2013 - What to expect from our Philadelphia Wings

By- Kevin M. Neibauer

Well friends, it has been quite awhile since I have written anything for this or any site. Time constraints, work constraints and lack of computer all played roles in the situation.

That being written, I am glad to be back full time covering all things lacrosse especially the Philadelphia Wings. I will be adding game insights as well as post game analysis and interviews for LaxPhilly.com as well as supplying interviews for the Professional Lacrosse Players Association. (PLPA.com).

What do we expect from this season and the Wings? The squad enters the season with optimism and several questions. Some of these questions involve new additions, key subtractions to a squad with a definite American base.

Ethan Farrell has caught eyes with creative play-making and goal scoring instincts. C.J. Costabile and Mike Manley are highly regarded draft picks who will be counted on to bolster the back-line.

General Manager and Coach, John Mouradian was not just busy with draft picks. A blockbuster trade sent Dan and Paul Dawson to the Rochester Knighthawks for among others, Paul Rabil.

Rabil, along with Max Seibald and newly signed Kyle Hartzell bring the three hardest shots in Lacrosse to Philly. Hard shots do not always result in goals however. The departure of Dan Dawson means that Seibald will be looked at as more of a leader on and off the field.

Brandon Miller will be back between the pipes. One of the questions was Miller being able to shoulder the workload and deal with personal issues. GM John Mouradian acquired Kevin Croswell and solidified the position even further.

In addition to Costabile and Manley the defense will be anchored by the returning team Captain, Brodie Merrill. Merrill will lead a mostly unknown corps of players and a new Defensive Coach, Thomas Hajek.

The schedule is like none other in Philadelphia team history with 3 Sunday afternoon games, a Saturday afternoon and even a Friday morning (February 8).

Buffalo and, of course, Rochester got stronger in the off-season. Will all the new faces gel in time to be competitive early enough to keep the fans coming in?

The Wings Achilles heel last season was that the squad was very weak on the left side. Kevin Buchanan and Kevin Ross were brought in trades and big thing are expected from Ned Crotty who was hampered last season by not only inexperience but also by injuries. Crotty is scheduled to miss the first month of the season.

Kevin Crowley returns and seems to be the go to guy for the offense.

We shall see starting January 11, 2013

WING THINGS- Michael French has taken over the reins as the majority owner.

Also, the team announced a new weekly broadcast. Philly Lax Live that will debut on December 26 and will feature former Wing, Scott Gabrielsen as well as current Wing, Brett Manney.

The NLL has announced a partnership with YouTube to broadcast games.