Bergey's Back As Wings Head Into Home Opener

Published on January 12, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Philadelphia Wings News Release


Philadelphia Wings captain and seven-year veteran Jake Bergey returns to lineup for the Wings after missing the 2003 season with a knee injury. Bergey will lead the Wings in their home opener against the Rochester Knighthawks this Saturday, January 17 at the Wachovia Center at 8 p.m.

The Wings (2-0) are off to their best start since the 2001 season when they won their sixth National Lacrosse League Championship. The Wings defeated the Knigthawks (1-2), 13-7, on December 27 at Blue Cross Arena.

"Jake's leadership on and off the field has been invaluable starting off this season," said Head Coach Adam Mueller. "He's worked so hard since his injury last season to get back into shape. His effort has really been an inspiration to the entire team."

Bergey, whose father Bill played seven seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles, is the Director of Lacrosse Programs for The Lacrosse Institute in West Chester, PA. He has scored seven points (4G, 3A) in two games this season.

Three-year forward Keith Cromwell leads the Wings in scoring with nine points (4G, 5A). Forward Jeff Ratcliffe and rookie Ryan Ward both lead the Wings in goals scored with five each. Ward is currently the NLL's leading rookie scorer with seven points (5G, 2A).

Goaltender Dallas Eliuk returns for his 14th season and leads the Wings in all-time games played with 132. He ranks first among NLL goaltenders this season with an 87% save percentage. Eliuk was named MVP of the Wings season opener against Rochester for his 46 save performance.

Rochester was defeated by the Toronto Rock,13-8, in week three of NLL game action. The Knighthawks are led by John Grant Jr., whose father John Grant Sr. played for the Wings in 1987. Grant has 22 points (9G, 13A) in three games.

The Wings will play seven additional home games at the Wachovia Center including Saturday, January 31 vs. the Buffalo Bandits; Saturday, February 14 vs. Arizona; Saturday, February 21 vs. the Buffalo Bandits; Saturday, February 28 vs. the Toronto Rock; Saturday March 13 vs. the Rock; Saturday, March 20 vs. the Anaheim Storm; and Saturday, March 27 vs. the Knighthawks.

Tickets for this Saturday's game vs. the Rochester Knighthawks at the Wachovia Center are available at the Wachovia Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. The first 12,000 fans will receive a Wings schedule magnet courtesy of the U.S. Marines. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the Broad Street Bash located on the concourse of the Wachovia Center. The Broad Street Bash will feature live music from "The Blitz", a mechanical bull, inflatable boxing ring, autographs, and more.

Get your boarding passes now and take flight with Wings. Season tickets for 2004 are on sale now by calling 215-389-WINGS (9464).

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



National Lacrosse League Stories from January 12, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central