After suffering their first loss of the season to the Buffalo Bandits, the Philadelphia Wings (6-1) return home this Saturday to host the Toronto Rock (5-3) at 1:00 p.m. at the Wachovia Center. Last weekend’s game was the second and final regular season meeting between the Wings and the Bandits, with the teams splitting the series. The upcoming game against Toronto will present new obstacles for the Wings this weekend.

“They [Toronto] have obviously done many things in the off-season to make themselves a stronger team, just as we have, and it has worked well for them,” commented Head Coach Dave Huntley. “They will present us with a new set of challenges; Bobby Watson, has been playing as well as ever, and after being dismantled by Buffalo last weekend, we are going to have our hands full.”

Although the Wings are aware of their opponent’s strengths, Toronto Head Coach Glenn Clark recognizes the offensive talent of the Wings’ offensive leader Athan Iannucci. In the first seven games of the season, Iannucci has scored 35 goals, and is averaging five goals a game.

“We have been playing a lot of attention to him [Iannuccci], and as with all great players, you don’t cover them with one player, it’s going to be a group concept. Defense won’t be the job of one guy, but the group as a whole,” stated Clark.

Iannucci has been an offensive powerhouse for the Wings, and has tallied 50 points (35G, 15A) in the first seven games of the season. In addition to Iannucci’s contributions, the Wings have a wide-range of players who have been able to put up points, such as Jake Bergey with 34 points (18G, 16A) and rookie Merrick Thomson with 31 points (16G, 15A). Goaltender Rob Blasdell has been consistently strong in cage for the Wings and has recorded 271 saves this season.

Leading the Rock’s offensive end has been Blaine Manning with 41 points (17G, 24A) and John Sanderson with 34 points (14G, 20A). Expected in cage for the Rock will be Bob Watson who currently holds a .791 save percentage.

Notes:  Newly acquired forward A.J Shannon and goaltender Brandon Miller are both expected to dress for this Saturday’s game against  Toronto … This Saturday’s matinee game features several events; dollar dog day, a pre-game dog adoption event with PAWS, and a post-game photo session with the entire Wings team. The PAWS event will take place in the Broad Street Atrium pre-game.  Donations including Kong brand dog toys and other busy bones, KMR kitten formula, towels, bleach, and detergent are being accepted at the PAWS table.  Anyone who makes a donation will receive a raffle ticket for a team autographed red jersey.  The drawing for the jersey will take place in the fourth quarter … The post-game photo session will take place in the 11th Street Atrium on the main concourse and on the mezzanine level.  The session will start approximately 20 minutes after the game ends and last for one hour.  Photos only – no autographs will be signed.