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.