Wings Happenings

In an Exclusive for LaxPhilly.com Kevin M. Neibauer caught up with recently acquired Max Seibald. Max registered a goal and an assist in his first game in the Wachovia Center. For those of you who don't know, Seibald was acquired from the Boston Blazers early in February.

KMN-"So, how is it here in Philadelphia?"

MS- "It's great, a lot of fun and a great bunch of guys."

KMN-"You recently set a World Record with a shot that registered 110 MPH. What did you receive for that?'

MS- "I didn’t get anything for it. I didn't even win the contest so I don't even have bragging rights! The winner was Paul Rabil. He had a shot at 111 MPH. So, I held the record for three minutes"

KMN-"First game under your belt in Philadelphia, what are your thoughts?"

MS-"I got a little experience last week in Toronto; it's only been a short time since I have been here so I am still learning. I have one or two practices under my belt and the guys have been great with all the help."

KMN-"You were drafted by Boston but never played?"

MS- "Drafted but never went to training camp or never played."

Thanks Max
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WINGS RECAP: Six weeks into the season and a lot is being exposed about this squad. Injuries have decimated the offense with the loss of Athan Iannucci(out for season), Merrick Thomson (no timetable set) and now the defense is hurting. Shawn Nadelen is on the injured reserve and lost for the season. Experienced players such as Dan Teat, Mat Giles, Bill McGlone and Jason Crosbie, to name a few, will be counted on to carry the squad.

Dave Huntley, despite watching his team blow a five goal lead was very upbeat after the Buffalo loss. "I am proud of their effort; Buffalo just brought it to us tonight."

Assistant Coach John Tucker pointed out that the team is averaging 11 goals a game. That should put any team in a position to win most games. Bottom line, it’s real easy to prepare for the Wings, they have very little offensive fire power right now. Simply contain Drew Westervelt and Giles and make the rest of the offense beat you. However, Geoff Snider maybe enjoying the best year of his career, splitting face-off duties with his brother, Bob, gives the Wings a new wrinkle. With Rochester on the horizon. John Grant Jr. is back. Philadelphia MUST compete with the Knighthawks in this contest. With the parity in the league, 7 losses may force you out of the playoffs so the clock is ticking. Right now, the team is struggling, it needs some kind of a break to right the ship. It's not from lack of effort; they simply are undermanned right now. Projects like Kevin Huntley and Max Seibald may be forced to learn the game at a quicker pace than management would desire.

CATCHING UP- I recently chatted with Former GM/Coach, Lindsay Sanderson. Lindsay said he is doing well, working a full time day job and keeping upon the comings and goings in the league. He has a few irons in some fires but not working in the business right now. Lindsay made a point to ask me to forward nothing but the sincerest good thoughts for the fans of Philadelphia and made it known that he has no hard feelings toward anyone and his removal was a business decision that he totally understood. As far as the future of the team, Sanderson exclaimed that he wishes all the best to Dave Huntley, Chris Sanderson and John Tucker as well as the team.

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HERE AND THERE: Coming in late March or early April a new Box League will be forming in the Philadelphia area. Bill Malizia and the Philadelphia Lacrosse Foundation are embarking on the formation of a 30 and over Men's League.Details are being worked out daily. This much I know it will be a no check league with Canadian Box rules. Canadian Box rules are similar to American. The biggest difference is the crease and the goaltenders. The crease cannot be violated at all, that includes reaching in to defend. Players are prohibited from leaving their feet to attempt to score. The Foundation is currently working on several events for the spring/summer. Fundraisers are planned as well as clinics featuring professional lacrosse players.

Thank You to the Philadelphia Wings, Max Seibald, and the Philadelphia Lacrosse Foundation.