following Bandit scores from Culp and Kelusky.
Dan Hardy would get the Wings within a goal just :56 into the third session but that would end up as close as the Wings would get the rest of the evening. Buffalo would run off seven straight goals to effectively put the game away. But at the 2:39 mark of the fourth the Wings fans had their last real moment to cheer when Dawson connected on his punch that left Irving quite woozy and needing medical attention. While it fired up the fans it did nothing to wake up a lackluster Wings effort. After Drew Westervelt stopped the Buffalo scoring streak, Mark Steenhuis would score on a five minute major to the Wings Jeff Reynolds and in the process help chase All-Star starting goalie Brandon Miller for the second straight game and second time since getting the All-Star nod. By the time Steenhuis scored again with under a minute to play, many had already headed for the exits.
The ageless Tavares would end up adding to his Hall of Fame bound totals with a nine point evening on five goals and four assists in leading the Bandit attack. For the Wings, it was once again a frustrating night of little offense and poor fundamentals as they dropped many passes and failed to corral ground balls and rebounds. Now, as the Wings head to Buffalo to reach the season's mid point next weekend, they have to wonder which team will show up: the team that dominated the Boston Blazers a few weeks ago in Boston or the squad that has looked harried and hopeless in losing their last two games.
Paul Dawson may have thrown a knockout punch when he dropped Buffalo's Travis Irving in the fourth but the more convincing knockout was delivered by the Bandits offense and John Tavares as Buffalo used a 9-2 second half to defeat the Wings 16-7. A season high 9,649 witnessed the carnage, pink jerseys on the Wings and some history at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Wings, for the fifth game this season, scored first on a power play tally from Alex Turner. The fans then got to see some history made when Tavares became the first player in National Lacrosse League history to score 700 goals when his goal with the man advantage tied the score. He would add two more goals in the quarter while assisting on a Tracey Kelusky score to give Buffalo a 4-1 lead after 15 minutes. After Athan Iannucci and Chad Culp traded goals, the Wings would score the next three goals to even things up a five apiece but woul;d trail 7-5 at half following Bandit scores from Culp and Kelusky.
Dan Hardy would get the Wings within a goal just :56 into the third session but that would end up as close as the Wings would get the rest of the evening. Buffalo would run off seven straight goals to effectively put the game away. But at the 2:39 mark of the fourth the Wings fans had their last real moment to cheer when Dawson connected on his punch that left Irving quite woozy and needing medical attention. While it fired up the fans it did nothing to wake up a lackluster Wings effort. After Drew Westervelt stopped the Buffalo scoring streak, Mark Steenhuis would score on a five minute major to the Wings Jeff Reynolds and in the process help chase All-Star starting goalie Brandon Miller for the second straight game and second time since getting the All-Star nod. By the time Steenhuis scored again with under a minute to play, many had already headed for the exits.
The ageless Tavares would end up adding to his Hall of Fame bound totals with a nine point evening on five goals and four assists in leading the Bandit attack. For the Wings, it was once again a frustrating night of little offense and poor fundamentals as they dropped many passes and failed to corral ground balls and rebounds. Now, as the Wings head to Buffalo to reach the season's mid point next weekend, they have to wonder which team will show up: the team that dominated the Boston Blazers a few weeks ago in Boston or the squad that has looked harried and hopeless in losing their last two games.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
2011 Wings lacrosse (2-12-11 vs. Buffalo)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (3-3) will look to get back on the winning track when they host the Buffalo Bandits at 7 PM on Saturday February 12 at the Wells Fargo Center. History could possibly be seen that night as Buffalo’s John Tavares needs just one goal to have 700 for his career. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 19-21 against the Bandits, 11-9 at the WFC. The Wings are 0-1 in 2011 against Buffalo following a 9-6 loss in Philadelphia on January 15. After playing to a 3-3 tie after one quarter the Wings were outscored 3-0 over the next 30 plus minutes and could not catch the Bandits. Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt each scored two goals for the Wings while John Tavares, Tracey Kelusky and Chad Culp each tallied twice for Buffalo.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
The Wings record for most goals scored in a game first occurred against the Bandits while their record for most goals given up in a game also occurred against the Bandits. What was the number of goals scored/given up and what seasons did each occur? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings were defeated by the Rochester Knighthawks last Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. The Wings were shut out for two quarters and trailed at one point 9-2 in seeing their three game win streak come to an end. Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt led the Wings with two goals each while Brandon Miller was pulled from a game for the first time this season after making 23 saves and giving up eight goals. Ray Hodgkinson made his NLL debut and gave up two goals on four shots. The Bandits defeated the Minnesota Swarm 15-12 last Friday night in Buffalo. Mark Steenhuis and Chad Culp each scored a hat trick for Buffalo.
Notes
Wings goalie Brandon Miller was named the starter for the East squad in the upcoming National Lacrosse League All Star Game on February 27. This will be Miller’s second All Star appearance. Reserves will be named later this week.
The Wings are 1-1 on February 12. In 1989 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-9 at the Spectrum while in 2005 they dropped a 16-15 decision in Rochester.
John Tavares scored his 400th career point (a goal) against the Wings in 1999.
Next game
The Wings travel to Buffalo for their final regular season matchup with the Bandits on February 19.
Trivia Answer
The Wings have scored 26 goals in two games but did it for the first time on April 16, 1994 when they defeated the Bandits 26-15 at the Aud in Buffalo to claim their third title in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The Wings would equal that output in 1996 in a 26-11 win against the Charlotte Cobras at the Spectrum. 26 would be the Bandits lucky number against the Wings on January 20, 2001 at HSBC Arena when they handed Philly a 26-18 shellacking.
The Philadelphia Wings (3-3) will look to get back on the winning track when they host the Buffalo Bandits at 7 PM on Saturday February 12 at the Wells Fargo Center. History could possibly be seen that night as Buffalo’s John Tavares needs just one goal to have 700 for his career. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 19-21 against the Bandits, 11-9 at the WFC. The Wings are 0-1 in 2011 against Buffalo following a 9-6 loss in Philadelphia on January 15. After playing to a 3-3 tie after one quarter the Wings were outscored 3-0 over the next 30 plus minutes and could not catch the Bandits. Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt each scored two goals for the Wings while John Tavares, Tracey Kelusky and Chad Culp each tallied twice for Buffalo.
Trivia
This season is the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. This column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in the 2001 champions and/or other moments in Wings history, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
The Wings record for most goals scored in a game first occurred against the Bandits while their record for most goals given up in a game also occurred against the Bandits. What was the number of goals scored/given up and what seasons did each occur? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings were defeated by the Rochester Knighthawks last Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. The Wings were shut out for two quarters and trailed at one point 9-2 in seeing their three game win streak come to an end. Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt led the Wings with two goals each while Brandon Miller was pulled from a game for the first time this season after making 23 saves and giving up eight goals. Ray Hodgkinson made his NLL debut and gave up two goals on four shots. The Bandits defeated the Minnesota Swarm 15-12 last Friday night in Buffalo. Mark Steenhuis and Chad Culp each scored a hat trick for Buffalo.
Notes
Wings goalie Brandon Miller was named the starter for the East squad in the upcoming National Lacrosse League All Star Game on February 27. This will be Miller’s second All Star appearance. Reserves will be named later this week.
The Wings are 1-1 on February 12. In 1989 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-9 at the Spectrum while in 2005 they dropped a 16-15 decision in Rochester.
John Tavares scored his 400th career point (a goal) against the Wings in 1999.
Next game
The Wings travel to Buffalo for their final regular season matchup with the Bandits on February 19.
Trivia Answer
The Wings have scored 26 goals in two games but did it for the first time on April 16, 1994 when they defeated the Bandits 26-15 at the Aud in Buffalo to claim their third title in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The Wings would equal that output in 1996 in a 26-11 win against the Charlotte Cobras at the Spectrum. 26 would be the Bandits lucky number against the Wings on January 20, 2001 at HSBC Arena when they handed Philly a 26-18 shellacking.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (2-5-11 at Rochester)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (3-2) will look to extend their winning streak to four games this Saturday afternoon when they travel to Rochester, NY to square off with the Knighthawks (2-2). Faceoff at the Blue Cross Arena is at 2 PM and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 15-20 all time against Rochester and are 5-12 at the Blue Cross Arena. In 2010 the Knighthawks swept the season series from the Wings taking a 12-6 decision in Philadelphia on February 20 and completing the sweep with a 15-12 victory on April 10 in Rochester. The Wings last victory in Rochester was on January 10, 2009 by a score of 16-13
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the Wing who scored the game winning goal in the 2001 Semi-Final against the Knighthawks? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings swept a back to back weekend beginning last Friday in Boston when they held a potent Blazers lineup to just five goals in an 11-5 victory. Athan Iannucci scored four goals while Brandon Miller made 43 saves. Saturday night Iannucci added three more goals and Miller made 44 saves as the Wings jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first half and held on to defeat the Colorado Mammoth 12-11 at the Wells Fargo Center. Rochester played at home on Saturday and struggled against Boston falling to the Blazers by a score of 16-7.
Notes
The Wings three game win streak is their longest since they won their first six games of the 2008 season.
The last time the Wings played on February 5 was last season when they were defeated by the Toronto Rock 19-11 at the Air Canada Centre. Overall the Wings are 3-2 on this date (they lost in 1994 15-11 to the Buffalo Bandits while defeating Buffalo 13-11 in 1999, the New York Saints 15-13 in 2000 and the San Jose Stealth 14-13 in 2005).
The NLL All-Star Game will be held on February 27 at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. Wings players on the ballot (http://www.nll.com/allstar/) are Brandon Miller, Shawn Nadelen, Athan Iannucci, Drew Westervelt, Max Seibald and Taylor Wray. Voting ends on February 7.
Next game
The Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center on February 12 to face the Buffalo Bandits.
Trivia Answer
Tom Marechek scored with 1:29 to play in regulation to give the Wings a 12-11 win over Rochester on April 20, 2001 and put the Wings in the NLL Final against the Toronto Rock.
The Philadelphia Wings (3-2) will look to extend their winning streak to four games this Saturday afternoon when they travel to Rochester, NY to square off with the Knighthawks (2-2). Faceoff at the Blue Cross Arena is at 2 PM and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 15-20 all time against Rochester and are 5-12 at the Blue Cross Arena. In 2010 the Knighthawks swept the season series from the Wings taking a 12-6 decision in Philadelphia on February 20 and completing the sweep with a 15-12 victory on April 10 in Rochester. The Wings last victory in Rochester was on January 10, 2009 by a score of 16-13
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the Wing who scored the game winning goal in the 2001 Semi-Final against the Knighthawks? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings swept a back to back weekend beginning last Friday in Boston when they held a potent Blazers lineup to just five goals in an 11-5 victory. Athan Iannucci scored four goals while Brandon Miller made 43 saves. Saturday night Iannucci added three more goals and Miller made 44 saves as the Wings jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first half and held on to defeat the Colorado Mammoth 12-11 at the Wells Fargo Center. Rochester played at home on Saturday and struggled against Boston falling to the Blazers by a score of 16-7.
Notes
The Wings three game win streak is their longest since they won their first six games of the 2008 season.
The last time the Wings played on February 5 was last season when they were defeated by the Toronto Rock 19-11 at the Air Canada Centre. Overall the Wings are 3-2 on this date (they lost in 1994 15-11 to the Buffalo Bandits while defeating Buffalo 13-11 in 1999, the New York Saints 15-13 in 2000 and the San Jose Stealth 14-13 in 2005).
The NLL All-Star Game will be held on February 27 at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. Wings players on the ballot (http://www.nll.com/allstar/) are Brandon Miller, Shawn Nadelen, Athan Iannucci, Drew Westervelt, Max Seibald and Taylor Wray. Voting ends on February 7.
Next game
The Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center on February 12 to face the Buffalo Bandits.
Trivia Answer
Tom Marechek scored with 1:29 to play in regulation to give the Wings a 12-11 win over Rochester on April 20, 2001 and put the Wings in the NLL Final against the Toronto Rock.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wings use strong first half and hold on to beat Mammoth
By Tom Hoffman
Much like last week's game in Denver, it was a tale of two halves for the Philadelphia Wings against the Colorado Mammoth. And much like last week the Wings would have the better half and thus were able to hold on for a 12-11 victory at home in front of a crowd of 8,616 at the Wells Fargo Center.
For the fourth time in five games this season the Wings got on the board first courtesy of Max Seibald, back in the lineup after sitting out Friday night in Boston as a result of his hit on Buffalo's Jon Harasym on January 15. After Colorado's Brian Langtry knotted the game at one, the Wings got scores from Athan Iannucci and Matt Alrich to take a 3-1 lead after 15 minutes. The Mammoth would tie the game at three before the Wings offense would come alive scoring seven of the next eight goals, briefly chasing Colorado goalie Chris Levis in favor of former Wing Rob Blasdell, to go into halftime with a seemingly comfortable 10-4 lead. Then, in the eyes of Wings coach John Tucker, the Wings took their foot off the gas pedal and all of a sudden the Mammoth were back in the game.
Colorado would shut out the Wings in the third quarter and thanks to a hat trick from Alex Gajic went into the game final stanza down by only two goals. Kyle Sweeney and Drew Westervelt would put the Wings up by four goals midway through the fourth but the Mammoth would not quit and following a power play goal from Cliff Smith with 2:27 left in regulation they would close to within a goal. And they thought they had the tying score with under two minutes to play but John Grant Jr was ruled to have been in the crease negating the score. The Wings would hold on and kill off the clock to put up their third win in a row.
Again the defensive star for Philadelphia was goalie Brandon Miller who had a 44 save night in playing his second game in as many nights. Athan Iannucci, after a four goal night in Boston on Friday, continued to shake the rust off with a three goal, three assist night while Drew Westervelt also chipped in with a hat trick. Grant led all scorers with eight points (2G, 6A) but that would not be enough for Colorado as they fell to 1-3 while the Wings improved to 3-2.
Next for the Wings will be a visit to Rochester to faceoff against the Knighthawks next Saturday afternoon as Philly will seek to add a fourth game to their win streak.
Much like last week's game in Denver, it was a tale of two halves for the Philadelphia Wings against the Colorado Mammoth. And much like last week the Wings would have the better half and thus were able to hold on for a 12-11 victory at home in front of a crowd of 8,616 at the Wells Fargo Center.
For the fourth time in five games this season the Wings got on the board first courtesy of Max Seibald, back in the lineup after sitting out Friday night in Boston as a result of his hit on Buffalo's Jon Harasym on January 15. After Colorado's Brian Langtry knotted the game at one, the Wings got scores from Athan Iannucci and Matt Alrich to take a 3-1 lead after 15 minutes. The Mammoth would tie the game at three before the Wings offense would come alive scoring seven of the next eight goals, briefly chasing Colorado goalie Chris Levis in favor of former Wing Rob Blasdell, to go into halftime with a seemingly comfortable 10-4 lead. Then, in the eyes of Wings coach John Tucker, the Wings took their foot off the gas pedal and all of a sudden the Mammoth were back in the game.
Colorado would shut out the Wings in the third quarter and thanks to a hat trick from Alex Gajic went into the game final stanza down by only two goals. Kyle Sweeney and Drew Westervelt would put the Wings up by four goals midway through the fourth but the Mammoth would not quit and following a power play goal from Cliff Smith with 2:27 left in regulation they would close to within a goal. And they thought they had the tying score with under two minutes to play but John Grant Jr was ruled to have been in the crease negating the score. The Wings would hold on and kill off the clock to put up their third win in a row.
Again the defensive star for Philadelphia was goalie Brandon Miller who had a 44 save night in playing his second game in as many nights. Athan Iannucci, after a four goal night in Boston on Friday, continued to shake the rust off with a three goal, three assist night while Drew Westervelt also chipped in with a hat trick. Grant led all scorers with eight points (2G, 6A) but that would not be enough for Colorado as they fell to 1-3 while the Wings improved to 3-2.
Next for the Wings will be a visit to Rochester to faceoff against the Knighthawks next Saturday afternoon as Philly will seek to add a fourth game to their win streak.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wings ride a full 60 to victory
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings rode another solid effort from goalie Brandon Miller and brought their 2011 record to 2-2 as they defeated the Boston Blazers 11-5 Friday night at TD Garden. Athan Iannucci led the Wings with four goals while Alex Turner chipped in a hat trick. The Wings, who never trailed in the game, chased Boston keeper Anthony Cosmo late in the third quarter. Miller made 43 saves while shutting out Boston over the game's final 22 minutes and 26 seconds.
The Wings will look to extend their win streak to three on Saturday when they host the Colorado Mammoth.
The Philadelphia Wings rode another solid effort from goalie Brandon Miller and brought their 2011 record to 2-2 as they defeated the Boston Blazers 11-5 Friday night at TD Garden. Athan Iannucci led the Wings with four goals while Alex Turner chipped in a hat trick. The Wings, who never trailed in the game, chased Boston keeper Anthony Cosmo late in the third quarter. Miller made 43 saves while shutting out Boston over the game's final 22 minutes and 26 seconds.
The Wings will look to extend their win streak to three on Saturday when they host the Colorado Mammoth.
Monday, January 24, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (1-28-11 at Boston and 1-29-11 vs Colorado)
By Tom Hoffman
Following their first win of the 2011 season, the Philadelphia Wings (1-2) will look to add two more to the win column this weekend when they play their first set of back to back games. The weekend will begin Friday night with a visit to Boston to face the 2-2 Blazers at 7:30 PM before returning home to take on the Colorado Mammoth (1-2) at 7 PM on Saturday. Both games will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while Saturday's tilt with the Mammoth will also be shown live on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 2-5 against the Blazers, 0-1 in 2011 following a season opening 10-6 loss on January 8 at the Wells Fargo Center. All time the Wings are 1-2 at TD Banknorth Garden and 0-2 against the current Boston franchise. The Wings played the original Blazers team there in 1997 and defeated Boston 12-11. Last season the Wings fell to the Blazers 11-9 in a January 30 matinee game.
After last week's game, the Wings-Mammoth series now stand at 6-3 (28-13 overall including Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington) and 3-1 (15-5) in Philadelphia.
Last Week
The Wings picked up their first victory of the 2011 season last Saturday by defeating the Mammoth 11-10 at Denver's Pepsi Center. The Wings trailed 7-3 at halftime but outscored Colorado 3-0 in the third quarter and 5-3 in the fourth to give John Tucker his first win as Wings coach. Max Seibald scored a hat trick and Paul Dawson added two scores, including the game winner. Brandon Miller again was solid in goal recording 41 saves. This was Colorado's lone game last weekend.
Boston played twice last weekend and went 0-2 with both games ending in overtime. Friday after scoring three times in a 94 second span late in the fourth to tie the game the Blazers fell in the extra session to the Toronto Rock 15-14 in Toronto. Saturday the Blazers again needed extra time and again were on the short end of the scoreboard losing 11-10 at home to the Rochester Knighthawks.
Trivia
Celebrating 25 years of Wings lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the team's last championship in 2001, this week's trivia question is:
Name the members of the 2001 Wings who at one time also suited up for the original New England/Boston Blazers? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Notes
The Wings are 1-2 all time on January 28 losing to the New York Saints 20-16 in 1989, defeating the Buffalo Bandits 17-10 in 1995 and falling to the Bandits in 2005 15-10. On January 29 the Wings are 1-1 winning in 2000 over Rochester 15-12 and losing at Buffalo in 2005 20-16.
The Wings have lost four straight home games dating back to last season (last home win March 27, 2010 against Boston 13-7). The Wings have never lost their first three home games of the season.
Next Game
The Wings hit the road on February 5 for a Saturday afternoon tilt in Rochester against the Knighthawks.
Trivia Answer
Three members of the 2001 Wings played for the original Blazers franchise: Kevin Finneran (1991), Tom Ryan (1995-1997) and Chris Panos (1997).
Following their first win of the 2011 season, the Philadelphia Wings (1-2) will look to add two more to the win column this weekend when they play their first set of back to back games. The weekend will begin Friday night with a visit to Boston to face the 2-2 Blazers at 7:30 PM before returning home to take on the Colorado Mammoth (1-2) at 7 PM on Saturday. Both games will be shown live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while Saturday's tilt with the Mammoth will also be shown live on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 2-5 against the Blazers, 0-1 in 2011 following a season opening 10-6 loss on January 8 at the Wells Fargo Center. All time the Wings are 1-2 at TD Banknorth Garden and 0-2 against the current Boston franchise. The Wings played the original Blazers team there in 1997 and defeated Boston 12-11. Last season the Wings fell to the Blazers 11-9 in a January 30 matinee game.
After last week's game, the Wings-Mammoth series now stand at 6-3 (28-13 overall including Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington) and 3-1 (15-5) in Philadelphia.
Last Week
The Wings picked up their first victory of the 2011 season last Saturday by defeating the Mammoth 11-10 at Denver's Pepsi Center. The Wings trailed 7-3 at halftime but outscored Colorado 3-0 in the third quarter and 5-3 in the fourth to give John Tucker his first win as Wings coach. Max Seibald scored a hat trick and Paul Dawson added two scores, including the game winner. Brandon Miller again was solid in goal recording 41 saves. This was Colorado's lone game last weekend.
Boston played twice last weekend and went 0-2 with both games ending in overtime. Friday after scoring three times in a 94 second span late in the fourth to tie the game the Blazers fell in the extra session to the Toronto Rock 15-14 in Toronto. Saturday the Blazers again needed extra time and again were on the short end of the scoreboard losing 11-10 at home to the Rochester Knighthawks.
Trivia
Celebrating 25 years of Wings lacrosse and the 10th anniversary of the team's last championship in 2001, this week's trivia question is:
Name the members of the 2001 Wings who at one time also suited up for the original New England/Boston Blazers? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Notes
The Wings are 1-2 all time on January 28 losing to the New York Saints 20-16 in 1989, defeating the Buffalo Bandits 17-10 in 1995 and falling to the Bandits in 2005 15-10. On January 29 the Wings are 1-1 winning in 2000 over Rochester 15-12 and losing at Buffalo in 2005 20-16.
The Wings have lost four straight home games dating back to last season (last home win March 27, 2010 against Boston 13-7). The Wings have never lost their first three home games of the season.
Next Game
The Wings hit the road on February 5 for a Saturday afternoon tilt in Rochester against the Knighthawks.
Trivia Answer
Three members of the 2001 Wings played for the original Blazers franchise: Kevin Finneran (1991), Tom Ryan (1995-1997) and Chris Panos (1997).
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wings earn first win of season with strong second half
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings used an 8-3 second half to earn their first win of the 2011 National Lacrosse League season as they defeated the Colorado Mammoth 11-10 Saturday night at Pepsi Center. The game started out badly for the Wings who trailed 4-0 early in the game and were down 7-3 at halftime.
Max Seibald was the scoring star for the Wings with a three goal night. Paul Dawson added two goals, including the game winner with 90 seconds remaining in regulation. Brandon Miller was, once again, solid in net for Philadelphia with a 41 save performance.
The Wings now get ready for their first weekend of back to back games. They will travel to Boston to face the Blazers on Friday before returning to the Wells Fargo Center for a rematch with the Mammoth.
The Philadelphia Wings used an 8-3 second half to earn their first win of the 2011 National Lacrosse League season as they defeated the Colorado Mammoth 11-10 Saturday night at Pepsi Center. The game started out badly for the Wings who trailed 4-0 early in the game and were down 7-3 at halftime.
Max Seibald was the scoring star for the Wings with a three goal night. Paul Dawson added two goals, including the game winner with 90 seconds remaining in regulation. Brandon Miller was, once again, solid in net for Philadelphia with a 41 save performance.
The Wings now get ready for their first weekend of back to back games. They will travel to Boston to face the Blazers on Friday before returning to the Wells Fargo Center for a rematch with the Mammoth.
Monday, January 17, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (1-22-11 at Colorado)
By Tom Hoffman
Off to their first 0-2 start since 2007, the Philadelphia Wings will once again seek their first win of the 2011 National Lacrosse League season Saturday January 22 when they visit the Colorado Mammoth at 9 PM at Denver’s Pepsi Center. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be shown live on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 27-13 against the Colorado franchise including their previous seasons in Baltimore (1987-1999), Pittsburgh (2000) and Washington (2001-2002). Since the team’s move to Denver the Wings are 5-3 overall and 2-2 at the Pepsi Center having won their last two visits to the Mile High City. In 2010 the lone meeting between the two teams was in Philadelphia with the Mammoth heading home with a 12-11 overtime win on a power play goal by Alex Gajic just 2:19 into the extra session. Colorado forced the overtime with two goals 54 seconds apart late in the fourth quarter after a four goal Philadelphia run had given the Wings an 11-9 lead.
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the members of the Wings 2001 team who also helped the Mammoth to the 2006 NLL championship? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings fell to the Buffalo Bandits 9-6 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Brandon Miller made 41 saves but the Wings offense again stumbled. Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt each scored twice for the Wings. The Mammoth won on the road 8-7 against the Calgary Roughnecks Saturday evening. Cliff Smith scored with three seconds remaining in regulation to give Colorado the victory. Chris Levis made 54 saves in goal for the Mammoth.
Notes
The Wings last 0-3 start occurred in 1999 (final record that season was 5-7).
The last time the Wings played on January 22 they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Crossefire 16-15 at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena in 2000. Overall the Wings are 1-2 on this date (lost in 1999 at home against the Rochester Knighthawks 15-12 and defeated the Boston Blazers 12-9 in 1993 at Boston Garden).
The Wings are 11-13 in road openers. Their last opening win away from Philadelphia occurred in 2008 over Colorado 15-13.
Next games
The Wings head to Boston for a rematch with the Boston Blazers on January 28 opening a home and home weekend that concludes at the Wells Fargo Center on January 29 against Colorado.
Trivia Answer
Jamie Hanford, Jay Jalbert and David Stilley were part of the Wings squad who defeated the Toronto Rock 9-8 to take home the NLL Champion’s Cup in 2001. All three also helped lead the Mammoth to the 2006 NLL title over Buffalo.
Off to their first 0-2 start since 2007, the Philadelphia Wings will once again seek their first win of the 2011 National Lacrosse League season Saturday January 22 when they visit the Colorado Mammoth at 9 PM at Denver’s Pepsi Center. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be shown live on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 27-13 against the Colorado franchise including their previous seasons in Baltimore (1987-1999), Pittsburgh (2000) and Washington (2001-2002). Since the team’s move to Denver the Wings are 5-3 overall and 2-2 at the Pepsi Center having won their last two visits to the Mile High City. In 2010 the lone meeting between the two teams was in Philadelphia with the Mammoth heading home with a 12-11 overtime win on a power play goal by Alex Gajic just 2:19 into the extra session. Colorado forced the overtime with two goals 54 seconds apart late in the fourth quarter after a four goal Philadelphia run had given the Wings an 11-9 lead.
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. This week’s question is:
Name the members of the Wings 2001 team who also helped the Mammoth to the 2006 NLL championship? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings fell to the Buffalo Bandits 9-6 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Brandon Miller made 41 saves but the Wings offense again stumbled. Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt each scored twice for the Wings. The Mammoth won on the road 8-7 against the Calgary Roughnecks Saturday evening. Cliff Smith scored with three seconds remaining in regulation to give Colorado the victory. Chris Levis made 54 saves in goal for the Mammoth.
Notes
The Wings last 0-3 start occurred in 1999 (final record that season was 5-7).
The last time the Wings played on January 22 they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Crossefire 16-15 at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena in 2000. Overall the Wings are 1-2 on this date (lost in 1999 at home against the Rochester Knighthawks 15-12 and defeated the Boston Blazers 12-9 in 1993 at Boston Garden).
The Wings are 11-13 in road openers. Their last opening win away from Philadelphia occurred in 2008 over Colorado 15-13.
Next games
The Wings head to Boston for a rematch with the Boston Blazers on January 28 opening a home and home weekend that concludes at the Wells Fargo Center on January 29 against Colorado.
Trivia Answer
Jamie Hanford, Jay Jalbert and David Stilley were part of the Wings squad who defeated the Toronto Rock 9-8 to take home the NLL Champion’s Cup in 2001. All three also helped lead the Mammoth to the 2006 NLL title over Buffalo.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Offense fails Wings again
By Tom Hoffman
For the second straight game the Philadelphia Wings were betrayed by their offense, again being held to six goals and wasting another solid effort from the defense and goalie Brandon Miller. The Buffalo Bandits kept the Wings off the scoreboard for over 30 minutes and left the Wells Fargo Center with a 9-6 victory before a crowd of 7,764.
The Wings again scored the game's first goal when Drew Westervelt went across the crease to beat Bandits goalie Mike Thompson. After Buffalo racked up the game's next three goals, the Wings showed a little life in tying the game on scores by Max Seibald and Westervelt. This would end up as the Wings highlight of the evening as following Westervelt's game tying goal the Wings would not score again until the fourth quarter, a span of almost 34 minutes. The defense and Miller did their job, holding the Bandit offense to just two goals over the second and third quarters but entered the fourth trailing 5-3.
The Bandits would take advantage of a five minute major to Seibald laste in the third when Frank Resetarits scored just :32 into the final period. Athan Iannucci would snap the Wings scoreless streak but goals by Tracey Kelusky and John Tavares would give the Bandits an 8-4 cushion they would hold on to on the way to their first win of the 2011 season. After the Wings got within a pair at 8-6, Mark Steenhuis would ice the game with an empty net score.
While Coach John Tucker was generally pleased with the effort, his frustration with the team's offense was quite evident. The players seemed to be just as frustrated as well. The Wings will try to awaken their offense on the road when they visit Denver and the Colorado Mammoth next Saturday.
For the second straight game the Philadelphia Wings were betrayed by their offense, again being held to six goals and wasting another solid effort from the defense and goalie Brandon Miller. The Buffalo Bandits kept the Wings off the scoreboard for over 30 minutes and left the Wells Fargo Center with a 9-6 victory before a crowd of 7,764.
The Wings again scored the game's first goal when Drew Westervelt went across the crease to beat Bandits goalie Mike Thompson. After Buffalo racked up the game's next three goals, the Wings showed a little life in tying the game on scores by Max Seibald and Westervelt. This would end up as the Wings highlight of the evening as following Westervelt's game tying goal the Wings would not score again until the fourth quarter, a span of almost 34 minutes. The defense and Miller did their job, holding the Bandit offense to just two goals over the second and third quarters but entered the fourth trailing 5-3.
The Bandits would take advantage of a five minute major to Seibald laste in the third when Frank Resetarits scored just :32 into the final period. Athan Iannucci would snap the Wings scoreless streak but goals by Tracey Kelusky and John Tavares would give the Bandits an 8-4 cushion they would hold on to on the way to their first win of the 2011 season. After the Wings got within a pair at 8-6, Mark Steenhuis would ice the game with an empty net score.
While Coach John Tucker was generally pleased with the effort, his frustration with the team's offense was quite evident. The players seemed to be just as frustrated as well. The Wings will try to awaken their offense on the road when they visit Denver and the Colorado Mammoth next Saturday.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Boston Blazes into Wells Fargo Center and defeats Philadelphia, 10-6
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Philadelphia, Pa. - Two teams with new looks opened the 2011 NLL season in Philadelphia on Saturday evening.
The Boston Blazers, featuring the triple headed monster of Casey Powell, Dan Dawson and Josh Sanderson took very little to exhibit their incredible talents.
Philadelphia was stymied by a close checking Boston defense and the always stellar goaltending of Anthony Cosmo. Cosmo didn't have to be brilliant because the Blazers minimized the Philadelphia offensive threats, Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt.
The contest went back and forth in the first half, with Boston taking a one goal halftime lead. Philadelphia could do very little the second half and only recorded two goals.
The Wings enter the season with an entirely new team, a new GM (John Mouradian), new Head Coach (John Tucker) and a host of new players. The biggest addition was defenseman Paul Dawson. The aforementioned, Athan Iannucci is finally healthy and looking to add some punch to the Wings offense.
Philadelphia has been floundering the past few seasons and expectations run high coming into this season. "We played well, we made some mistakes, but, I take responsibility and we will improve each game," Head Coach John Tucker exclaimed after the contest.
Brandon Miller chimed in, "This is a great team, we are vastly improved."
Philadelphia named defenseman Taylor Wray as its new Captain. Former Captain Thomas Hajek did not return to the team.
How much improvement will be made and how fast? Starting the season with two home games against Division rivals will surely be a big test.
With the folding of the Orlando franchise, every team has added depth to their rosters. Philadelphia added Ryan Boyle and Brendan Mundorf from Orlando. Steven Peyser was claimed but is not currently on the roster.
This week, the Buffalo Bandits visit the City of Brotherly Love.
Philadelphia, Pa. - Two teams with new looks opened the 2011 NLL season in Philadelphia on Saturday evening.
The Boston Blazers, featuring the triple headed monster of Casey Powell, Dan Dawson and Josh Sanderson took very little to exhibit their incredible talents.
Philadelphia was stymied by a close checking Boston defense and the always stellar goaltending of Anthony Cosmo. Cosmo didn't have to be brilliant because the Blazers minimized the Philadelphia offensive threats, Athan Iannucci and Drew Westervelt.
The contest went back and forth in the first half, with Boston taking a one goal halftime lead. Philadelphia could do very little the second half and only recorded two goals.
The Wings enter the season with an entirely new team, a new GM (John Mouradian), new Head Coach (John Tucker) and a host of new players. The biggest addition was defenseman Paul Dawson. The aforementioned, Athan Iannucci is finally healthy and looking to add some punch to the Wings offense.
Philadelphia has been floundering the past few seasons and expectations run high coming into this season. "We played well, we made some mistakes, but, I take responsibility and we will improve each game," Head Coach John Tucker exclaimed after the contest.
Brandon Miller chimed in, "This is a great team, we are vastly improved."
Philadelphia named defenseman Taylor Wray as its new Captain. Former Captain Thomas Hajek did not return to the team.
How much improvement will be made and how fast? Starting the season with two home games against Division rivals will surely be a big test.
With the folding of the Orlando franchise, every team has added depth to their rosters. Philadelphia added Ryan Boyle and Brendan Mundorf from Orlando. Steven Peyser was claimed but is not currently on the roster.
This week, the Buffalo Bandits visit the City of Brotherly Love.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (1-15-11 vs. Buffalo)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings will look to pick up their first win of the 2011 National Lacrosse League season when they host the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 PM on Saturday January 15 at the Wells Fargo Center. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be shown live on the Comcast Network with a replay on Sunday, January 16 on Comcast SportsNet.
History
The Wings are 19-20 against the Bandits, 11-8 at the WFC. In 2010 the Wings went 1-1 against Buffalo, each team winning in the other teams building. On February 13, 2010 in Philadelphia, the Bandits broke an 8-8 tie in the third quarter and went on to defeat the Wings 13-11. The Wings would return the favor on February 27, 2010 defeating the Bandits 15-11 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo. In that game the Wings never trailed and would break a five game losing streak.
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. To begin, here is this week’s question:
Which member of the Wings 2001 team was also a member of the Bandits 1996 championship team? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings were defeated by the Boston Blazers 10-6 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Bill McGlone and Alex Turner each scored twice for the Wings while Brandon Miller made 39 saves. The Bandits fell 10-9 to the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday in Calgary. Roger Vyse led Buffalo with six points while Mike Thompson stopped 28 Calgary shots.
Notes
The Wings last 0-2 start occurred in 2007 (final record that season was 6-10).
The last time the Wings played on January 15 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 17-14 at the Spectrum in front of a crowd of 16,274.
During the offseason the Bandits picked up Scott Self and Jay Thorimbert from the Minnesota Swarm and former Wing Brenden Thenhaus from Boston but their biggest acquisition was getting Tracey Kelusky in a deal with Calgary.
Next game
The Wings travel to Denver to face the Colorado Mammoth on January 22.
Trivia Answer
Tom Phair was a rookie on the 1996 Major Indoor Lacrosse League champion Bandits squad that defeated the Wings 15-10 at the Aud in Buffalo. In 2001 Phair contributed 2 goals to help the Wings defeat the Toronto Rock 9-8 to take home the NLL Champion’s Cup.
The Philadelphia Wings will look to pick up their first win of the 2011 National Lacrosse League season when they host the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 PM on Saturday January 15 at the Wells Fargo Center. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be shown live on the Comcast Network with a replay on Sunday, January 16 on Comcast SportsNet.
History
The Wings are 19-20 against the Bandits, 11-8 at the WFC. In 2010 the Wings went 1-1 against Buffalo, each team winning in the other teams building. On February 13, 2010 in Philadelphia, the Bandits broke an 8-8 tie in the third quarter and went on to defeat the Wings 13-11. The Wings would return the favor on February 27, 2010 defeating the Bandits 15-11 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo. In that game the Wings never trailed and would break a five game losing streak.
Trivia
This season is not only the 25th season of Wings Lacrosse; it is also the 10th anniversary of the Wings last championship victory in 2001. To celebrate both, this column will feature a trivia question each week and will attempt to tie in both the 2001 champions, as well as that week’s opponent. To begin, here is this week’s question:
Which member of the Wings 2001 team was also a member of the Bandits 1996 championship team? The answer will be at the end of the preview.
Last Weekend
The Wings were defeated by the Boston Blazers 10-6 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Bill McGlone and Alex Turner each scored twice for the Wings while Brandon Miller made 39 saves. The Bandits fell 10-9 to the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday in Calgary. Roger Vyse led Buffalo with six points while Mike Thompson stopped 28 Calgary shots.
Notes
The Wings last 0-2 start occurred in 2007 (final record that season was 6-10).
The last time the Wings played on January 15 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 17-14 at the Spectrum in front of a crowd of 16,274.
During the offseason the Bandits picked up Scott Self and Jay Thorimbert from the Minnesota Swarm and former Wing Brenden Thenhaus from Boston but their biggest acquisition was getting Tracey Kelusky in a deal with Calgary.
Next game
The Wings travel to Denver to face the Colorado Mammoth on January 22.
Trivia Answer
Tom Phair was a rookie on the 1996 Major Indoor Lacrosse League champion Bandits squad that defeated the Wings 15-10 at the Aud in Buffalo. In 2001 Phair contributed 2 goals to help the Wings defeat the Toronto Rock 9-8 to take home the NLL Champion’s Cup.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
New season, same results for Wings
By Tom Hoffman
Following a franchise low 5-11 season in 2010 the Philadelphia Wings underwent, with apologies to the TV show, an extreme makeover to go into their 25th season of pro lacrosse. Jugding by the results though it appears that the spirits of 2010 were still in the building. After playing a solid first quarter against a high powered Boston Blazers squad the Wings saw the offense go cold and the Blazers walked out of the Wells Fargo Center with a 10-6 victory.
Wings coach John Tucker was happy with the defensive effort and the play of goalie Brandon Miller. "Offensively, we have work to do," Tucker said. "We got away from our game plan."
The Wings opened the scoring for 2011 with a goal from Drew Westervelt and would hold three other one goal leads in the first but were matched each time by Boston with the first 15 minutes ending in a 3-3 tie. The Blazers would hold the Wings to just three more goals the rest of the evening while their new acquisitions made their presences known. 2010 league MVP Casey Powell scored three of the four Blazers goals over the second and third quarters while Kevin Buchanan tallied the other goal. Josh Sanderson would score twice in the fourth while Powell added one more for his fifth of the night. The Wings, held to 31 shots on goal for the night, couldn't catch up.
Dan Dawson led the way for Boston with eight assists while Powell put up seven points and Sanderson added six. The lone bright spots for the Wings offensively were newcomer Alex Turner with two goals and an assist and a two goal night from Bill McGlone. In his first game since 2009 Athan Iannucci was held to a goal and two assists. The Wings defense, most notably Paul Dawson, showed a more physical side while Miller had a solid evening with 39 saves.
With Buffalo next on the schedule, the Wings will need to find a way to perk up the offense while continuing the physical play on the defensive side. Tucker "guaranteed" the offense would be better against the Bandits. If not, 2011 could be as bad, or worse, than 2010. Not the preferred way to celebrate the team's 25th Anniversary season.
Notes
The attendance of 7,940 was the smallest in the Wings history for a home opener and just missed being the smallest overall in team history (7,723 last season vs Buffalo).
Scratches for the Wings were Matt Alrich, David Mitchell and Brodie MacDonald.
This was John Tucker's first game as a National Lacrosse League head coach since 2000 when he guided the Pittsburgh Crossefire to a 6-6 record.
Following a franchise low 5-11 season in 2010 the Philadelphia Wings underwent, with apologies to the TV show, an extreme makeover to go into their 25th season of pro lacrosse. Jugding by the results though it appears that the spirits of 2010 were still in the building. After playing a solid first quarter against a high powered Boston Blazers squad the Wings saw the offense go cold and the Blazers walked out of the Wells Fargo Center with a 10-6 victory.
Wings coach John Tucker was happy with the defensive effort and the play of goalie Brandon Miller. "Offensively, we have work to do," Tucker said. "We got away from our game plan."
The Wings opened the scoring for 2011 with a goal from Drew Westervelt and would hold three other one goal leads in the first but were matched each time by Boston with the first 15 minutes ending in a 3-3 tie. The Blazers would hold the Wings to just three more goals the rest of the evening while their new acquisitions made their presences known. 2010 league MVP Casey Powell scored three of the four Blazers goals over the second and third quarters while Kevin Buchanan tallied the other goal. Josh Sanderson would score twice in the fourth while Powell added one more for his fifth of the night. The Wings, held to 31 shots on goal for the night, couldn't catch up.
Dan Dawson led the way for Boston with eight assists while Powell put up seven points and Sanderson added six. The lone bright spots for the Wings offensively were newcomer Alex Turner with two goals and an assist and a two goal night from Bill McGlone. In his first game since 2009 Athan Iannucci was held to a goal and two assists. The Wings defense, most notably Paul Dawson, showed a more physical side while Miller had a solid evening with 39 saves.
With Buffalo next on the schedule, the Wings will need to find a way to perk up the offense while continuing the physical play on the defensive side. Tucker "guaranteed" the offense would be better against the Bandits. If not, 2011 could be as bad, or worse, than 2010. Not the preferred way to celebrate the team's 25th Anniversary season.
Notes
The attendance of 7,940 was the smallest in the Wings history for a home opener and just missed being the smallest overall in team history (7,723 last season vs Buffalo).
Scratches for the Wings were Matt Alrich, David Mitchell and Brodie MacDonald.
This was John Tucker's first game as a National Lacrosse League head coach since 2000 when he guided the Pittsburgh Crossefire to a 6-6 record.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011 Wings Lacrosse (1-8-11 vs. Boston)
By Tom Hoffman
The 25th season of Philadelphia Wings lacrosse gets started on Saturday, January 8 as the Wings host the Boston Blazers at 7 PM at the Wells Fargo Center. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be shown live on the Comcast Network with a replay on Sunday, January 9 on Comcast SportsNet.
History
The Wings are 2-4 against the current Blazers franchise, 2-2 at the WFC. In 2010 the Wings went 2-1 against Boston to win the season series. On January 16, 2010, the Wings defeated the Blazers 12-8 in Philadelphia outscoring Boston 4-1 in the second half to secure the victory. On January 30, 2010 in Boston, the Blazers never trailed in defeating the Wings 11-9. The final matchup, on March 27, 2010, was a fight filled affair that was won by the Wings 13-7. As in the first meeting, the Wings owned the second half by outscoring the Blazers 9-2.
New look Wings
Following the worst season in Wings history (5-11), the coaching staff and roster were overhauled. Coach and General Manager Dave Huntley was let go following the 2010 season and was replaced behind the bench by last season’s offensive coordinator John Tucker. The GM spot was filled by longtime NLL executive Johnny Mouradian. This season’s 23 man roster includes 12 newcomers. Picked up in the Orlando Titans dispersal draft were forwards Brendan Mundorf (28G, 31A in 2009 with New York) and Ryan Boyle (21G-39A in 2010) while another former Titan, Matt Alrich (10G, 9A in 2010) was picked up after being released by the Edmonton Rush on November 16, 2010. A key newcomer on defense is former Blazer Paul Dawson who was picked up from the Calgary Roughnecks in October. Dawson, along with Brett Manney (acquired from the Washington Stealth) and ex-Buffalo Bandit Joe Smith should help solidify the defense around goalie Brandon Miller.
Among the Wings returnees, the biggest ones will be Athan Iannucci and Shawn Nadelen. Iannucci, the National Lacrosse League’s 2008 Most Valuable Player, sat out the entire 2010 season recovering from knee surgery while Nadelen missed all but 2 games in 2010 also due to a knee injury. The team’s leading scorer in 2010, Drew Westervelt (32G, 40A) also is back in the Wings lineup. The most notable Wings gone from 2010 are Geoff Snider (traded to Calgary) and Kyle Wailes (on the Physically Unable to Perform list). Also, Merrick Thomson continues to be sidelined by post-concussion symptoms from an injury suffered in the 2009 Major League Lacrosse season.
Shakeup in Beantown
The Blazers also see an overhauled lineup for 2011 after finishing 8-8 in 2010 and losing to Orlando in the Divisional Semifinal. In addition to Paul Dawson, gone is Boston’s second leading scorer from last season Daryl Veltman (dealt to Calgary). The Veltman deal did bring the Blazers Josh Sanderson (34G, 70A with Calgary) in return. Boston also benefitted from the Titans dispersal draft picking up the NLL’s 2010 MVP in Casey Powell (44G, 36A with Orlando). The biggest change may have occurred on December 23 when Coach Tom Ryan was let go and replaced 5 days later by Toronto Rock assistant (and 2009 Wings head scout) Matt Sawyer.
Opening numbers and notes
The Wings are at .500 (12-12) in season openers having lost 3 of their last 4. The Wings are 14-10 in home openers and have won 2 of their last 3. This will be the third straight season opening at home with Boston (Boston won 13-11 in 2009) and is just the second season in the last eleven that the Wings have opened the season at home (last time in 2008 against the Chicago Shamrox).
Saturday’s game will feature the last 3 players to win the NLL’s MVP award. In addition to Iannucci in 2008 and Powell in 2010, Boston’s Dan Dawson won the award in 2009. Dawson, Powell and Sanderson were all on the 2010 NLL First team All-Pro squad. Sanderson led the NLL in 2010 with 104 points and 70 assists.
Next game
The Wings return home to face the Buffalo Bandits in January 15.
The 25th season of Philadelphia Wings lacrosse gets started on Saturday, January 8 as the Wings host the Boston Blazers at 7 PM at the Wells Fargo Center. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be shown live on the Comcast Network with a replay on Sunday, January 9 on Comcast SportsNet.
History
The Wings are 2-4 against the current Blazers franchise, 2-2 at the WFC. In 2010 the Wings went 2-1 against Boston to win the season series. On January 16, 2010, the Wings defeated the Blazers 12-8 in Philadelphia outscoring Boston 4-1 in the second half to secure the victory. On January 30, 2010 in Boston, the Blazers never trailed in defeating the Wings 11-9. The final matchup, on March 27, 2010, was a fight filled affair that was won by the Wings 13-7. As in the first meeting, the Wings owned the second half by outscoring the Blazers 9-2.
New look Wings
Following the worst season in Wings history (5-11), the coaching staff and roster were overhauled. Coach and General Manager Dave Huntley was let go following the 2010 season and was replaced behind the bench by last season’s offensive coordinator John Tucker. The GM spot was filled by longtime NLL executive Johnny Mouradian. This season’s 23 man roster includes 12 newcomers. Picked up in the Orlando Titans dispersal draft were forwards Brendan Mundorf (28G, 31A in 2009 with New York) and Ryan Boyle (21G-39A in 2010) while another former Titan, Matt Alrich (10G, 9A in 2010) was picked up after being released by the Edmonton Rush on November 16, 2010. A key newcomer on defense is former Blazer Paul Dawson who was picked up from the Calgary Roughnecks in October. Dawson, along with Brett Manney (acquired from the Washington Stealth) and ex-Buffalo Bandit Joe Smith should help solidify the defense around goalie Brandon Miller.
Among the Wings returnees, the biggest ones will be Athan Iannucci and Shawn Nadelen. Iannucci, the National Lacrosse League’s 2008 Most Valuable Player, sat out the entire 2010 season recovering from knee surgery while Nadelen missed all but 2 games in 2010 also due to a knee injury. The team’s leading scorer in 2010, Drew Westervelt (32G, 40A) also is back in the Wings lineup. The most notable Wings gone from 2010 are Geoff Snider (traded to Calgary) and Kyle Wailes (on the Physically Unable to Perform list). Also, Merrick Thomson continues to be sidelined by post-concussion symptoms from an injury suffered in the 2009 Major League Lacrosse season.
Shakeup in Beantown
The Blazers also see an overhauled lineup for 2011 after finishing 8-8 in 2010 and losing to Orlando in the Divisional Semifinal. In addition to Paul Dawson, gone is Boston’s second leading scorer from last season Daryl Veltman (dealt to Calgary). The Veltman deal did bring the Blazers Josh Sanderson (34G, 70A with Calgary) in return. Boston also benefitted from the Titans dispersal draft picking up the NLL’s 2010 MVP in Casey Powell (44G, 36A with Orlando). The biggest change may have occurred on December 23 when Coach Tom Ryan was let go and replaced 5 days later by Toronto Rock assistant (and 2009 Wings head scout) Matt Sawyer.
Opening numbers and notes
The Wings are at .500 (12-12) in season openers having lost 3 of their last 4. The Wings are 14-10 in home openers and have won 2 of their last 3. This will be the third straight season opening at home with Boston (Boston won 13-11 in 2009) and is just the second season in the last eleven that the Wings have opened the season at home (last time in 2008 against the Chicago Shamrox).
Saturday’s game will feature the last 3 players to win the NLL’s MVP award. In addition to Iannucci in 2008 and Powell in 2010, Boston’s Dan Dawson won the award in 2009. Dawson, Powell and Sanderson were all on the 2010 NLL First team All-Pro squad. Sanderson led the NLL in 2010 with 104 points and 70 assists.
Next game
The Wings return home to face the Buffalo Bandits in January 15.
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