The Philadelphia Wings start the 2014 season (their 28th) the fans will see a few new faces wearing the colors of their team, and will be missing another who has been sent to Colorado.
Just a few days before the draft the Wings Trade Drew Westervelt and the 32nd overall selection in the 2013 Entry Draft to Colorado for Ryan Hotaling, and the 12th (A.J.Mason–F) and 18th (James Delaney–F) overall selections in the 2013 Entry Draft, their first round selection in the 2015 Entry Draft.
Then the Wings take the first round selection in 2015 and pair it with a 2017 first round pick to bring over Evan Kirk from Minnesota to back up veteran Brandon Miller. Then they re-acquire Luke Wiles from Buffalo in exchange for 2 second round selections in the 2014 Entry Draft. So with the one trade that sent Drew Westervelt to Colorado, the Wings bring in five new faces that can be big contributors to the upcoming season.
Other players taken in the draft by Philadelphia, Tucker Durkin–D, Don Alton–G, and Rob Panell—F
The Wings offense which scored the least amount of goals last season will have only one 30 goal scorer returning and that will be Kevin Crowley. The Wings will look to Crowley to lead the offense.
Returning Wings Offense.
Brendan Mundorf-–L Kevin Crowley—R
Paul Rabil—L Mike McLellan—R
Ned Crotty—L Ethan Farrell–R
Kevin Buchanan—L
Brandon Francis—L
Kevin Ross—L
Mundorf is coming off an ankle injury that had him miss the first ten games last season, but once back in the lineup he was the Mundorf of old. Its obvious Brendan will need to be a big contributor and put in 30 this season.
Buchanan registered 16/38 last season, his second highest point total in five years. Buchanan can be a 25+ goal scorer this season.
Kevin Ross also had his second highest point total in his six years 20/33. In 2012, Ross registered 28 goals while with the Swarm.
Paul Rabil who started his indoor career as a transition player was on the offense in 2013 scoring career high 17 goals. The Wings are hoping that 2014 will also be another career high for Rabil in goals.
Ned Crotty who is a top player in the outdoor game has struggled in the indoor and will really need to step it up this season. Ethan Farrell played on five games and was a product of the numbers to fight for a spot in the lineup. This season Ethan should get more playing time and could be a spark in the offense. Luke Wiles who returns since being traded in 2006 looks to put in 30+ goals this season.
Draft picks A.J.Mason and James Delaney will be expected to step right in and be an impact on the offense. Wings are also hopeful that Rob Pannell (2013 MLL Rookie of the Year) can contribute as well.
Returning Wings Defense
CJ Costabile Jeff Reynolds John McFadyen Brian Teuber
Michael Manley Jim Forsythe Chad Weidmaier Eric Hoffman
Brett Manney, Pat Heim Steve Holmes
This young Wings defense showed a lot of positive during the early part of the season, and then evened out the rest of the way. With one season under their belt, Costabile, Manley, Weidmaier should be a big part of the defense. Add in veteran Brett Manney, Pat Heim, and face-off specialist Jeff Reynolds. This defense has a lot of potential, and this 2014 season is the time to show it. Hopefully Eric Hoffman can stay injury free as he has been riddled with injuries either during camp or early in the season putting him on the shelf. His size would be a big help on defense, as the games he did play, he was a force.
Draft pick Tucker Durkin hopefully will step in and strengthen the defense for 2014
The transition game for the Wings has veteran and captain Brodie Merrill leading the way, add in the youth and speed of Kyle Hartzell and Jordan Hall and you have a very quick transition game. Max Seibald who missed the 2013 season with a foot injury looks to return and be a force in the transition. Cagey veteran and local product Kyle Sweeney looks to go another season and help some of the young players.
Goaltending for the Wings has been a problem in the past few years. Everyone knows the disaster they had trying to get a backup for Miller in 2013. In 2014 it already looks brighter as the Wings traded for Evan Kirk form the Minnesota Swarm. So on those back to back games, and when Miller struggles, the Wings will now have a goaltender who can come in and hold his own between the pipes.
General Manager Johnny Mouradian stepped down as head coach and promoted Blane Harrison from Offensive Coordinator to head coach. The Wings also brought back Jim Milligan as Offensive Coordinator, and Tom Hajek returns as Defensive Coordinator and hopes to help make the defense stronger in 2014
