by Tom Hoffman
Coming off an exciting overtime win last Saturday, the Philadelphia Wings will hit the road for the first time in 2012 when they travel to First Niagara Center to face the Buffalo Bandits on Friday night. Game time is at 7:30 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 20-22 all time against the Bandits. In Buffalo, the Wings have a record of 9-12 but are 8-8 at First Niagara Center and have won their last two meetings there. In 2011 the Bandits won the season series 2-1 winning both games in Philadelphia (9-6 on January 15 and 16-7 on February 12) while the Wings won in Buffalo 10-9 on February 19.
Last Game
Kevin Crowley scored five goals, including the overtime winner as the Wings defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 last Saturday at Wells Fargo Center. Drew Westervelt added a hat trick while Brendan Mundorf chipped in a pair of goals. Brandon Miller made 49 saves in goal.
The Opponent
The Bandits are 2-0 in 2012 following victories at home vs. the Toronto Rock (14-10) and on the road against the Rochester Knighthawks (12-9). John Tavares leads the team in scoring (6G, 9A) while Mike Thompson has been in goal in both games (9.50 GAA).
Familiar Faces
Former Wings on the Buffalo roster include Kyle Sweeney (played for the Wings from 2005-2011), Luke Wiles (2006), Ian Llord (2007), Jon Harasym (2009) and Mat Giles (2009-2010). Current Wing Mike Hominuck played for the Bandits in 2004 and 2005.
Stats and Stuff
John Tavares has had his greatest success in the National Lacrosse League against the Wings. In 41 regular season games against Philadelphia, Tavares has 109 goals and 142 assists. In 2011 he scored his 700th goal (2-12-110 and picked up his 1500th point (2-19-11) against the Wings.
On this date
The Wings are 3-0 on January 27 with all three wins coming at home. In 1996 the Wings defeated the New York Saints 23-8, in 2001 they defeated the Albany Attack 18-9 and in 2007 they defeated the Toronto Rock 10-9.
Next Game
The Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center to face the Toronto Rock on February 4.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wings earn gritty OT win over Stealth
by Tom Hoffman
After an awful opener last week, the Philadelphia Wings tightened up on defense, played solid transitional lacrosse and got another big production night from top draft pick Kevin Crowley as they defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 in overtime Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Crowley tallied five goals including the OT winner 3:27 into the extra session.
"It was a great character win for our team," Crowley said. "We could've just deflated and gave up but the team brought it together. It was a good all around team win."
Crowley got the evening off to a good start with a first quarter hat trick that gave the Wings a 3-0 lead after the opening 15. The second quarter went the opposite way as the Stealth would score three goals to take the game to halftime even. Goals by the Stealth's Cam Sedgwick and Curtis Hodgson gave Washington a 5-3 lead in the third before the Wings ended an almost 35 minute scoreless drought on Drew Westervelt's first goal of the night. Paul Rabil would give the Stealth their two goal lead back but Westervelt's second of the night would take the Wings into the fourth trailing by only one goal.
The scoring would continue for the Wings as Brendan Mundorf's first two scores of the season were followed by Westervelt's third goal of the night to give the Wings an 8-6 lead. Sedgwick's second of the night brought the Stealth to within one but the Wings looked to have the game in hand when Crowley tallied his fourth of the night to give the Wings a 9-7 advantage with 7:35 to play. The Stealth did not quit though and would force the game into overtime on goals by Lewis Ratcliff and Matt Beers, Beers tying the game with 3:05 left in regulation. The end of regulation and the overtime then became the Brandon Miller show as Miller made a number of his 49 saves during that period to keep the Wings alive and set up the final heroics from the National Lacrosse League's top draft pick in the 2011 entry draft.
"When B. Miller plays like that, he gives us an opportunity to win," Wings Coach/GM Johnny Mouradian said.
Mouradian also had high praise for Crowley.
"He's a big game player," Mouradian said. "He's a rookie in the NLL but he's not a rookie as far as being a game breaker and a game changer."
And if Crowley can somehow maintain his two game pace (8 goals, 6 assists)over the full 16 game schedule, he could be well on his way to some post season hardware from the league. As far as overall play, Mouradian definitely was happy with the effort from his club.
"Our man down was superb. I thought we ran the floor really well. I thought we made some good decisions on transition," Mouradian said.
It was a huge lift for the Wings after the crushing loss last week to Rochester and the Wings will look to feed off of this win as they travel to Buffalo on Friday to face the Bandits.
After an awful opener last week, the Philadelphia Wings tightened up on defense, played solid transitional lacrosse and got another big production night from top draft pick Kevin Crowley as they defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 in overtime Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Crowley tallied five goals including the OT winner 3:27 into the extra session.
"It was a great character win for our team," Crowley said. "We could've just deflated and gave up but the team brought it together. It was a good all around team win."
Crowley got the evening off to a good start with a first quarter hat trick that gave the Wings a 3-0 lead after the opening 15. The second quarter went the opposite way as the Stealth would score three goals to take the game to halftime even. Goals by the Stealth's Cam Sedgwick and Curtis Hodgson gave Washington a 5-3 lead in the third before the Wings ended an almost 35 minute scoreless drought on Drew Westervelt's first goal of the night. Paul Rabil would give the Stealth their two goal lead back but Westervelt's second of the night would take the Wings into the fourth trailing by only one goal.
The scoring would continue for the Wings as Brendan Mundorf's first two scores of the season were followed by Westervelt's third goal of the night to give the Wings an 8-6 lead. Sedgwick's second of the night brought the Stealth to within one but the Wings looked to have the game in hand when Crowley tallied his fourth of the night to give the Wings a 9-7 advantage with 7:35 to play. The Stealth did not quit though and would force the game into overtime on goals by Lewis Ratcliff and Matt Beers, Beers tying the game with 3:05 left in regulation. The end of regulation and the overtime then became the Brandon Miller show as Miller made a number of his 49 saves during that period to keep the Wings alive and set up the final heroics from the National Lacrosse League's top draft pick in the 2011 entry draft.
"When B. Miller plays like that, he gives us an opportunity to win," Wings Coach/GM Johnny Mouradian said.
Mouradian also had high praise for Crowley.
"He's a big game player," Mouradian said. "He's a rookie in the NLL but he's not a rookie as far as being a game breaker and a game changer."
And if Crowley can somehow maintain his two game pace (8 goals, 6 assists)over the full 16 game schedule, he could be well on his way to some post season hardware from the league. As far as overall play, Mouradian definitely was happy with the effort from his club.
"Our man down was superb. I thought we ran the floor really well. I thought we made some good decisions on transition," Mouradian said.
It was a huge lift for the Wings after the crushing loss last week to Rochester and the Wings will look to feed off of this win as they travel to Buffalo on Friday to face the Bandits.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (1-21-12 vs. Washington)
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.
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.
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.
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