After a heartbreaking loss in their season opener to the Edmonton Rush, the Philadelphia Wings are preparing to face the Portland LumberJax in their home opener this Saturday, January 13 at the Wachovia Center at 7:30 p.m.

The Wings look to continue the strong play of their rookies.  Both Kyle Wailes and Athan Iannucci had three goals each against the Rush, while rookie goaltender Jay Preece also had a strong game.

"I was pretty happy with the overall effort but especially pleased with the rookies," said Wings' General Manager and Head Coach Lindsay Sanderson.  "Wailes, Iannucci, and (Geoff) Snider all put points up, but the biggest surprise to me was Preece who I thought was solid all night."

Sanderson was definitely disappointed with how his team ended the game Saturday night, with Edmonton scoring the game-winning goal with just seven seconds left in the game.

"We managed to find a way to lose on Saturday.  We were a little undisciplined at the end.  I certainly think that everything that went wrong last week is correctable though."

Sanderson and his staff have been busy preparing for a 'Jax squad that has won their last seven straight games and defeated the Wings in Philadelphia last season (February 18) by a score of 15-12.

"Derek's (Keenan) got his team playing well and they're very confident," said Sanderson.  "We know that Dallas (Eliuk) will put on a show and we have to be ready for him."

Notes:  Goaltender Matt Roik will remain out of the lineup this Saturday due to a broken clavicle ... Rookie forward Geoff Snider will be featured in a live chat on nll.com tonight at 8 p.m. EST.