The NLL’s Philadelphia Wings beat the Las Vegas Desert Dogs before 9,913 fans in what was billed as the team’s final home game at Xfinity Mobile Arena this past weekend. Comcast Spectacor announced in late March that it was relinquishing ownership of the Wings, saying the franchise “no longer fit the company’s strategic direction.” The NLL now holds the team’s franchise rights and is seeking a new owner; commissioner Brett Frood said the league “is actively engaging with prospective ownership groups” and that the team “very much appears” to have met its end. No new owner, relocation timeline or final decision has been confirmed.

The game sold out the arena’s lower bowl as the Wings delivered a physical, fast-paced performance. Sam LeClair scored within the first two minutes and Kyle Jackson produced a highlight dunk. Goalie Nick Damude set a franchise record with 60 saves and a 92.3 percent save percentage. Rookie Lukas Nielsen finished as the team’s top scorer and rookie Dalton Young recorded six points. A third-quarter scrap between Wings forward Eric Fannell and Rhys Blake intensified the atmosphere.

Players lingered afterward signing autographs as tailgaters and longtime fans celebrated the club’s history. Observers said the Wings’ young core could form the basis of a relocated franchise, with potential destinations mentioned including Trenton, N.J.; Lehigh Valley, Pa.; and Edmonton, Ontario. The Wings were one of the four original teams when the NLL was established in 1987.

Sources