The Philadelphia Wings look to rebound after last night’s 20-10 defeat handed to them by the Toronto Rock.
The Wings will face off against the 5-0 and rested Edmonton Rush. Philadelphia was taken out of the game early and was never able to recover. Recently signed hold out Brandon Miller saw his first action of the season. Tracey Kelusky’s hat trick and Pat Saunders 2 G, 2 A were bright spots in the offense. Kevin Crowley seems to be heating up as he recorded his first hat trick of the season.
The Wings will have their hands full tonight as Mark Matthews (12 G), Curtis Knight (12 G) and Jarrett Davis (15 A) lead the Rush offense, while goaltender Aaron Bold sports a 8.19 GAA. Zack Greer (10 G) is out of the line up because of an injury suffered in the second quarter last week versus Rochester.
Last season the Rush were 7-1 on the road, and are 2-0 this season on the road.
This is a vital game for the Wings as they need to rebound as they will travel to face the Bandits next week in the rubber match of the season series next weekend.
Tonight is also big as a Wings favorite will have his number hoisted to the rafters. Jake Bergey will have his No. 66 jersey retired prior to the matchup with the Edmonton Rush.
Bergeys entire 10 year NLL career was with the Wings, finishing as the franchise’s second leading scorer in goals and points (256 G, 557 Pts). Jake is also second overall in franchise history with 301 assists. Bergey played in 133 regular season games and helped the Wings to the 1998 and 2001 NLL Champion’s Cup teams.
Bergey was a three-time All-American at Salisbury State University in Maryland. His father, Bill Bergey, who also wore the No. 66 received All-Pro honors four times as a Philadelphia Eagle.
Jake was a vital part to the Wings last two championship teams. Not only could Jake score, but he could make plays and, with his physical presence, create inside space for players like Tom “Hollywood” Marechek. He was always a ‘team first’ type of guy on and off the floor. Jake continues to be a very active and loyal Wings alum who has always made himself available to the Wings organization and fans. The fans are excited to see Jake’s jersey raised alongside two other greats, Tom Marechek and Dallas Eliuk.
I talked to Jake a couple weeks ago and he stated, that he is honored and humbled to be recognized by the Wings organization in this way. Jake said he was very lucky to be a part of this team and this city for 11 years and couldn’t imagine playing in front of any other fans in the league. To be honored like this is beyond my wildest dream and something kids dream of.
