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Philadelphia Wings Meet Vancouver Stealth for Initial Matchup of 2014 Season

January 29, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Philadelphia Wings News Release


The Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), rested and ready following their recent bye week, take to the turf when they face newly relocated franchise, the Vancouver Stealth (formerly Washington). The Wings host the Stealth at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m.

During the game against Vancouver on Saturday, February 1, the Philadelphia Wings will honor local servicemen and servicewomen as a part of American Heroes Night. The Wings are partnering with Philadelphia Treats for Troops in a collection drive to provide care packages for America's Troops. Local groups affiliated with first responders and the armed forces will also be honored.

The Wings will play their first of two match-ups against Vancouver this season. Philadelphia seeks redemption against the Stealth after falling to them both times the teams met last season in 2013. Philadelphia leads the overall series between the two, carrying a 9-5 advantage. Both teams are looking to climb back to .500 in the standings, with each owning identical records of 2-3.

"We are excited to get back in the flow of things after our bye week," said Assistant Coach Jim Milligan. "Our team still has a lot to prove this season. With each practice and game the team is progressing."

Looking ahead to Saturday's game, the Wings will try for their first home win of 2014. Wings Defender Brett Manney and Forward Kyle Buchanan will face their former team. Wings Forward Jordan Hall is among the NLL leaders for points and goals scored, ranking third overall in both categories (28 points, 15 goals). Hall leads the Wings in goals (15) this season and has had four multi-goal games.

Vancouver is led by veteran Forward Rhys Duch. Duch leads the Stealth in scoring with 14 goals and 25 points. He was voted the third best player in the NLL for the 2014 season by IL Indoor. In 2013 he had career highs in goals (45), points (96) and shots (211).

"Vancouver is a solid overall team and their goaltending is top notch," said Milligan. "They provide threats on both sides of the ball [offensively and defensively]."

Following this week's home game, the Wings will play back-to-back games against the Toronto Rock and Edmonton Rush. The Wings visit Toronto at the Air Canada Centre on Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia hosts the undefeated Edmonton Rush at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for all Wings 2014 home games are available by phone at 215-389-WING or online at WingsLAX.com.

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