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Philadelphia Wings Take the Buzz out of the Minnesota Swarm

January 19, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Philadelphia Wings News Release


Philadelphia began the afternoon with a vengeance as they looked to even the season series with the Minnesota Swarm. Philadelphia spoiled the hopes of a home opener win for the Swarm, defeating them 15-8 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

The Wings looked eager to stop their three-game losing streak. Philadelphia opened the initial quarter with four goals and carried a three-point lead into the second period. Forwards Pat Saunders and Tracey Kelusky each contributed two goals in the first half to pace the Wings to an 8-4 lead at halftime.

Philadelphia remained in control to start the third quarter. The defense anchored by Goalie Evan Kirk kept Minnesota in check by allowing only two goals in the third. The Wings carried a four-goal advantage into the last period.

Jordan Hall continued his torrid start to the first third of the season. Hall and the Wings tallied five goals in the fourth to put the game out of reach for Minnesota. Philadelphia converted five power play goals on eight attempts. The Wings saw their largest margin of victory on the early season.

"It was nice to rebound today after a tough loss the night before," said Head Coach Blane Harrison. "A lot of guys stepped up and played like we knew they could. The team put together a whole game."

The trio of Jordan Hall, Ryan Ward, and Kyle Buchanan combined for 22 points. Hall and Forward Tracey Kelusky each had hat tricks on the afternoon. Goalie Evan Kirk proved he is a starter in the NLL by allowing only eight goals and adding 35 saves. Kirk hit a career milestone by recording his 700th career, regular season save.

Callum Crawford was the bright spot for Minnesota in their home opener. Crawford had two goals and an assist to remain as the team's leading scorer this season. Crawford also led the Swarm in scoring last year with 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists).

Up next, Philadelphia enters a bye week during week five before resuming play on Saturday, February 1 vs. the Vancouver Stealth at the Wells Fargo Center at 7:30 p.m. Single game tickets for the Philadelphia Wings 2014 NLL season are available now. Call 215-389-WING (9464) or visit WingsLAX.com to purchase.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 19, 2014


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