Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/7/13
From Press Release
The Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) have named transitional player Brodie Merrill as team captain for the second year and defender Brett Manney, forward Kevin Ross and transitional player Max Seibald to the team’s leadership group ahead of the Wings’ 27th season home opener at the Wells Fargo Center Friday, January 11 at 7 p.m.
Merrill will wear the captain’s “C” on his jersey again after being awarded the honor in his first season with the team, last year. The Georgetown alumnus joined the team in 2012 by way of an off-season trade and had a productive season, tying a career high with 20 goals, including three in the playoffs and scooping 157 loose balls.
In addition to Merrill, veterans Manney (Holsy Ghost Prep, Delaware), Ross and Seibald will be looked to as team leaders on and off the field. To start the season, Manney and Ross will wear the “A” as assistant captains for the Wings. Seibald an NLL All-Star, who served as an assistant captain last season, is currently injured but expects a return to the field later this season.
Manney, an NXT club coach and co-host of the Wings’ ‘Philly LAX Live show’, enters his fifth season in the league and third with the Wings. The local product finished the 2012 season with 41 loose balls and 15 forced turnovers.
“I am honored to be named an assistant captain at the start of the season and will do my best to lead by example and help our team achieve our goals.” said Manney.
Ross, a five-year NLL veteran, was acquired from the Minnesota Swarm. The left-handed forward tallied career bests with 28 goals and 31 assists in 16 games with the Swarm last season.
“Brett and Kevin are both great selections for assistant captains. Kevin is a smart player that plays with a lot of passion and competes hard. Brett is a local guy that really exemplifies Philly with his tough, unselfish, blue collar style of play,” said Merrill of his teammates. “We are fortunate to have strong leadership from many different players, which is a good sign heading into the season.”
The Wings will open the 2013 season at home against the Buffalo Bandits at Wells Fargo Center on Friday at 7 p.m.
Tickets for all Wings 2013 home games are available by phone at 215-389-WING or online at WingsLAX.com.
