Today in Wings History

By Tom Hoffman

As we get nearer to the start of the 27th season of Philadelphia Wings lacrosse, we will take a look back at some dates and accomplishments in Wings history.  The Wings haven't played many games in the month of December but have managed two on this date (12-30).

The Wings first game on this date occurred in 2000 as the Wings traveled to Rochester for the 2001 season opener.  Behind a 10 point night (6G, 4A) from Jake Bergey and eight more (4G, 4A) from Tom Marechek, the Wings opened what would end up as their sixth championship season with a 17-16 victory.  This was also the first Wings game in the month of December.

On this date in 2005 the Wings opened the 20th season of professional indoor lacrosse in Denver facing the Colorado Mammoth.  In the Wings first opener of the post-Dallas Eliuk era they came from behind to defeat the Mammoth 13-11 to spoil the jersey retirement night of former Wing and Mammoth star Gary Gait.  After a sluggish first half in his NLL debut, Wings top draft pick Sean Greenhalgh caught fire and scored four goals to lead the Wings.  Fellow draftee Luke Wiles added a pair of goals in his league debut while Matt Roik made 44 saves as the Wings new starting goalkeeper.

All time the Wings have a 4-2 record in December games, all played on the road.