The Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League enter 2024 with excitement surrounding the organization following an offseason of turnover. Last season’s head coach and general manager, Paul Day, will only wear one hat now for the organization as the GM. Day was busy this offseason attempting to overhaul the Philadelphia franchise following a disappointing 9-9 season that left the team outside the playoff picture in 2023. Now, the time has come to see what the paper transactions amount to during true game action in the competitive NLL.
Offseason of Turnover for the Philadelphia Wings
In the first eye-catching offseason move, the Philadelphia general manager traded his starting goaltender, Zach Higgins, to the Ottawa Black Bears for forward Phil Caputo, defenseman Liam Patten, and a 1st round pick in 2027. Higgins, 33, has managed the Wings’ net over the last three seasons, but Philadelphia will go with a younger replacement in the crease between 25-year-old Nick Damude as the starter and 22-year-old Deacan Knott in the backup role.
Forward Phil Caputo, 30, brings a goal-scoring track record to Philadelphia with 70 goals and 115 points over the last three seasons between Rochester and Panther City. Meanwhile, defender Liam Patton should provide a serviceable defender for new Head Coach Ian Rubel.
All-Time NCAA Scorer Selected with NLL Draft’s Top Selection
A trade-deadline deal reaped massive rewards for Philadelphia this summer. In September, the Wings landed the top overall pick in the NLL’s draft, bringing in Brennen O’Neill, a generational scorer in the NCAA ranks. The forward from Duke University finished his collegiate career 5th overall in NCAA history in goals with 207 scores over a four-year career.
“Brennan is a rare talent we’re excited to add to our group. As a player, he has all the tools you look for, and as we talked to some of his teammates, coaches, and folks that have been a part of his journey, we became just as enthusiastic about the person,” Day said at the draft. “His approach, attitude, and work ethic give us tremendous confidence that he will be a student of the game which should lead him to a long, successful career.”
O’Neill will need to adjust to the more compact experience of the NLL indoor game and a slightly smaller target in the NLL. With over 200 goal celebrations at the NCAA level, there is reason for optimism that the offensive skills will translate to the indoor game for Brennen O’Neill in Philadelphia.
How to Watch Season Opener + Home Opener on Oct. 14
If you are seeking another Philadelphia sports fix during and after the Eagles-Ravens NFL game, flip on ESPN2 to watch the Philadelphia Wings battle the San Diego Seals at 6 pm EST. Philly missed the playoffs last season. San Diego entered the postseason tournament with a wildcard slot. The Seals suffered a 13-12 loss in the Western Conference Semifinal to the Colorado Mammoth.
On December 14, Philly will host the Las Vegas Desert Dogs for their home opener at Wells Fargo Center at 6 pm EST for the home debut of Tyler O’Neill. Tickets are currently on sale, and selected home games are discounted at 50% off with no fees for the Black Friday holiday weekend.
