In an effort to grow new fan support and increase ticket sales, the Philadelphia Wings signed goaltender Matt Roik to be the team’s Grassroots Marketing Coordinator, it was announced today by President Russ Cline.  Roik was signed by the team on October 11, 2005 after being acquired in a trade with the San Jose Stealth on August 18, 2005. 

Roik, who will serve as an ambassador of lacrosse throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region, will spearhead the Wings community efforts, including creating a dynamic new school program to teach young children about sportsmanship.  He will also work closely with the marketing department with in-store and on-air appearances, planning events and creating new and exciting opportunities to teach the growing sport of lacrosse.

“We will rely heavily on Matt to get the Wings into the community and create new opportunities for us to teach lacrosse and grow our fan base,” said Wings Owner and President Russ Cline.  “This is a very unique situation where we are taking one of our key players on the field and utilizing him off the field to build community support and grow our business.”

                The fifth-year goaltender was selected by San Jose in the first round (third overall) of the 2005 Dispersal Draft from the Anaheim Storm.  Playing in 16 games last season, Roik compiled a 4-8 record with a 12.94 goals against average and a 72.47 save percentage. 

The six-foot-five, Dunnville, Ontario native spent his summer playing for the St. Catharine’s Athletics of the Ontario Lacrosse Association.  Roik was originally drafted by the Toronto Rock prior to being traded to the New Jersey Storm where he played his rookie season in 2002.