After starting strong in the first two games, the Philadelphia Wings and their fans were flying high at 2-0, and then came the weekend of January 26-27. The Wings traveled to Buffalo to face the Bandits and former mates David Brock and Mike Hominuck. Both of the guys clipped their former Wing teammates for 5 goals and 2 assists combined and help the Bandits to a 14-13 win, giving the Wings their first loss of the 2013 season.
After the game the Wings boarded a bus for the 8 hour trip back to Philadelphia, while the Calgary Roughnecks where resting after a game on Friday night. Once the Wings arrived back home, they had less then 12 hrs to get a comfortable sleep in, a meal, then off to the game for a 4pm start. The Wings did show some fight, after falling behind 7-1 they rallied back and only be behind by two 10-8 as we went to the fourth quarter. But that is where the wheels came off. Calgary went on a 6 goal run to close the game out at 16-8. A bright side to this game was Paul Rabil’s hat trick. Could this be the start if his offensive emergence?
After a quarter of the season, I will say I am impressed with this team. They have definitely turned some heads out there. They have shown so far that “Americans” can play the game. Now we see how they handle adversity. The Wings will face the champion Rochester Knighthawks next Friday morning in a business person/school day special. The Hawks have defeated the Wings 10 straight games including last years playoff game, outscoring them 128-88 (44-24 at home).
Last Home WIN vs Rochester 1/18/08 15-14
Last Win vs Knighthawks @ Roc 1/10/09 16-13
I have had the opportunity to get to know GM/Head Coach Johnny Mouradian over the last 3 seasons, and he has now been able to assemble “his” players. Mouradian has been a part of 9 championships. Whether it be as a coach, general manager, or an owner in some capacity, the man knows how to build a champion, and it’s his goal to do that here in Philadelphia. Offensive coach Blaine Harrison is getting the offense clicking on the floor, and defensive coach Tom Hajek is molding the young defense.
The Wings will go into the bye week at 2-2, and will relax this weekend and let the bumps and bruises of the first four games heal. But Wings players & fans know one thing, this last loss to Calgary especially at home is burning inside, and the players can not wait to get back into action, and the fans can not wait to cheer their team in support.
Things to look for over the next few weeks:
Kevin Crowley & Drew Westervelt. Goals waiting to explode. Paul Rabil.. Hat trick last game, this the start of the offensive side of Rabil? Kevin Ross, Buchanan, can they continue there charge on the offense.
Ethan Farrell. Young rookie as proven himself so far, he can only get stronger and better. Jordan Hall..has quickly emerged as a fan favorite and a leader on the floor,
C.J.Costabile, & defense. Going thru some growing pains, but quickly learning with the help of coach Hajek and assistant captain Brett Manney, look for this defense to be stronger.
Brandon Miller, after starting 2-0, Miller took the loss on Sunday after coming in down 7-1. Miller is a lot sharper this season, after playing for the Six Nations Chiefs in the MSL where he teamed with Calgary’s Mike Poulin. Miller has told me he learned a lot from Mike over the summer in cutting the angles, etc..
Mundorf & Seibald. When these two return from injury, how much more dangerous will this Wings team be?
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