PHILADELPHIA WINGS PLAYERS REPLACE LAST NAMES WITH PERSONAL TWITTER HANDLES ON UNIFORMS DURING GAME AT WELLS FARGO CENTER ON FEBRUARY 12

For the first time in American pro sports history, the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) will feature players’ Twitter handles on the back of their jerseys in place of traditional last names for the team’s game against the Buffalo Bandits at Wells Fargo Center, Sunday February 12 at 4 p.m.

Since formally receiving NLL approval for the jerseys in December 2011, every player on the Wings has registered for a Twitter handle. Several of the new ‘tweeters’ have embraced the social media tool as a way to connect on a more personal level with fans while also strengthening bonds with their teammates.

Following Sunday’s game, the one-of-a-kind, game-worn Twitter jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Outside of making social media history, the Wings (2-2) will square off against the Buffalo Bandits (2-3) in a match-up that could have far-reaching effects in the East Division standings. Just one game separates the first and last place teams in the East and whichever team wins this game will have a leg up in the early playoff race.

The Wings already defeated the Bandits on the road this season, a 13-10 victory on January 27 in which Philadelphia outscored Buffalo 6 to 1 in the decisive fourth quarter. Since starting 2-0, the Bandits have dropped three consecutive games and will be looking to get back on track while the Wings look to rebound from a 15-6 loss to Toronto last weekend.

The Wings will look to get back on track offensively after struggling in the second half last week versus the Rock. The team will be relying particularly on forwards Dan Dawson and Kevin Crowley to kick-start the offense.

“Originally at the beginning of the season we felt that Dan needed to shoot the ball more,” said Wings Head Coach Johnny Mouradian. “In the early games he had some mid-range shots that he needed to pull the trigger. We were happy with the number of shots he had last game and we’re looking for those to drop.”

“Last game, if you look at our big three, Kevin had six shots and one goal, Dan had ten shots and one goal and Drew [Westervelt] had nine shots and one goal,” Mouradian continued. “Kevin’s got to slow down the game a bit early on. He’s rushing things. When he takes the time and warms up he hits the corners pretty nicely.”

With a win against the Bandits Sunday, the Wings can secure a playoff tie-breaker over Buffalo.