Who are the key players on the Philadelphia Wings lacrosse roster. How does the National Lacrosse League operate. What makes the Wings a unique franchise in professional lacrosse. Why is Marc Zamarin optimistic about the team’s future in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Wings: A Storied Franchise in the National Lacrosse League
The Philadelphia Wings stand as a prominent franchise in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), representing the City of Brotherly Love in the fast-paced world of indoor lacrosse. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Wings have become an integral part of Philadelphia’s diverse sports landscape.
Founded in 1986, the Wings have experienced both triumph and tribulation throughout their existence. The team has captured six championship titles, cementing their status as one of the most successful franchises in NLL history. Despite a brief hiatus from 2014 to 2018, the Wings returned to action with renewed vigor, ready to reclaim their position atop the lacrosse world.
Marc Zamarin: Spearheading the Wings’ Resurgence
At the helm of the Philadelphia Wings’ operations is Marc Zamarin, who was appointed as team president in 2021. Zamarin’s journey to this position is a testament to the allure of lacrosse and its ability to captivate newcomers to the sport.
Growing up without exposure to lacrosse, Zamarin’s fascination with the game began during his time at the University of Delaware. The fast-paced nature and athleticism required in lacrosse quickly drew him in, sparking a passion that would eventually lead him to a leadership role with the Wings.
Zamarin’s experience in sports management, particularly his tenure with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League, has prepared him well for the challenges of guiding an NLL franchise. His vision for the Wings involves not only on-field success but also deep community engagement and growing the sport’s popularity in the Philadelphia region.
The National Lacrosse League: A Unique Sports Experience
The National Lacrosse League offers a distinctive brand of sports entertainment that sets it apart from other professional leagues. As an indoor league operating during the winter months, the NLL provides high-energy action that contrasts with the traditional outdoor version of the game.
With 11 teams spread across North America, including three in Canada and eight in the United States, the NLL has established itself as the premier professional indoor lacrosse league. The league’s schedule, running from December to June, allows it to occupy a unique space in the sports calendar, attracting fans during a time when many other leagues are in their off-seasons.
What makes the NLL stand out from other sports leagues?
- Fast-paced, high-scoring games
- Intimate arena settings that bring fans close to the action
- A blend of physicality and finesse
- Affordable ticket prices compared to other major sports
- Strong community involvement from players and teams
Building a Competitive Roster: The Philadelphia Wings’ Strategy
The success of any sports franchise hinges on the quality of its roster, and the Philadelphia Wings are no exception. The team’s management, led by Marc Zamarin, works diligently to assemble a group of talented athletes capable of competing at the highest level of indoor lacrosse.
The Wings’ roster is a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, carefully curated to create a balanced and dynamic team. The franchise places a strong emphasis on character and work ethic, seeking players who embody the gritty spirit of Philadelphia sports.
How do the Wings build their roster?
- NLL Entry Draft: Selecting top collegiate and junior lacrosse prospects
- Free agency: Signing established NLL players to bolster the lineup
- Trades: Acquiring talent from other teams to address specific needs
- Player development: Nurturing young talent through practice and coaching
The Wings’ commitment to fielding a competitive team is evident in their recent roster moves and draft selections. By prioritizing both skill and character, the franchise aims to create a winning culture that resonates with Philadelphia sports fans.
The Unique Appeal of Indoor Lacrosse in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has long been known for its passionate sports fans, and the Wings are tapping into that fervor with the unique appeal of indoor lacrosse. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with the intimate setting of indoor arenas, creates an electrifying atmosphere that resonates with the city’s sports enthusiasts.
Marc Zamarin believes that once exposed to the sport, Philadelphia fans will quickly embrace lacrosse due to its high-energy gameplay and the athleticism it demands from players. The indoor version of the sport, in particular, offers a concentrated dose of excitement that aligns well with the preferences of local sports aficionados.
Why might indoor lacrosse appeal to Philadelphia sports fans?
- Non-stop action and quick transitions
- Physical play reminiscent of hockey and football
- High-scoring games that keep fans engaged
- Opportunity to watch a professional sport during the winter months
- Affordable entertainment option for families and young adults
Community Engagement: The Wings’ Secret Weapon
One of the key strategies in the Philadelphia Wings’ playbook for success is their commitment to community engagement. Marc Zamarin recognizes that the players themselves are the team’s greatest asset when it comes to building a loyal fan base and growing the sport in the region.
The Wings organization places a strong emphasis on putting their players out into the community, allowing them to interact with fans, participate in local events, and serve as ambassadors for the sport of lacrosse. This approach not only helps to promote the team but also creates a personal connection between the players and the city they represent.
How do the Wings engage with the Philadelphia community?
- Youth lacrosse clinics and camps
- School visits and educational programs
- Charity events and fundraisers
- Fan meet-and-greet sessions
- Partnerships with local businesses and organizations
By fostering these connections, the Wings aim to create a sense of ownership and pride among Philadelphia sports fans, encouraging them to support the team and embrace lacrosse as part of the city’s rich sports culture.
The Future of Lacrosse in Philadelphia: Growth and Opportunities
As the Philadelphia Wings continue to establish themselves in the city’s sports landscape, the future of lacrosse in the region looks bright. Marc Zamarin and the Wings organization are committed to growing the sport at all levels, from youth programs to professional competition.
The team’s success on and off the field will play a crucial role in attracting new fans and inspiring the next generation of lacrosse players in Philadelphia. By leveraging the city’s passion for sports and the unique appeal of indoor lacrosse, the Wings are poised to carve out a significant niche in the local sports market.
What are the potential growth areas for lacrosse in Philadelphia?
- Expansion of youth lacrosse programs in schools and community centers
- Increased media coverage and exposure for the Wings and the NLL
- Development of local talent to feed into collegiate and professional ranks
- Cross-promotion with other Philadelphia sports teams and events
- Hosting national and international lacrosse tournaments in the city
As the sport continues to gain traction, the Philadelphia Wings have the opportunity to become a cornerstone of the city’s sports culture, joining the ranks of beloved franchises like the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers.
Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating the Professional Lacrosse Landscape
While the future looks promising for the Philadelphia Wings and lacrosse in the city, the team faces several challenges as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the local sports scene. Competing for attention and resources in a market dominated by established professional teams requires innovative strategies and unwavering dedication.
Marc Zamarin and his team are well aware of these challenges and are working diligently to address them. By focusing on the unique aspects of indoor lacrosse and leveraging the team’s community-oriented approach, the Wings aim to create a distinct identity that resonates with Philadelphia sports fans.
What challenges do the Wings face in the Philadelphia sports market?
- Competing for media attention with more established sports
- Educating potential fans about the rules and nuances of indoor lacrosse
- Attracting corporate sponsorships and partnerships
- Building a consistent fan base in a crowded sports calendar
- Developing local talent to create hometown heroes
Despite these challenges, the Wings see numerous opportunities for growth and success. The team’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, positions them well to overcome obstacles and build a strong foundation for the future of lacrosse in Philadelphia.
How can the Wings capitalize on opportunities in the market?
- Emphasize the affordable and family-friendly nature of Wings games
- Collaborate with local businesses to create unique fan experiences
- Leverage social media and digital platforms to engage younger audiences
- Develop partnerships with local schools and universities to promote lacrosse
- Host special events and theme nights to attract diverse crowds
By addressing challenges head-on and seizing opportunities for growth, the Philadelphia Wings are poised to write an exciting new chapter in the city’s rich sports history. As the team continues to build its roster, engage with the community, and promote the thrilling sport of indoor lacrosse, the future looks bright for this dynamic franchise in the National Lacrosse League.
Wings president Marc Zamarin believes National Lacrosse League will thrive in Philadelphia
As someone who grew up without exposure to the sport of lacrosse, Marc Zamarin always “envied” those who were involved in the “infectious game.”
Fourteen years after he first encountered lacrosse as a University of Delaware student, Zamarin can let go of his envy. He is joining the Philadelphia Wings as team president, the Wings announced Tuesday.
» READ MORE: Aaron Nola has to to step up for the Phillies vs. Max Scherzer, like he did in 2018 | Marcus Hayes
Zamarin will oversee all business and operational aspects for the National Lacrosse League team on behalf of Comcast Spectator, the company that owns the Wings as well as the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center. His responsibilities “run the gamut” from working with ticket sales to overseeing roster transactions.
“My job is to facilitate and support all the various functions and departments,” Zamarin said.
“If I’m doing my job, they’re all shining because they’re hitting new revenue numbers, and they’re getting stuff out into the market and getting attention and ultimately winning on the field. If I’m doing my job, no one knows who I am.”
Zamarin’s experience with lacrosse is limited to casual fandom, but he has much more experience running a team and working with the Philadelphia sports community. He spent five years with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League, where he held multiple roles, including chief operating officer. The team won two ArenaBowl championships while he was there, and the organization was recognized as front office of the year twice.
Now that Zamarin has transitioned from football to lacrosse, one of his responsibilities is to promote the team and sport in the region. Having witnessed the passion of Philadelphia fans, Zamarin believes fans will be drawn to lacrosse once they are exposed to it.
“It’s fast-paced, high energy, and requires every ounce of athleticism,” Zamarin said. “To me, it’s the ultimate combination of anything anyone loves about their particular sport.”
Zamarin, a South Jersey native who grew up playing baseball and football, was sold on lacrosse after watching just one faceoff as a freshman at Delaware.
» READ MORE: Eagles linebacker Alex Singleton stayed in shape while on the COVID-19 list
While Zamarin thinks the sport itself will draw people in, he also said players help make lacrosse “perfectly built for the next generation of fans.” There is an “authenticity” about them, making them the biggest asset Zamarin has to work with. Since Philadelphia fans are so passionate, he said, they should appreciate the chance to get to know the athletes, many of whom have indicated that they gave up larger contracts for the ability to represent Philadelphia.
“The core of it comes down to putting our players out into the community and letting them be a resource for not only the lacrosse community but the sports community at large,” Zamarin said.
“I think there are lessons to be learned and bonds to be formed across the sports community, but I think it all kind of boils down to putting our players out there and letting their personalities and their level of humility to shine through.”
Buy Major Indoor Lacrosse League: National Lacrosse League, Philadelphia Wings, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bandits All-Time Roster Book Online at Low Prices in India | Major Indoor Lacrosse League: National Lacrosse League, Philadelphia Wings, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bandits All-Time Roster Reviews & Ratings
Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 112. Not illustrated. Chapters: National Lacrosse League, Philadelphia Wings, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bandits All-Time Roster, Rochester Knighthawks, 1994 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1993 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1992 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1996 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1997 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1995 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, New York Saints, Baltimore Thunder, 1991 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1989 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, 1990 Major Indoor Lacrosse League Season, Boston Blazers, Detroit Turbos, New Jersey Saints, Washington Wave, New England Blazers, Charlotte Cobras.
Excerpt: The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is a men’s professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. It currently has 11 teams; three in Canada and eight in the United States. Unlike other lacrosse leagues which play in the summer, the NLL plays its games in the winter. Each year, the playoff teams battle for the Champion’s Cup. Lacrosse is popular in Canada, mainly in Southern Ontario and British Columbia; lacrosse is Canada’s official summer sport. The sport also has a reasonable profile in the Northeastern United States, primarily for historic reasons or due to high profile college programs. Elsewhere in North America, though, lacrosse is still considered a marginal sport at best; consequently, franchise foldings and relocations have been common in the NLL. The version of lacrosse played in the NLL is indoor lacrosse. This is slightly different from box lacrosse, which is played on a hard floor, usually in the summer, and has 3 periods instead of four. The NLL plays four quarters of fifteen minutes each, with two-minute breaks between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters, and a twelve-minute break between the second and third.
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Training roster for Team USA selected; check it out here
Two days after a three-day tryout at Goucher College in Baltimore featuring 94 invitees concluded, the 52-member training roster for the U.S. National men’s team has been selected.
As you will see, there are plenty of players from the nation’s No. 1 hotbed for lacrosse, the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tristate region.
The players listed below will train at a variety of fall and winter events that will wrap up with the Champion Challenge Jan. 24-26 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
The final roster for the defending world champion U.S. team that will compete in the 2014 Federation of International Lacrosse World Championships July 10-19 in Denver will then be selected.
Attack
Matt Danowski, Charlotte Hounds, Duke
Marcus Holman, Ohio Machine, North Carolina
Eric Law, Denver Outlaws, Denver
Kevin Leveille, Rochester Rattlers, Massachusetts
Brendan Mundorf, Denver Outlaws/Philadelphia Wings, UMBC
Rob Pannell, New York Lizards, Cornell
Steele Stanwick, Ohio Machine, Virginia
Garrett Thul, Hamilton Nationals, Army
Drew Westervelt, Chesapeake Bayhawks/Philadelphia Wings, UMBC
Ryan Young, Charlotte Hounds, Maryland
Midfield
Steven Brooks, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Syracuse
Kevin Buchanan, Boston Cannons, Ohio State
Ned Crotty, Rochester Rattlers/Philadelphia Wings, Duke
Kyle Harrison, LXM PRO, Johns Hopkins
Ben Hunt, Chesapeake Bayhawks, North Carolina
David Lawson, Rochester Rattlers, Duke
JoJo Marasco, New York Lizards, Syracuse
Matt Mackrides, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Penn State
Paul Rabil, Boston Cannons/Philadelphia Wings, Johns Hopkins
Max Seibald, New York Lizards/Philadelphia Wings, Cornell
Jeremy Sieverts, Denver Outlaws, Maryland
Drew Snider, Denver Outlaws/Washington Stealth, Maryland
Matt Striebel, Rochester Rattlers, Princeton
Defense
Mitch Belisle, Boston Cannons/Minnesota Swarm, Cornell
Jesse Bernhardt, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Maryland
Brendan Buckley, Boston Cannons, Army
Tucker Durkin, Hamilton Nationals, Johns Hopkins
Michael Evans, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Johns Hopkins
Joe Fletcher, Loyola
Brian Karalunas, New York Lizards, Villanova
Dillon Roy, Denver Outlaws, Denver
Brett Schmidt, Charlotte Hounds, Maryland
Lee Zink, Denver Outlaws, Maryland
Goal
Drew Adams, New York Lizards, Penn State
John Galloway, Rochester Rattlers, Syracuse
Jesse Schwartzman, Denver Outlaws, Johns Hopkins
Kip Turner, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Virginia
Faceoff
Chris Eck, Boston Cannons, Colgate
Greg Gurenlian, New York Lizards, Penn State
Anthony Kelly, Denver Outlaws, Ohio State
Mike Poppleton, Hamilton Nationals, Johns Hopkins
Longstick midfield
Brian Farrell, Boston Cannons, Maryland
Kyle Hartzell, Ohio Machine/Philadelphia Wings, Salisbury
Kyle Sweeney, Boston Cannons/Philadelphia Wings, Georgetown
Michael Simon, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Stevenson
Shortstick defensive midfield
Matt Abbott, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Syracuse
Dan Burns, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Maryland
Kevin Drew, Charlotte Hounds, Syracuse
Stephen Peyser, New York Lizards, Johns Hopkins
Jeff Reynolds, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Maryland
Chris Schiller, Charlotte Hounds, Penn State
Kevin Unterstein, New York Lizards, Hofstra
Lacrosse Insider: College-by-college commitments by class
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Philadelphia Wings Season Preview
Death, taxes, and Trevor Baptiste dominating faceoffs. What’s new in life?
Professional lacrosse has been absent since the MLL’s championship game on September 14. That was ages ago. Thankfully, the NLL season rapidly approaches. With three new teams (two if you don’t count Rochester) we are in the midst of unprecedented NLL popularity. This season comes loaded with questions. Will Calgary repeat? Will an American team finally win it all? How will the new franchises perform? With all these questions, it’s time for my NLL franchise previews so fans are informed before opening faceoff. Last time, we analyzed the Georgia Swarm. Now, we head to the keystone state. Let’s check out the Philadelphia Wings.
NLL lacrosse returned to Philadelphia, in 2018, after the previous franchise moved to New England.
Lots of hype surrounded the return of the Philadelphia Wings; however, being an expansion team, they were expected to take their lumps. And take them they did. The Wings finished 4-14 (3-6 at home, 1-8 on the road). The only bright spot? Seven of those losses were by two goals or less. If Philly had won those, they finish 11-7. Winning close games is huge for Philly to take the next step.
The offensive talent is there. The Wings return Kevin Crowley (35 goals, 47 assists last year), Kiel Matisz (27 goals, 55 assists last year), Matt Rambo (26 goals, 30 assists last year), and PLL goaltender Blaze Riorden (23 goals, 31 assists last year).
Rambo is coming off a monstrous season in the PLL. He won the league’s MVP and it’ll be fun to see him torment opposing defenses again. If opposing d poles couldn’t stop him, I pity the poor defensemen that face him. If he could score at X by jumping over a field net, he’s going to do it a lot in box.
Blaze Riorden deserves a special shout out.
The man is a freak. Can you name another professional goalie that is just as effective outside the net? Riorden could be a top three NLL goalie; however, he’s too athletic to keep in crease. It will be fun to see my favorite PLL goalie pound through opposing defenses. Goaltenders already have no regard for their bodies. Riorden takes that to the next level by throwing his body into opposing defensemen. Expect him to rough up opponents this season.
The defense has elite talent, yet needs some guys to step up. Steph Charbonneau (9 goals, 11 assists, 104 loose balls last season) and Anthony Joaquim (5 goals, 4 assists, 69 loose balls last season) will lead the Wings in torturing the opposition. Liam Patton (5 goals, 5 assists, 70 loose balls last season) looks to stay that third guy. Who can bolster those three?
My money is on Liam Byrnes (2 assists, 40 loose balls last season) or Isaiah Davis-Allen (23 loose balls last season). Both are elite field players. One must step up with 60+ loose balls to bolster the Wings’ already stout defense.
Trevor Baptiste, the best faceoff specialist in the world, is Philadelphia’s X factor. He’ll continue to win faceoffs and provide the Wings with extra possessions. Last season, Baptiste had 7 assists, 179 loose balls, and went 362-532 on faceoffs (leading the league). Baptiste must have another monster season for Philadelphia to improve in year two.
Like last year, Philadelphia has enough talent for a special year. It needs to come together. On paper, this team is stacked; yet, it didn’t produce last season. With a full season together, I expect Philadelphia’s roster to gel better. Philadelphia fans always have high expectations, and may not like reading this, but going .500 would be an excellent season. Years four and five are when the Wings should be competing for championships.
Georgia and New England are still ahead, but expect Philadelphia to beat up on New York (who’s in their shoes now). The season starts with three road games at Georgia, Calgary, and New York.
The Wings must beat the Riptide or this season will go downhill fast. Upsetting Georgia or Calgary would be huge. The schedule eases up with games against Vancouver, Rochester, and New England. Through this six-game stretch, going 3-3 would be an accomplishment. Upset New England, and the Wings may have something special.
Regardless of earning a playoff spot, I predict the Wings surprise a bubble team and spoil their season. This team will be dangerous late. Remember Bret Bielema’s Arkansas squads? His teams were average early, but nobody wanted to play them in November. The same goes for this squad. Look out for the Philadelphia Wings heading into April.
Conclusion
Do you agree with my Philadelphia Wings takeaways? Am I wrong? Their mascot is better than Gritty, that’s for sure. Whatever your thoughts, make them known by connecting with me on Twitter or Instagram. You can subscribe to my website to comment directly onto this article. By subscribing, you will be notified whenever I publish a new article.
Expect plenty more NLL content. I will be posting more of my normal content soon as well. All support is greatly appreciated! Regardless, thank you for reading and good luck to the Philadelphia Wings!
Former Terps Dot National Lacrosse League Rosters
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Jan. 5, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md. –
Eight former Maryland lacrosse players are on rosters in the National Lacrosse League, which kicked off action last weekend. The Washington Power lead the way with five former Terps on the roster and current Maryland women’s lacrosse assistant coach Gary Gait.
Joining Gait on the Power are former Terps Jon Brothers (at Maryland from 1992-95), Casey Connor (1997-2000), Kip Fulks (1992-95), Brian Reese (1995-98) and Brian Zeller (1997-2000).
Three other former Maryland stars are also in the league in Dan Radebaugh (1992-95) and Jeff Shirk (1997-2000) with the Philadelphia Wings and Andrew Whipple (1995-98) with the Rochester Knighthawks.
Connor had a sensational pro debut with the Power as he scored a goal and handed out four assists in Washington’s season opener, a 20-19 loss to Buffalo at MCI Center on Dec. 30. Reese also recorded a pair of assists in that game and also had two assists in the Power’s 13-12 win over the Toronto Rock on Dec. 31.
Continue to check umterps.com for the latest on the Terps in the NLL.
Here’s the all-time roster of Maryland alums who have played in the NLL (formerly the Major Indoor Lacrosse League).
Current Terps In The NLL: Jon Brothers Washington Power Casey Connor Washington Power Kip Fulks Washington Power Dan Radebaugh Philadelphia Wings Brian Reese Washington Power Jeff Shirk Philadelphia Wings Andrew Whipple Rochester Knighthawks Brian Zeller Washington Power
Former Terps In The MILL/NLL: (with last year of competition listed): Scott Hochstadt Buffalo Bandits 2000 Bill Ruhl Pittsburgh Crossfire 2000 Todd Evans Philadelphia Wings 1999 Brian Dougherty Baltimore Thunder 1998 Kevin Bilger Baltimore Thunder 1996 Steve Beardmore Baltimore Thunder 1992 Phil Willard Pittsburgh Bulls 1992 Tom Worstell Pittsburgh Bulls 1992 Matt McGeady Philadelphia Wings 1991 Ron Martinello Detroit Turbo 1991 Jim Beardmore Pittsburgh Bulls 1990 Kirk Thurston Washington Wave 1989 John Lamon Washington Wave 1989 Chris Lamon Washington Wave 1989 Brian Willard Washington Wave 1989
Philadelphia Wings 2019 Season Preview
Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series, previewing each NLL team as the season approaches.
Today, we preview the Philadelphia Wings. This is Philadelphia’s first season back in the NLL. Read our other NLL team previews: Calgary Roughnecks, New England Black Wolves, Colorado Mammoth, Buffalo Bandits, Toronto Rock, Saskatchewan Rush.
While celebrating the return of the Philadelphia Wings may seem like old hat at this point, it still cannot be underscored how important it is for the league to have Philly back in the mix of things. This was a team that spanned eras and has always been a staple in professional indoor lacrosse. Getting this team back always is a bit of a personal thing for me as well. Back in 2014, I was down in Philly for the Men’s ACC Championship at what was then PPL Park. The end of those games coincided with the start of the final Wings home game of the year, against the Colorado Mammoth. I went to that, they had the full team available for autograph sessions afterwards, and it was a great way to cap off a Saturday evening. Then, just three months later it was announced that the Wings were moving to Connecticut, and I had without knowing it, seen their last game in Philly.
Until now.
Photo courtesy NLL.com and Larry Palumbo
The Wings coming back now are definitely not the 2014 Wings. Going back to that roster, there are only three familiar names left. Jordan Hall will be an Assistant Captain this season. Current Assistant Coach Tracey Kelusky played in every other game that season, but not this one. It was also his last year as a player since he moved to the bench full time the next season in New England. Finally, 2014 backup goalie Chris Collins is back, but is now on the practice squad, meshing well with is weekday duties coaching across town at Drexel. For comparison, that 2014 Mammoth teams also is returning just three players this season. Dan Coates, Dillon Ward, and Joey Cupido are the only remnants from then. So while the past four seasons are very different for both teams, it’s a good reminder that especially in lacrosse, the only thing constant is change.
But enough nostalgia, let’s take a look at who is making up team one in Philly.
Lefty Forwards: 1 – Matt Rambo; 44- Jordan Hall; 45 – Chris Cloutier
Righty Forwards: 11 – Brett Hickey; 27 – Josh Currier; 46 – Kiel Matisz
Transition: 9 – Trevor Baptiste; 28 – Vaughn Harris; 34 – Adam Osika
Defense: 3 – Dylan Evans; 12 – Liam Patten; 17 – Chet Koneczny; 19 – Zac Reid; 21 – Steph Charbonneau; 22 – Brayden Hill; 83 – Frank Brown; 29 – Liam Byrnes; 33 – Anthony Joaquim; 81 – Joakim Miller
Goalies: 57 – Doug Buchan; 65 – Davide Diruscio
Practice Squad: D-Justin Guterding; D-Isaiah Davis-Allen; G-Chris Collins
IR: LF – Blaze Riorden
For me, looking at this lineup gives me a couple of initial thoughts. The offense will be a handful, the defense has potential, and the goalies need to be proven. Starting with the goalies, you have a rookie who will be dealing with the steep NLL learning curve, and a vet who is coming off a terrible injury a season ago.
If head coach Paul Day loses faith in either of those keepers, Collins from the practice squad could come in, but he hasn’t seen NLL minutes since the Wings were last in Philly. But when asking Day who has the edge right now, he said they’re looking at splitting time fairly evenly at the moment. The starter for game one may only get a half. If they’re hot, they probably won’t start game two. Given the youth of their defense, he’s looking for solid production and a calming presence between the pipes, which they both can provide.
Jumping to the offense, this is going to be a physical unit to deal with on every shift, and it’s also where the most experience is, which is completely on purpose. According to Day, he received some advice directly from one of the most successful recent expnasion teams in pro sports: the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. What was the advice? “Look for good leaders and proven goal scorers.” Rambo is the only truly unproven player up front, but must have showed very well in camp given that a left like Marty Bowes was release, who is one of the few American players that has truly embraced learning the box game.
Having him alongside a veteran like Jordan Hall and a elite, yet young talent like Cloutier could give him the base he needs to grow. Cloutier is one of those guys that is a proven scorer, albeit everywhere but the NLL. Yet to be seen is how Blaze Riorden will be worked into the lineup when he leaves the IR, which is reportedly going to be after just a game.
For the righties, Kiel Matisz is going to be the team captain and likely running the show. He and Hall are being tasked with developing the team culture both on and off the floor. Pairing Matisz with the duo of Hickey and Currier creates a trio that should provide the most production for the Wings, and should be the most consistent. Matisz and Hickey are even more of a handful than the lefties, which could create some space for Currier to get some clear openings. This will be very important if the Wings are going to see success, but their defense is where the biggest question marks are.
Dylan Evans and Zac Reid may be the most experienced, while Baptiste is the only drafted rookie on the active roster (Guterding as a practice player was also a draft pick), but that leaves a ton players in the middle.
Miller is an international player who Assistant Coach Tracey Kelusky is familiar with while coaching him on the Finland National team, and has been into an NLL camp before, but has not cracked a roster. Joaquim, Brown, and Harris were all expansion draft picks (interestingly, every expansion pick made the final roster), and Reid was acquired via trade. That leaves Byrnes (2 NLL games), Osika (0 games), Patten (5 games), Charbonneau (0 Games), and Hill (2 games) filling in the rest of this inexperienced defense. The final interesting names here are Koneczny, who has real NLL experience, but hasn’t played since 2014, and their practice squad. The common link with all this relative inexperience? Day was looking for guys spending time on NLL practice rosters, active in summer ball together, and experience in minto cup play. Their NLL experience is lacking, but their competitive floor time is not. Guterding and IDA are both big time names in the field game, but are seriously unproven indoors.
I love IDA getting another real shot after his brief stint in Georgia, since for some reason SSDMs are woefully underlooked while their LSM cousins seem to get all the attention when scouting indoor potential. Seeing him on the practice rosters and Osika on the Active gives some clout to the Rodney Dangerfield position of lacrosse. Guterding as a defender also seems kind of crazy, but that’s exactly what fellow Blue Devil Ned Crotty did for the Wings back when he played NLL. Not a bad option for running the ball up the floor if he makes the move up to the active roster this season.
The biggest wildcard here is of course Trevor Baptiste. Baptiste is one of the first examples I’ve seen of an absolute dominant college FOGO start taking steps in college to increase his box IQ with the hopes of making an NLL roster. It’s paying off. He’ll of course be taking faceoffs primarily, but he has proven through his team USA tryouts that he can be an asset all over the floor. Success from Baptiste has the potential of really opening the doors to the NLL for other field specialists to get a more serious look.
Schedule:
In terms of schedule, there are three big dates on the Wings calendar. Of course this weekend season opener is the biggest, as they get to capitalize on having the first game of the year to really capture excitement. Following that up is their home game against Georgia on the 12th of January, when a big chunk of the lacrosse world will be in Philly for LaxCon. That should provide a nice boost as the crowd works their way down Broad street to check out the game. Then, a month later is the first matchup between the Wings and the Black Wolves. Few fan bases harbor resentment like Philly sports fans. The memory of the Black Wolves being formed from the relocated Wings is still fresh in the minds of many and that will be the beginning of a strong rivalry in this league.
To see the full Wings schedule, click here.
Gibson, Buchanan Sign MLL Deals Ahead of 2020 Season
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Moon Township, Pa.
– When the 2020 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) season begins on Saturday, July 18, the Robert Morris University men’s lacrosse program will have a pair of alumni playing in the outdoor league in Tyson Gibson ’19 and Kyle Buchanan ’12.
Gibson has signed with the resurrected Philadelphia Barrage, while Buchanan will suit up for the expansion Connecticut Hammerheads. When the duo make their MLL debuts, they will become the sixth and seventh Robert Morris alumni to play in the outdoor league, joining Zachary Bryant ’18, Kiel Matisz ’12, Sean Meagher ’14, Trevor Moore ’11, and Patrick Smith ’11.
RELATED: MLL Teams Announce 2020 Rosters
LINK: Colonials in the Pros (MLAX)
For Gibson, the MLL season will have extra meaning as it gives him the opportunity to honor his friend and former teammate, Jack Toomb, who passed away in March at the age of 23. Gibson will wear Toomb’s number 43 with the Barrage, as well as his friend’s last name on the back of his jersey.
“The decision to wear ’43 Toomb’ on the back of my jersey is one of the few ways I can honor (Jack) considering everything going on,” said Gibson. “This summer Jack would have had the opportunity to play in the MLL, and by wearing his number and name, it allows me to give him the opportunity to win a championship and play the game he loves. It’s one of the small ways I can honor Jack and will continue to live life with him by my side.”
Gibson has been in the national lacrosse spotlight over the past 10 months, beginning last September when he was selected number one overall by the expansion New York Riptide in the 2019 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft. The Maple, Ontario product flourished in his inaugural pro season, earning NLL Rookie of the Year accolades after compiling 43 points (16g, 27a) and 53 loose balls in the Riptide’s 13-game campaign. That came off of a senior season with the Colonials that saw Gibson claim NEC Player of the Year, United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) All-America Honorable Mention, USILA Scholar All-America, NEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, his third All-NEC First Team nod, and a second consecutive NEC Tournament title.
RELATED: Tyson Gibson Named NLL Rookie of the Year to Lead Riptide Award Winners
Buchanan has enjoyed a long and successful indoor career, as he just finished his eighth professional season with the NLL’s San Diego Seals. In the shortened 2020 campaign, the Nepean, Ontario native accumulated 39 points (12g, 17a) and 72 loose balls. He has played 127 career games in the NLL, producing 171 goals, 265 assists, 436 points, 733 loose balls, and 58 caused turnovers with the Washington Stealth (2013), Philadelphia Wings (2014), New England Black Wolves (2015-18), and Seals (2019-present). At RMU, Buchanan made three All-NEC teams and helped the team capture its only NEC regular-season title in 2012, and ranks second all-time in assists (76, behind Gibson’s 89), fifth in groundballs (175), and 10th in points (128).
The MLL season begins Saturday, July 18 and will be played in its entirety in Annapolis, Md. at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The season will be one week long and will host all six MLL teams. The week will conclude with a playoff of the top four teams, and a champion will be crowned on the weekend of July 25-26. Games will be aired on the ESPN family of networks and ESPN+.
The Barrage and Hammerheads’ schedules can be found below.
| Philadelphia Barrage Schedule | |||
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
| Saturday, July 18 | Chesapeake Bayhawks | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sunday, July 19 | Denver Outlaws | 4:00 PM | ESPN2 |
| Monday, July 20 | Connecticut Hammerheads | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Tuesday, July 21 | Boston Cannons | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, July 23 | New York Lizards | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Connecticut Hammerheads Schedule | |||
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
| Saturday, July 18 | Denver Outlaws | 7:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Monday, July 20 | Philadelphia Barrage | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Wednesday, July 22 | New York Lizards | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, July 23 | Boston Cannons | 7:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Friday, July 24 | Chesapeake Bayhawks | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
In the 2020 season, Robert Morris had the highest representation of any college or university in the NLL, with 11 former Colonials playing for 10 different teams. A total of 25 former RMU players have enjoyed a professional career since the program began play in the 2005 campaign.
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90,000 Flyers will remain Cup contenders
The Flyers were fourth in the Eastern Conference with 41 wins in 69 games and 64.5% of their points in the last regular season.Then in the Stanley Cup qualifying round-robin, Philadelphia became one of the top favorites for the championship, winning three out of three matches and receiving the first seed in the playoffs. In the first round, the “Pilots” did not easily cope with the unyielding and sensational “Montreal” (4-2) and won the series for the first time since 2012. But then the Flyers hit the even more uncompromising Islanders and in a long and tense series lost in seven games (3-4).
The “Philadelphia” in September had good chances for the championship, but at the decisive moment the team summed up the performance.Will the Flyers be able to take a step forward and improve their performance next season? There are prerequisites for this.
Leaders
First, Philadelphia managed to keep all the leaders. Sean Couturier, winner of the Selka Trophy for the 2019-20 season, together with Claude Giroud and Jakub Voracek, have been the Flyers’ main attacking force for many years. In the last regular season, all three played 69 matches and scored more than 50 points: Couturier – 59 (22 + 12), Vorachek – 56 (12 + 44), Giroud – 53 (21 + 32).And only in the case of the latter can we talk about a slight decline. For the past nine years, the captain of the “Pilots” has invariably been included in the top two of the team’s top scorers, and seven times Giroud has become its most productive player.
Video: NYA PHIL Match # 4: Couturier ferries the puck into the net
In the course of the previous championship, another leader appeared in the “Philadelphia”. Center forward Kevin Hayes signed a seven-year contract with the club in the summer of 2019 with an average annual value of $ 7.14 million and began to show his best side from the very first season.In the same 69 regular season matches, he scored 41 (23 + 18) points, and in the playoffs with 13 (4 + 9) points in 16 meetings he became the team’s top scorer. Moreover, he scored all 13 points in equal compositions and finished the playoffs with the best indicator of usefulness in the Flyers (plus-7).
Talents
Philadelphia’s main talent is their main goalkeeper. Carter Hart only turned 22 in August, and he has already knocked out one of the main roles for himself. In the last regular season, he won 24 wins in 43 games (40 in the start), reflecting 91.4% shots (RP) and conceding an average of 2.42 goals per game (KH).In the playoffs, the young goalkeeper also looked decent and won nine victories in 14 meetings, having issued two shutouts at once (OB – 92.6%, KN – 2.23).
Video: PHIL NYA Match # 5: Hart Stops Pajot
Besides Hart, the Flyers have another young talent who has become a key player. 23-year-old Travis Konecney spent his fourth full season in the NHL, which was his most successful for him. In 66 regular season games, the striker scored 24 goals and scored 61 points, becoming the top scorer and scorer of Philadelphia.He also took part in the NHL All-Star Game for the first time this season. True, in the elimination matches after a pause, Konekny was not so noticeable and after August 1 he did not score even once (with seven assists), having played in all 16 matches.
In addition, Joel Farabi has shown himself well this season with the Flyers. In 52 meetings, the 20-year-old striker scored 21 (8 + 13) points and at times looked great, going on the ice in two leading triplets. Nolan Patrick, No. 2, 2017, who is 22 years old, last played on the ice on April 2, 2019, and is continuing his migraine treatment.But the Flyers continue to believe in his complete recovery and in mid-October they signed a new one-year contract with the forward for just under $ 900,000. Next season at the base of “Philadelphia” should start 21-year-old striker Morgan Frost, who in the last regular season played for the club in the first 20 meetings in the NHL and scored 7 (2 + 5) points.
Trumps
Leadership and protection are the Flyers’ trump cards. In the last regular season, the “Pilots” allowed opponents to inflict an average of only 29.7 shots on target per match, which was the best indicator in the league.In the 2018-19 season, it was 32.5, which indicates that Philadelphia has improved defensively. In addition, the team has become less likely to concede: an average of 2.77 goals per game (shared seventh in the league) versus 3.41 goals in the 2018-19 season (29th). Of the seven Flyers defenders who played more than 40 in the last regular season, only two had negative utility: Justin Brown (minus 2) and Shane Gostisbier (minus 4).
With all this, throughout the 2019-20 regular season, the “Pilots” looked great in attack and in terms of average performance (2.29 goals per game) took seventh place in the NHL.In addition, an important and non-obvious trump card of the Flyers is the game of face-offs. According to the results of the last regular season, the team was the best in the NHL with 54.6% of martial arts won.
Video: PHIL NYA Match # 2: Three Flyers goals in the first period
Growth Zone
But in the playoffs, Philadelphia’s performance was a big let down. “Montreal” and “Islanders” in almost all matches tried to “dry” the game as much as possible, which gave the Flyers serious problems. As a result, in 16 games after August 1, the team scored 38 goals (an average of 2.38 per game).Moreover, 11 of these 38 goals were scored in a round-robin tournament, when Alain Vigno’s wards dealt with their rivals with a total score of 11: 3.
Russian Factor
For four seasons in the NHL, Russian defender Ivan Provorov has not missed a single match and in each of his regular championships became the leader of Philadelphia in terms of playing time. Last season, the Russian averaged 24:51 on the ice per game, which was the eighth in the league. If we take the total time for the regular season, then Provorov took the fifth place (1714: 09).And if you look at the average number of shifts per game, then the Russian is ahead of the rest of the planet (29.3). And now he is only 23 years old!
In 69 matches of the last regular season, Provorov scored 36 (13 + 23) points and could well have broken his own records for the 2017-18 season, when he had 17 goals and 41 points, but the forced pause did not allow him to do so. But the Russian last season entrenched in the first brigade of the majority and established personal achievements in goals (7) and points (16) in numerical superiority, although before that, when he wasted too much, he had never scored more than five points in a season.
[See also: Who will be Provorov’s partner instead of Niskanen? ]
Two more Russians played for Philadelphia last season in the NHL. 23-year-old striker Mikhail Vorobyov scored 3 (1 + 2) points in 20 meetings, and 22-year-old striker German Rubtsov has only four NHL matches and not a single point. During the pause, Vorobyov returned to the KHL and signed a contract with Ufa’s Salavat Yulaev until 2023.Rubtsov went on loan to “Sochi”, where he received playing practice and scored 5 (1 + 4) points in 20 meetings of the season.
Soon, another Russian defender may appear in the Flyers after Provorov. 20-year-old Yegor Zamula was not selected for the draft by any of the clubs and signed a rookie contract with “Philadelphia” as a free agent. The Russian spent last season in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and scored 28 (7 + 21) points in 28 matches for Calgary Hitman with a plus-19 rating.
Philadelphia also owns the rights to several Russians in the NHL, including 23-year-old goalkeeper of Chelyabinsk Tractor Ivan Fedotov (draft 2015, No. 188), 26-year-old defender of Khabarovsk Amur Valery Vasiliev (draft 2012 , No. 201), 24-year-old striker Radel Fazleev, playing in the VHL for “Neftyanik” (draft 2014, No. 168). As well as 19-year-old forward Yegor Serdyuk (draft 2019, No. 165), who now plays for the Victoriaville Tigers club in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and scored 2 (1 + 1 ) glasses.
Philadelphia will advance to the playoffs if…
There is no sensation. The Flyers should be among the contenders for the championship in terms of their composition and play next season. Of course, in order to seriously go for the Stanley Cup, the team needs to improve the secondary performance from the second two links. But reliable play by goalkeepers and defenders should bring the team the necessary points in the regular season to make it to the playoffs for the second time in a row for the first time since 2012.
Michkov’s crazy debut and Vanguard’s defeat
Results of the first day at Puchkov’s tournament.
The traditional Puchkov tournament has started in St. Petersburg today. On the first game day, Avangard met with Torpedo, as well as SKA with HC Sochi.
“Vanguard” – “Torpedo” – 2: 3
“Vanguard” continues to give its youth a lot of playing time. The composition is still far from optimal, but not because of injuries, but just the coaching staff of “Hawks” still looks through the entire depth.
The match between the two teams turned out to be crumpled. It seemed that these are two attacking systems of the league, which will impose high speeds from the first minutes, but, apparently, soon the regular season and no one wants to get injured. Only this can somehow explain the completely opposite play of the clubs.
The first period was remembered by several deletions and Oliver Casca’s working puck from his favorite spot.
The second twenty minutes was much more eventful. “Torpedo” managed not only to quickly recoup, but also to come out ahead in the meeting.In the second minute of the second period, Anton Schoenfeld put his stick well, and already 13 seconds after Anton’s goal, Sergei Goncharuk brought his team forward.
Then the incredible happened. Vanguard had two shootouts. At first, Denis Zernov could not outplay Petr Kochetkov, but then Arseniy Gritsyuk did not invent anything and simply threw it, not getting close to the Torpedo goalkeeper, thereby realizing the free throw. Torpedo striker Daniel Zaar also got a chance to score from a shootout, but his shot hit the post.
In the third period, only Paigin’s puck revived the teams on the 55th minute of the match. At the end of the meeting, “Avangard” played in a 6 by 3 format, but failed to equalize the score.
SKA – HC “Sochi” – 4: 1
For the first game of the home tournament “CSKA” of St. Petersburg announced the youngest squad. Today only Andrey Kuzmenko (today’s captain), Vladislav Kamenev, Ivan Morozov and Malta Stremwall were the “oldies”.
Although a young, but talented team played against HC “Sochi”.Note that Matvey Michkov made his official debut for the main team of St. Petersburg.
In the first period, HC Sochi managed to score a fairly quick goal. In the third minute, Pavel Sheng quickly played on the finishing move.
And already on the 18th minute of the match Ivan Morozov equalized the score. Let’s note Matvey Michkov, who was noticeable in the first link of “CSKA”. Matvey had a dangerous shot on target, and before that he decided to play lacrosse, but the defender of HC Sochi read the situation and did not allow Michkov to make his debut with such beauty.
BAM!
Perfectly closed view on a penny from Skorenov – and Morozov drives in! 1: 1! pic.
