The Philadelphia Wings (1-1) look to spoil the coaching debut of visiting Colorado Mammoth’s new head coach Steve Govett, who played five seasons with the Wings (1994-98), when the two teams meet at the Wachovia Center on Saturday, January 23 at 7 p.m.

The Mammoth (0-2) replaced Bob McMahon after only two games into the season with Govett, who is also the team’s General Manager. The Mammoth have been having trouble getting started with seven rookies on this year’s roster.

Series Notes:

Overall:  Philadelphia leads 5-2

At Philadelphia: 3-0

At Colorado: 2-2

Last Meeting: March 28, 2009, Philadelphia won 17-13 at home (Wachovia Center)

About the Colorado Mammoth:

The Colorado Mammoth are 0-2 after losing their home opener, 14-13, on January 16 to the Edmonton Rush, and 17-8 and to the Washington Stealth on the road January 9.

Govett enjoyed five dominating years with the Wings (1994-98). Known for his competitive nature and gritty play, Govett helped lead the Wings to three league championships. In his five year career with the Wings, Govett compiled 49 points (26G, 23A) and 115 penalty minutes in 36 regular season games played. He also added 23 points (15G, 8A) and 29 penalty minutes in his 10 game postseason career.

The Mammoth feature the tallest player in the National Lacrosse League, David Morgan (6’10”), who is third on the team with 12 penalty minutes in two games. While the Wings have the Snider Brothers (Bobby and Geoff) on their roster, the Mammoth feature a trio of brothers, Alex, Ilija, and Nenad Gajic.

Jamie Shewchuk is currently sixth in the league with 12 points (6G, 6A) while Ilija Gajic, is ninth in the league with 10 points (6G, 4A). The Mammoth’s 2009 season came to an end when they lost in the first round of the playoffs to eventual league champion, the Calgary Roughnecks.

About the Hometown Wings:

Drew Westervelt scored two of goals to go along with his three assists and goaltender Brandon Miller recorded 41 saves to defeat the Boston Blazers, 12-8, last Saturday. The eight first half goals were a drastic improvement over the three the Wings scored last week in their season opening loss in Orlando The Wings are now 14-10 in home openers.

The Wings are lead by Drew Westervelt with 8 points (5G, 3A), Matt Giles with 7 points (2G, 5A) and Dan Teat with 6 points (4G, 2A). Geoff Snider is fourth in the league with 21 penalty minutes.

Coaches Corner:

Dave Huntley on new coach in Colorado:

“Always surprised when there is a coaching change” said Wings General Manager and Head Coach David Huntley.  “Certainly a decision he (Govett) didn’t take lightly.  I know Steve will do a great job as a coach there and competing in the game on Saturday.”

“I think we got the outcome we deserved in the first game and I think we got the outcome we deserved in the second game” said Wings General Manager and Head Coach David Huntley.  “I don’t think it is anymore complicated than that.  We executed fairly well in most phases of the game.  We played well and I think the score reflected the game accurately.”

“Philadelphia has always been a special place for me” said Mammoth General Manager and Head Coach Steve Govett. “That team and that logo was the site of three championships for me and a pretty exciting time for me in this league.  I have the utmost respect for Russ, Mike, Chris.   Dave (Huntley) is a great friend and I thought of him when making a coaching change. I thought if Dave could do it anyone could.”