By Tim Panaccio, Inquirer Staff Writer
Never before had coach Dave Evans assigned game-day homework to his Philadelphia Wings.
But that is what he is doing this morning, before the Wings go for their second straight Major Indoor Lacrosse League title tonight, against the New England Blazers in Worcester, Mass.
“I’ve prepared an entire game plan for them to study on the hour bus ride from Boston to Worcester,” Evans said. “We’ve put a lot into it. They’ll have plenty of time to study.”
The one-game championship final won’t be televised – either live or on tape – despite efforts by league president Russ Cline to secure a cable outlet.
Maybe next time. The Wings and Comcast began informal discussions last week about the possibility of the cable operator’s carrying next season’s games as part of its community-service program.
“It’s a shame our fans won’t see this game, because they’ve been so supportive in the past and especially this year,” Evans said. “We’re hoping something may happen with Comcast.”
As they were in last week’s playoff game against the New York Saints, the Wings are bothered by injuries. Forward Greg Manley has a bruised tailbone and may not make the trip. Leading scorer John Tucker is already out with torn knee ligaments.
The good news is that goalie Dwight Maetche will start again in the net. Maetche had missed a month of workouts and two games because of a broken collarbone.
Maetche returned last week against New York, and recorded 39 saves in the Wings’ 9-8 victory.
Also back tonight will be face-off specialist Bill Dirrigl, who missed the Saints game because of a coaching commitment at Loyola-Baltimore.
Dirrigl led the MILL this season in face-offs won (91) and face-off percentage (66.0). In the Wings’ 14-11 loss to New England on March 16, Dirrigl won 21 of 29 face-offs.
“Having Dirrigl back in the lineup is going to be a big help to us,” Evans said. “Especially since we’re missing Tucker.”
One reason the Wings made it this far is forward Todd Curry, who had two goals and two assists against New York. His third-quarter goal gave the Wings a 6-2 cushion.
“That score was even more important, because if New York had come out that quarter and scored first, it could have made a big difference in the game,” Evans said.
Curry, who had six goals and four assists in the regular season, plays on the club’s third line with Chris Flynn, Matt McGeady, Mark DeCicco and Lou Delligatti. That line accounted for nine points against New York – more than the Wings’ two other, more formidable lines.
“I’ve been real happy with the way things have been going on our line,” said Curry, who played last season with Washington. “I still think I have to be a little more consistent on my shooting, though.”
Curry’s shooting was uncannily accurate against New York. Of his six shots, three were on net and two were goals.
“The key to Todd is that when his stick is on, you want to give him the ball,” Evans said.
(Philadelphia Inquirer, April 13, 1990)