By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings look to rebound from a disappointing season opener when they host the Washington Stealth Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 8-3 all time against the franchise that has spent time in Albany, NY (2000-2003) and San Jose, CA (2004-2009) before moving to Everett, WA for the 2010 season. All time at home the Wings are 5-0 vs. the Attack/Stealth. The last meeting between the two teams occurred on March 14, 2008 when the Wings defeated San Jose 16-13 at the Wachovia Center. Current Wings who were on the game night rosters that evening were Pat Heim, Thomas Hajek and Brandon Miller (Philadelphia) and Paul Dawson and Steve Holmes (San Jose). Holmes scored two goals that night for the Stealth.
Last Game
After tying the game at six apiece early in the second quarter, the Wings were outscored 16-6 the rest of the game as they fell 22-12 to the Rochester Knighthawks in the 2012 season opener. Top draft pick Kevin Crowley had a solid debut with three goals and five assists while Dan Dawson chipped in a goal and added six helpers. Drew Westervelt also added a hat trick for the Wings.
The Opponent
The Stealth feature several players who helped the franchise to back to back Finals appearances and their first Champion’s Cup title in 2010. Anchoring the offense for Washington is 2010 Champion’s Cup MVP Lewis Ratcliff, 2009 Rookie of the Year Rhys Duch and Jeff Zywicki. Defensively the Stealth is led by Jeff Moleski and Matt Beers while Tyler Richards mans the net. Leading the Washington transition game is Paul Rabil.
Familiar Faces
Five members of the Wings have spent time in the Attack/Stealth organization. Brandon Miller played for Albany from 2000- to 2003 and in San Jose from 2004 to 2006. Playing for the team in San Jose were Matt Alrich (2005-2006), Paul Dawson (2007-2008) and Steve Holmes (2007-2009). Brett Manney spent the 2009 season with the Stealth in San Jose and played in the team’s inaugural season in Washington in 2010. The lone former Wing on the Washington roster is Bob Snider, who played for the Wings in 2010 after being chosen 16th overall in the 2009 Entry Draft.
On this date
The Wings are 2-0 on January 21. In 1989 the Wings defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-13 in Baltimore and in 2006 defeated the San Jose Stealth 10-7 in San Jose.
Next Game
The Wings will be on the road for the first time in 2012 when they face the Buffalo Bandits on January 27.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
For Wings, another makeover, another opening game loss
By Tom Hoffman
Much like last season the Philadelphia Wings entered their Natioanl Lacrosse League season opener following a massive roster overhaul that again included a trade of a fan favorite. And once again the Wings gave their remaining faithful a sign that change doesn't grant immediate success. Except for a five minute flurry in the 2nd quarter and a Broad Street Bully-like final 26 seconds of play, the Wings looked lost in their 22-12 defeat to the Rochester Knighthawks before 8,813 at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
There were very few bright spots in a game in which the Wings never led. After Max Seibald brought the Wings within a goal just under six minutes into the first stanza, the Wings were lit up for four consecutive scores to trail 6-1 after the opening 15. Philly then had its first highlight moment of the evening when they ripped off five goals in a stretch of 4:28 to tie the game at six. Included in this run were the first Wings goals for Kevin Crowley, Mike Hominuck and Dan Dawson. Crowley's first NLL goal came 2:15 after his first NLL point, an assist on a Drew Westervelt goal. The good vibes on offense would end there as the Knighthawks would counter with three goals to take a 9-6 halftime lead and then add four more to start the third and turn the game into a rout and chase Wings goalkeeper Brandon Miller.
The remainder of the second half belonged to Rochester on the scoreboard and to the Wings on the penalty sheet. With 26 seconds to play in a game that was already settled the Wings decided to take a page from the Flyers old playbook and goon it up with the Knighthawks. In round one the Wings David Brock and Rochester's Kyle Laverty went at it twice while Thomas Hajek, in his return to the Wings, and Tyler Burton of Rocheste also squared off. Just nine seconds after that a second donnybrook took place, one which ended in a ridiculous goalie fight between the Wings Kurtis Wagar and the Knighthawks Jake Henhawk. When the dust cleared the two teams combined for over 210 penalty minutes and some likely suspensions.
Crowley tallied three goals and five assists in his NLL debut to highlight the game for the Wings. For the Wings it was the first time giving up 20+ goals in agame since the Knighthawks did it to them on March 29, in a 20-12 final. It was also the second most goals the Wings have given up in a game, the worst being a 26 goal pounding in 2001 at Buffalo. The Wings will need to tighten up on defense and look for more consistency next week as the Washington Stealth will be coming into town on Saturday.
Much like last season the Philadelphia Wings entered their Natioanl Lacrosse League season opener following a massive roster overhaul that again included a trade of a fan favorite. And once again the Wings gave their remaining faithful a sign that change doesn't grant immediate success. Except for a five minute flurry in the 2nd quarter and a Broad Street Bully-like final 26 seconds of play, the Wings looked lost in their 22-12 defeat to the Rochester Knighthawks before 8,813 at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
There were very few bright spots in a game in which the Wings never led. After Max Seibald brought the Wings within a goal just under six minutes into the first stanza, the Wings were lit up for four consecutive scores to trail 6-1 after the opening 15. Philly then had its first highlight moment of the evening when they ripped off five goals in a stretch of 4:28 to tie the game at six. Included in this run were the first Wings goals for Kevin Crowley, Mike Hominuck and Dan Dawson. Crowley's first NLL goal came 2:15 after his first NLL point, an assist on a Drew Westervelt goal. The good vibes on offense would end there as the Knighthawks would counter with three goals to take a 9-6 halftime lead and then add four more to start the third and turn the game into a rout and chase Wings goalkeeper Brandon Miller.
The remainder of the second half belonged to Rochester on the scoreboard and to the Wings on the penalty sheet. With 26 seconds to play in a game that was already settled the Wings decided to take a page from the Flyers old playbook and goon it up with the Knighthawks. In round one the Wings David Brock and Rochester's Kyle Laverty went at it twice while Thomas Hajek, in his return to the Wings, and Tyler Burton of Rocheste also squared off. Just nine seconds after that a second donnybrook took place, one which ended in a ridiculous goalie fight between the Wings Kurtis Wagar and the Knighthawks Jake Henhawk. When the dust cleared the two teams combined for over 210 penalty minutes and some likely suspensions.
Crowley tallied three goals and five assists in his NLL debut to highlight the game for the Wings. For the Wings it was the first time giving up 20+ goals in agame since the Knighthawks did it to them on March 29, in a 20-12 final. It was also the second most goals the Wings have given up in a game, the worst being a 26 goal pounding in 2001 at Buffalo. The Wings will need to tighten up on defense and look for more consistency next week as the Washington Stealth will be coming into town on Saturday.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (1-14-12 vs. Rochester)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings open their 26th season of play this Saturday evening when they host the Rochester Knighthawks at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 15-23 all time against the Knighthawks, 10-9 at home. Rochester won all three meetings in 2011 (11-6 and 13-10 at Rochester, 10-6 at Philadelphia) and has won six straight against the Wings. The last Wings victory over Rochester was on January 10, 2009 (16-13 at Rochester) while the last time the Wings beat the Knighthawks in Philadelphia was a 15-14 decision on January 18, 2008.
Openers
The Wings have a 12-13 record in season openers but have lost their last three and four of the last five. At home, the Wings are 14-11 in openers yet are just 7-8 in openers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings have previously opened the regular season twice against the Knighthawks (2001 and 2004, both in Rochester and both victories for the Wings) while this game will be the third time opening at home vs. Rochester (18-17 win at the Spectrum in 1995 and a 17-11 loss in 2004).
Changes
Another year means more changes to the Wings roster. Notable additions for 2012 were the acquisitions of Dan Dawson (via the Boston Blazers dispersal draft), Brodie Merrill (from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal) and Kevin Crowley (#1 pick in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft). Other new faces include Jordan Sealock (acquired from the Calgary Roughnecks), Steve Fryer (4th round selection in the 2011 Entry Draft), Ned Crotty (acquired from the Colorado Mammoth) and Mike Hominuck (free agent signing). Returning to the Wings after a year away is former captain Thomas Hajek. Besides Iannucci, other notables not back this season are Alex Turner (part of the Merrill trade), Ryan Boyle (released), Taylor Wray (Head Coach at St. Joseph’s University) and Shawn Nadelen (retired).
Changes have also taken place behind the Wings bench as GM Johnny Mouradian has taken over the coaching duties from John Tucker, who remains in the organization as a scout. Blane Harrison moves from offense to defense as Jim Milligan of the Major Series Lacrosse Peterborough Lakers will handle the offense.
The Visitors
Top returnees for the Knighthawks are 2010 top draft pick Cody Jamieson (28G, 25A), Jordan Hall (18G, 22A), Pat McCready (101 loose balls) and Matt Vinc (9.77 GAA). Key losses are Shawn Williams (traded to the Edmonton Rush) and Shawn Evans (traded to Calgary).
On this date
The Wings are 2-1 on January 14. In 1989 the Wings defeated the New England Blazers 19-8 at the Spectrum, in 1995 defeated the New York Saints 11-10 at Nassau Coliseum and lost 13-10 to the Minnesota Swarm in 2006 at the Wells Fargo (then Wachovia) Center.
Next Game
The Wings will return to action on January 21 when the face the Washington Stealth.
The Philadelphia Wings open their 26th season of play this Saturday evening when they host the Rochester Knighthawks at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 15-23 all time against the Knighthawks, 10-9 at home. Rochester won all three meetings in 2011 (11-6 and 13-10 at Rochester, 10-6 at Philadelphia) and has won six straight against the Wings. The last Wings victory over Rochester was on January 10, 2009 (16-13 at Rochester) while the last time the Wings beat the Knighthawks in Philadelphia was a 15-14 decision on January 18, 2008.
Openers
The Wings have a 12-13 record in season openers but have lost their last three and four of the last five. At home, the Wings are 14-11 in openers yet are just 7-8 in openers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings have previously opened the regular season twice against the Knighthawks (2001 and 2004, both in Rochester and both victories for the Wings) while this game will be the third time opening at home vs. Rochester (18-17 win at the Spectrum in 1995 and a 17-11 loss in 2004).
Changes
Another year means more changes to the Wings roster. Notable additions for 2012 were the acquisitions of Dan Dawson (via the Boston Blazers dispersal draft), Brodie Merrill (from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal) and Kevin Crowley (#1 pick in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft). Other new faces include Jordan Sealock (acquired from the Calgary Roughnecks), Steve Fryer (4th round selection in the 2011 Entry Draft), Ned Crotty (acquired from the Colorado Mammoth) and Mike Hominuck (free agent signing). Returning to the Wings after a year away is former captain Thomas Hajek. Besides Iannucci, other notables not back this season are Alex Turner (part of the Merrill trade), Ryan Boyle (released), Taylor Wray (Head Coach at St. Joseph’s University) and Shawn Nadelen (retired).
Changes have also taken place behind the Wings bench as GM Johnny Mouradian has taken over the coaching duties from John Tucker, who remains in the organization as a scout. Blane Harrison moves from offense to defense as Jim Milligan of the Major Series Lacrosse Peterborough Lakers will handle the offense.
The Visitors
Top returnees for the Knighthawks are 2010 top draft pick Cody Jamieson (28G, 25A), Jordan Hall (18G, 22A), Pat McCready (101 loose balls) and Matt Vinc (9.77 GAA). Key losses are Shawn Williams (traded to the Edmonton Rush) and Shawn Evans (traded to Calgary).
On this date
The Wings are 2-1 on January 14. In 1989 the Wings defeated the New England Blazers 19-8 at the Spectrum, in 1995 defeated the New York Saints 11-10 at Nassau Coliseum and lost 13-10 to the Minnesota Swarm in 2006 at the Wells Fargo (then Wachovia) Center.
Next Game
The Wings will return to action on January 21 when the face the Washington Stealth.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Wings fall to Rochester in exhibition game
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.
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.
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/
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